FSANZ wants public feedback on possible changes to food laws

  4 June 2008  

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today 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.

Submissions should reach FSANZ by 16 July 2008.

Definition of ‘wine-based beverage’ (Application A601– Initial assessment)

The Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) is concerned that the current definition of ‘wine product’ can be misleading to consumers when used in combination with labelling the country of origin. The WFA is proposing that FSANZ amend the Food Standards Code to define the term ‘wine based beverage’, to declare ‘wine based beverage’ as a prescribed name for all products not meeting the definition of wine and to delete the definition for ‘wine product’.   FSANZ welcomes comments from interested parties.

Asparaginase from Aspergillus nigeras a processing aid (enzyme) (Application A1003 – Assessment)

DSM Nutritional Products has applied for permission to use asparaginase, sourced from a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger,as a processing aid in food production to reduce the formation of the chemical acrylamide.   All processing aids must receive pre-market approval before they can be used in food production.   To be approved, the manufacturer must demonstrate that asparaginase from this source can be technologically justified as a processing aid and must raise no public health and safety concerns.   We invite submissions.

Submissions:  FSANZ welcomes public comment from industry, public health professionals, government agencies and consumers.   Details of the applications above can be found on www.foodstandards.gov.au .  

Media contact:           Lydia Buchtmann 0401 714 265 (Australia)
                                        or+61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand)