FSANZ calls for submissions on maximum residue limit changes

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has invited submissions on a proposal to create an “all other foods” maximum residue limit for some agricultural chemicals.

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said maximum residue limits are currently set for chemicals and specific commodities, creating issues for enforcement agencies and producers because low levels of chemicals permitted on one food may be accidentally found on other foods not listed in the code.

“While these levels (which can result from things like spray drift) don’t represent a public health and safety concern, the presence of chemicals means the food cannot legally be sold,” he said.

FSANZ is consulting on an approach which would see limits being set for some chemicals for all other foods except animal commodities. Some chemicals would be excluded because of high toxicity.

The all other foods limit would be established on a case-by-case basis and dietary exposure assessments will be undertaken for the whole population to ensure public health and safety.

The closing date for submissions is 3 June 2016.