13 December 2016
[31-16]
This Notification Circular includes notices that are required to be given to the public, submitters and appropriate government agencies, under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act).
For information about progress on all current applications and proposals, including anticipated consultation opportunities, see the FSANZ Food Standards Development Work Plan.
New applications and proposals
General procedure
FSANZ has completed an administrative assessment and prepared the following Application. An opportunity to comment will be available at a later date which will be publicly notified.
- A1137 - Polysorbate 20 as a Food Additive: to permit the use of polysorbate 20 as an emulsifier.
Received: 19 October 2016
Call for submissions
General procedure
FSANZ invites written submissions on a the draft variations to the Code arising form the following Application by6pm (Canberra time) 24 January 2017 (due to operational requirements, it will not be possible to consider granting any extension to this closing date):
- A1134 - Increased Concentration of Plant Sterols in Breakfast Cereals: to seek approval for the exclusive use for 15 months of an increased concentration of plant sterols to be added to breakfast cereals under the novel food provisions.
FSANZ invites written submissions on the draft variations to the Code arising from the following Application by 6pm (Canberra time) 3 February 2017:
- A1123 - Isomalto-oligosaccharide as a Novel Food: to permit isomalto-oligosaccharide as a novel food for use as an alternative (lower calorie) sweetener and bulk filler in a ranger of general purpose and special purpose foods.
FSANZ's cost recovery arrangements
FSANZ invites written submissions on a draft Cost Recovery Implementation Statement which includes an increased hourly charge, changed levels within the general procedure and a reduced administrative charge, by 6pm (Canberra time) 3 February 2017.
Approval and Forum notification
FSANZ has approved variations arising from the following Applications. FSANZ has notified these approvals to the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation (Forum):
Once FSANZ has notified the Forum of its decision, the Forum has 60 days to either request FSANZ to review the approved variations or inform FSANZ that it does not intend to request a review. Further information on the Forum process is available on the FSANZ website.
Other matters
Amendment to Schedule 20 - Maximum residue limits (MRLs) [Australia only]
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has notified FSANZ of applications or variations to the APVMA MRL Standard that the APVMA considers will likely result in variations to Schedule 20 if they are granted.
More information on these notifications is available from our maximum residue limits page.
Calls for public comment - Proposed variations to Schedule 20
The APVMA has called for public comment on a number of proposed variations to Schedule 20.
Information can be found on the APVMA website.
Gazettal of amendments to Schedule 20
The APVMA has registered amendments to Schedule 20 on the Federal Register of Legislation. For further information go to the Register.
Information Publication Scheme - Important information for applicants and submitters
Under the Information Publication Scheme all applications to change the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, as well as submissions on applications and proposals, will be published on our website.
We will not publish any material provided in-confidence. Applications will be published when we publicly notify FSANZ's decision after an Administrative Assessment has been completed and the application has been accepted. Submissions will be published as soon as possible after the end of the public comment period. Where large numbers of documents are involved, FSANZ will make these available on CD, rather than on the website.
Contact us
If you wish to be advised of developments with any of the matters listed above or require more information about anything in this Circular, email standards.management@foodstandards.gov.au.
To make a submission or ask about submissions email submissions@foodstandards.gov.au.
Visit our contact us page if you have general questions about our work.
Food Regulation Secretariat
In accordance with the Food Regulation Agreement, the Australian Government Department of Health is responsible for providing secretariat services to the Legislative Governance Forum on Food Regulation, the Food Regulation Standing Committee and the Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation.
The Food Regulation Secretariat sends information updates to stakeholders on a regular basis. If you would like to receive these updates (this is separate and in addition to updates from FSANZ), register your details via the Food Regulation website. .
Alternatively, the Food Regulation Secretariat can be contacted on:
Phone: +61 2 6289 5128
Fax: +61 2 6289 5100
Postal Address: Food Regulation Secretariat
MDP 802, GPO Box 9848
CANBERRA ACT 2601