FSANZ invites comment on changes to health and nutrition claims standard

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for submissions on proposed changes to the nutrition and health claims standard, which would provide exemptions from claim requirements in the Food Standards Code for trademarked elements of the Health Star Rating system.

“The trademarked energy and nutrient icons in the Health Star Rating system essentially duplicate what’s required in a nutrition information panel,” said FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon.

“The changes in this proposal mean food manufacturers voluntarily using the trademarked elements of the system won’t be disadvantaged by having to also meet claim requirements in the code.”

The proposal also addresses some inconsistences in current standards, with changes made to make those standards clearer.

All FSANZ decisions on standards are notified to ministers responsible for food regulation. The ministers can decide to adopt, amend or reject standards, or they can ask for a review.

The closing date for submissions is 6 July 2015. More information is available on the FSANZ website.