Key outcomes from the Food Ministers' Meeting

The Food Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) recently met to consider food regulation and policy matters. Chaired by the Hon Ged Kearney MP, the FMM comprises all Australian and New Zealand ministers responsible for food. The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Board Chair and CEO attended the meeting as observers.

Bovine lactoferrin in infant formula products

The ministers considered the variation approved by FSANZ to permit the voluntary addition of bovine lactoferrin as a nutritive substance in infant formula products up to a maximum permitted amount of 40 mg/100 kJ.

The FMM did not request a review of the draft variation to the FSANZ Code.

The variation enables the addition of bovine lactoferrin to infant formula products to better reflect the lactoferrin content in human milk. It also includes an exclusive use permission for the applicant’s brand of bovine lactoferrin for a period of 15 months.

Ministers agreed that the Food Regulation Standing Committee should examine and clarify the evidence required to substantiate whether an infant formula product has a beneficial role in the normal growth and development of infants including considering the cumulative effects.

Pregnancy warning labels for corrugated cardboard packaging

Ministers also considered the variation approved by FSANZ to permit pregnancy warning labels on corrugated cardboard packaging used for multiple individual units of alcoholic beverages to be in a single colour on a contrasting background.

This request came from a technical impediment to printing the prescribed warning when a post-print process is used.

The FMM did not request a review of the draft variation to the FSANZ Code.

The variation provides a suitable alternative which amends the colour and increases the size of the warning statement.

Review of the kava standard

Ministers considered the reaffirmation of the kava standard by the FSANZ board.

FSANZ approved a draft variation to the code in March 2022 through an Urgent Proposal to clarify the existing permission for kava to ensure it continues to protect public health and safety. This follows the Australian Government’s decision to allow the commercial importation of kava from 1 December 2021 under Phase 2 of the Pacific Step-up Kava Pilot.

This variation amended Standard 1.1.2 to:

• require kava products only be obtained from the Noble varieties of kava named in the Codex Regional Standard for Kava; and
• explicitly prohibit the use of processing aids and food additives in the manufacturing or processing of kava products.

FSANZ undertook a review of the variation within 12 months of it taking effect, as per the requirements of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991, and reaffirmed its decision to approve the variation.

The FMM did not request a review of the draft variation to the FSANZ Code, but ministers sought an update on the outcomes of the kava pilot review.

On cultural grounds, New Zealand will not be adopting the kava standard amendment and abstained from voting on this item, electing to maintain the previous standard.

Ministers noted the FSANZ Act review will consider how urgent reviews are triggered.

FSANZ Act Review: recognising Indigenous food and culture

The ministers requested additional scoping work be undertaken into the recognition of Indigenous culture and expertise within the FSANZ Act and operations, following their agreement in November 2022 to reform concepts as part of the FSANZ Act Review.

Ministers agreed to various concepts in relation to Indigenous culture and food expertise for further exploration and development as part of the review. These concepts include ensuring Indigenous culture and food knowledge is recognised through improved representation processes and ensuring engagement and consultation on applications and proposals. Ministers noted there is a need for further consultation with Indigenous Peoples on the concepts.

These concepts will be incorporated into the FSANZ Act Review impact assessment. Ministers will consider the impact assessment prior to additional public consultation in early 2024.

Ministers with responsibility for food will meet again on 28 July 2023.

Image credit: iStock.com/DrazenZigic