Code could be altered to address nutritive substance and novel food regulation

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released a consultation paper on a proposed approach that could see changes to the way nutritive substances and novel foods are regulated.

Steve McCutcheon, FSANZ Chief Executive Officer, said that current definitions for nutritive substances and novel foods have been difficult to interpret, leading FSANZ to explore a new approach.

“Under the proposed alternative approach, definitions in the code for these substances and foods would be removed,” said McCutcheon.

“They would be replaced with criteria for eligible foods. Foods that don’t meet the criteria would be deemed non-eligible and would need to be assessed. If considered safe to eat, they would be listed as permitted in the code.”

The current Food Standards Code defines nutritive substances as foods that are not normally consumed as food on their own or used as an ingredient - such as an amino acid. Foods that don’t have a history of human consumption are categorised as novel foods.

“FSANZ welcomes comments on the consultation paper from government agencies, public health professionals, industry and the community on the application,” McCutcheon said.

Submissions on the proposal close on 21 May 2012.

This information is reproduced with the kind permission of FSANZ.