Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is proposing an examination of options for primary production and processing requirements for the raw horticultural produce sector. The examination may result in the development of a new standard. The proposal, which will be of particular relevance to those who produce dried fruit and vegetables, is expected to be preliminarily open for public comment between mid-March 2012 and mid-May 2012. Labelling requirements for food for catering purposes and retail... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is seeking public comment on an “urgent amendment” to the Food Standard Code with regard to semi-dried tomatoes. The proposed measures would require traceability and processing requirements of semi-dried tomatoes and ingredients within Australia. In November 2009 Australian health authorities advised people to avoid eating semi-dried tomatoes unless they were thoroughly cooked. This followed the investigation of locally-acquired cases of hepatitis... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has outlined a number of possible changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code including the prospect of allowing more raw milk products. The changes under consideration include the approval of genetically modified (GM) maize, cotton and corn, erythrosine as a colouring for icing and a national food safety standard for the production and processing of raw milk products. Food derived from herbicide-tolerant (GM) maize – Application A1021... ...Read more »

Australia’s food safety regulator, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), has today announced a number of proposed changes to current food laws and is welcoming the views of any individual or organisation. The three changes under consideration concern the use of phytosterols in food and national food safety standards for eggs and egg products and for meat and meat products. Exclusive use of phytosterol esters in reduced fat cheese products (Application A1019 – Assessment) Kraft... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has today invited individuals and organisations with an interest in the regulation of food to provide information and comment on an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.The application is seeking approval for food derived from a genetically modified soybean, which must undergo a safety evaluation by FSANZ before it can be sold in Australia and New Zealand. Submissions should reach FSANZ by Friday 1 May 2009. Food derived from... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand has concluded that the current information available on A1 and A2 milk does not provide due reason for any amendment to the Food Standards Code. It has been suggested that A2 milk could provide levels of protection to consumers from autism in children as well as schizophrenia, diabetes and heart disease, but these suggestions remain unproven, FSANZ reports. The food standards body will continue to monitor new research, but believe current studies to be inconclusive. “FSANZ... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) – an independent government agency responsible for setting food regulations – today invited public comment on a request to approve the use of phytosterols, derived from vegetable oils, in fruit juice and fruit juice drinks. Phytosterols (also known as plant sterols) are classified as a ‘novel food’ for food regulation purposes, which means that they are not a traditional part of the Australian and New Zealand diet and they have not... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) proposes amending the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to allow manufacturers to voluntarily add fluoride to bottled water. The addition of certain substances, such as fluoride, must undergo a pre-market safety evaluation by FSANZ before they are approved for use at specified levels. If FSANZ approves the sale of bottled water containing added fluoride, it will be a voluntary permission. Manufacturers will be able to add fluoride or not, under... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has invited individuals and organisations with an interest in the regulation of food to provide information and comment on two applications to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.The applications are for two enzymes for use as processing aids in the food industry: phospholipase A2 derived from a genetically modified source and a cellulose enzyme preparation produced by fermentation from a non-genetically modified source. Application A1004... ...Read more »

The national food regulator, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), today released details of a proposed change to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and invites interested parties to provide information or comment. The item under consideration is the exemption of an allergen warning for isinglass.Food standards (regulations) in the Food Standards Code cover the composition and content of food, information on food labels, approved chemical contaminant levels and food hygiene controls... ...Read more »