Changes ahead for sport food and drink labelling

While formulated supplementary sports foods (FSSFs), electrolyte drinks and electrolyte drink bases (EDs) are allowed to carry some claims that are specified in the Food Standards Code, these claims are currently very limited.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions on proposed changes to the code that would allow these products to carry claims more consistent with their dietary purposes.

“The proposed change will more closely align the current permissions for claims about physical performance for FSSFs and EDs with the claims that are now permitted for general foods,” said FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon.

Formulated supplementary sports foods and electrolyte drinks are regulatory categories of food. Only a small number of products are in each category.

Under the proposed changes, regulation of electrolyte drinks would also be moved to the Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods Standard because they are a food related to physical performance.

For more information about the proposed changes, click here. The closing date for submissions is 30 September.