Australia’s food standards regulator has released an outline of a review report into regulation of genetically modified (GM) foods in Australia. The review was commissioned by FSANZ in May 2008, with international expert Dr William Yan* invited to dissect FSANZ’s safety assessment procedures for genetically modified (GM) foods. Overview The report provided comparison of the current FSANZ approach to GM food safety assessments against international best practice in the area. It identified... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has invited individuals and organisations with an interest in the regulation of food to comment on a proposal to develop measures to maximise seed sprouts safety. The proposal is considering the development of a food safety standard for the production of seed sprouts (e.g. alfalfa, mung beans) for human consumption in Australia. Such a standard would be incorporated into the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Primary production and processing standard... ...Read more »

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which develops international food standards, has adopted more than 30 new international standards, codes of practice and guidelines to improve worldwide food safety following a week-long meeting.A brief overview of some of the new standards adopted by the Commission* can be seen below: Reduction of Acrylamide in foods The Commission approved measures for reducing the formation of acrylamide in foods. The Code of Practice will provide national and local authorities,... ...Read more »

A new agreement between the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) and the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (UKFSA) will see the two nations forge closer ties in regards to food safety. The two bodies are responsible for protecting consumer interests in relation to food safety and food standards in their respective countries – the equivalent of FSANZ in Australia. Under the arrangement, NZFSA and the Food Standards Agency will cooperate in areas of mutual interest, such as science, nutrition,... ...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 »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) had today requested individuals and organisations with an interest in food regulation to comment on a proposed change to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.The Code contains food regulations that set out requirements for food businesses wishing to sell food in Australia and New Zealand – covering the content, labelling and handling of food products. Red 3 erythrosine in food colouring preparations Application A603 – initial assessment... ...Read more »

The European Union (EU) has become a leading exporter of regulation as growing information exchange among regulators worldwide moves closer towards a common standard in food and nutrition policy, an industry consultant has reported. Simon Pettman, Director of international food and nutrition policy consultancy EAS, said that EU efforts to harmonise regulations across its 27 member states has drawn huge interest across the globe, highlighting that in many areas including the food sector, Europe is... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today invited individuals and organisations with an interest in food regulation to comment on a number of possible changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.This Code contains food standards (regulations) that set out requirements for food businesses that wish to sell food in Australia and New Zealand, covering the content, labelling and handling of food products. FSANZ is looking at a number of changes to these requirements, including regulatory... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released details of two possible changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code- regulations that govern the sale of food in Australia and New Zealand. FSANZ is inviting individuals or organisations with an interest in food matters to comment on applications from industry to change the definition of ‘wine-based beverage’ and to allow the use of an enzyme derived from a genetically modified source. Definition of ‘wine-based beverage’:... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is seeking public comment on changes it is considering making to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). The first change is a proposal to amend the Code to require the mandatory fortification of bread with iodine in Australia. The second follows an application from Syngenta Seeds Pty Ltd for permission to sell and use food derived from a new genetically modified (GM) variety of corn. When we receive an application to change food regulations,... ...Read more »