Search
Search results 111-120 of 2351
Call for submissions on a new processing aid from a GM source
Call for submissions on a new processing aid from a GM source Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow a new processing aid derived from a genetically modified (GM) source. FSANZ's CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the application seeks approval to permit use of the enzyme alpha-amylase from a GM strain of Bacillus licheniformis. “FSANZ's safety assessment found no health or safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers,' Dr Cuthbert said. “If approved, the enzyme will be permitted for use as a processing aid in brewing, potable alcohol production and starch processing.' Guidance on how to make a submission is provided on the call for comment page on the FSANZ website. Submissions…
Published December 2023
Call for submissions on infant formula standards reveiw
Call for submissions on infant formula standards reveiw Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions on its assessment of standards for infant formula products. FSANZ has reviewed infant formula standards in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) through Proposal P1028 - Infant formula. FSANZ interim CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the review covers infant formula (for use from newborn), follow-on formula (for use from six to 12 months of age) and infant formula for special dietary use. “Our review aims to ensure regulation of infant formula is clear, reflects the latest scientific evidence and aligns with international standards,' Dr Cuthbert said. “Although breastfeeding is the recommended way to feed a baby, a safe and nutritious substitute for breast milk is needed for babies who are not…
Published December 2023
Call for submissions on new enzyme processing aid
Call for submissions on new enzyme processing aid Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today called for submissions on an application to approve an enzyme derived from a genetically modified (GM) microorganism, for use as a processing aid. FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Mark Booth said the new source for the glucose oxidase enzyme was a GM strain of Trichoderma reesei. The enzyme would be used as a processing aid in baked products, cereal based products and egg processing. “Glucose oxidase is already a permitted enzyme in the Food Standards Code, and it would be used as a processing aid at such low levels that it would either not be present in the final food or present in insignificant quantities, having no technical function in the final food,' Mr Booth said. “The FSANZ safety assessment concluded there…
Published December 2023
Call for submissions on infant formula standards reveiw
Call for submissions on infant formula standards reveiw Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions on its assessment of standards for infant formula products. FSANZ has reviewed infant formula standards in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) through Proposal P1028 - Infant formula. FSANZ interim CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the review covers infant formula (for use from newborn), follow-on formula (for use from six to 12 months of age) and infant formula for special dietary use. “Our review aims to ensure regulation of infant formula is clear, reflects the latest scientific evidence and aligns with international standards,' Dr Cuthbert said. “Although breastfeeding is the recommended way to feed a baby, a safe and nutritious substitute for breast milk is needed for babies who are not…
Published December 2023
Call for submissions on new enzyme processing aid
Call for submissions on new enzyme processing aid Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today called for submissions on an application to approve an enzyme derived from a genetically modified (GM) microorganism, for use as a processing aid. FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Mark Booth said the new source for the glucose oxidase enzyme was a GM strain of Trichoderma reesei. The enzyme would be used as a processing aid in baked products, cereal based products and egg processing. “Glucose oxidase is already a permitted enzyme in the Food Standards Code, and it would be used as a processing aid at such low levels that it would either not be present in the final food or present in insignificant quantities, having no technical function in the final food,' Mr Booth said. “The FSANZ safety assessment concluded there were no…
Published December 2023
Call for submissions on proposed energy labelling on alcoholic beverages
Call for submissions on proposed energy labelling on alcoholic beverages Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on a proposal to require energy content information on the label of alcoholic beverages. Currently most alcoholic beverages are not required to display any nutritional information, including energy content. Australian and New Zealand food ministers asked FSANZ to consider energy labelling on alcoholic beverages to assist consumers in making informed choices consistent with dietary guidelines. FSANZ is proposing to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to require energy (kilojoule) content information on the label of alcoholic beverages1. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said both the Australian and New Zealand dietary guidelines…
Published December 2023
Clock starts on transition period for mandatory pregnancy warning labels
Clock starts on transition period for mandatory pregnancy warning labels Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today announced the start of a three year transition period for mandatory pregnancy warning labels on alcohol. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the new requirements take effect from today following gazettal in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). “Following a request for review, Minister's responsible for food regulation have agreed to a revised warning label and an extended transition period for industry from two years to three years. “In October 2018 Ministers asked FSANZ to develop a mandatory pregnancy warning label to reinforce Australian and New Zealand government advice to women not to consume alcohol during pregnancy. “Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can result in the baby…
Published December 2023
Call for comment on a new source for an enzyme processing aid
Call for comment on a new source for an enzyme processing aid Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow a permitted enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new genetically modified (GM) microbial source. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the enzyme pullulanase is already approved to be sourced from other microorganisms and has a long history of safe use. “The applicant is seeking approval to produce the enzyme from a strain of bacterium known as Bacillus subtilis,' Dr Cuthbert said. “Our safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers.' If approved, the enzyme could be used as a processing aid for the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates, in accordance with the Australia New…
Published December 2023
Call for comment on using enzymes to produce food additive sweeteners
Call for comment on using enzymes to produce food additive sweeteners Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application for the production of food additive sweeteners, steviol glycosides, through bioconversion. The steviol glycosides - rebaudioside M and rebaudioside I - are manufactured using three protein engineered enzymes not currently permitted for such use. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandy Cuthbert said the steviol glycosides sweeteners are equivalent to others already permitted for use in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code but have a different method of production. “If approved, these steviol glycosides will be used as a low-calorie sweetener in a range of food products consistent with other permissions,' Dr Cuthbert said. “Steviol glycosides can be sourced from the South…
Published December 2023
FSANZ calls for comment on changing the definitions for genetically modified food
FSANZ calls for comment on changing the definitions for genetically modified food Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is seeking public comment on its proposed approach to changing the definitions for 'food produced using gene technology' and 'gene technology'. These definitions determine what foods are classed as genetically modified (GM) foods under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). Currently, all GM foods permitted for sale in Australia and New Zealand must undergo a pre-market safety assessment by FSANZ and be listed in the Code. FSANZ interim CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said a 2019 review found the current definitions lack clarity, are outdated and do not capture foods produced using new and emerging genetic technologies, such as new breeding techniques (NBTs) like…
Published December 2023