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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 23 March 2021

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 16 January 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 6 August 2020

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 21 June 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 20 July 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 7 October 2021

Have your say on proposed changes to maximum residue limits

Have your say on proposed changes to maximum residue limits Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today released its annual call for comment on proposed changes to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for some agricultural and veterinary chemicals in food. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said requests to align around 130 chemicals with international limits set by the codex Alimentarius Commission and other international food standards agencies are being considered. 'This includes changes requested by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to align with revised chemical uses in Australia. 'For the first time we implemented a new process to routinely consider MRLs adopted by codex in 2019 without the need for separate requests from stakeholders. 'Aligning MRLs with international limits supports Australian food imports. 'MRLs can only be changed if there is no…

Published 8 February 2021

Interim FSANZ CEO arrangements announced

Interim FSANZ CEO arrangements announced Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today announced interim CEO arrangements. Dr Sandra Cuthbert, a former FSANZ General Manager, commenced as interim CEO on 9 August 2021 following the departure of Adjunct Professor Mark Booth. Prof Booth finished at FSANZ on 6 August to take up a role in the private sector.   FSANZ Board Acting Chair Steve McCutcheon welcomed Dr Cuthbert's interim appointment.   “Dr Cuthbert brings a wealth of experience to the role, including managing FSANZ stakeholder engagement, corporate and food safety functions between 2018 and 2021,” Mr McCutcheon said. “Most recently Dr Cuthbert led the Commonwealth-State Relations Branch within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet where she supported National Cabinet and fostered strong relationships while challenging…

Published 10 August 2021

Media statement on aspartame

Media statement on aspartame The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reaffirmed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for aspartame following two scientific reviews of the artificial sweetener. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) monograph and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee for Food Additives (JECFA) summary assessment of aspartame were released today (Friday 14 July 2023). Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the JECFA assessment found the current ADI for aspartame in food and beverages was appropriate. “This is good news for consumers in Australia and New Zealand who can be assured our food standards for aspartame align with international benchmarks,” Dr Cuthbert said. “The JECFA conclusion is in line with numerous international studies which have found aspartame to be safe at current permitted levels of use with…

Published 24 July 2023

National recall of poppy seeds

National recall of poppy seeds A national recall of poppy seeds was announced today, with consumers advised not to eat affected products. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is coordinating the consumer recall of several brands and products due to the potential presence of thebaine, a toxic chemical found in unsafe poppy seeds. Anyone who has consumed the recalled products and experienced unusual and/or severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include breathing difficulty, breathing more rapidly than normal, muscle spasms and unconsciousness. The recalled brands, available in retailers nationally, is:

• Hoyt's Poppy Seeds
• Gaganis Premium Australian Poppy Seed

Published 15 November 2022