Call for comment on infant formula products

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to permit a new genetically modified source organism for the production of a human-identical milk oligosaccharide used in infant formula products.

2′-fucosyllactose (2ʹ-FL) is a non-digestible carbohydrate that naturally occurs in human milk. It is used as a nutritive substance in infant formula products at levels consistent with those found in human milk.

FSANZ’s safety assessment concluded there were no public health and safety concerns associated with the applicant’s 2′-FL.

The 2′-FL is chemically and structurally identical to the naturally occurring substance present in human milk and other 2′-FL already assessed and permitted by FSANZ.

While breastfeeding is the recommended way to feed infants, this option is not always available to parents. Infant formula products provide a safe and nutritious substitute for human milk where required.  

All commercially produced infant formula products available in Australia must comply with the composition and safety requirements outlined in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. These regulations are no longer binational and the New Zealand Government is responsible for maintaining infant formula product regulations in New Zealand.

To have your say, visit the FSANZ Consultation Hub, where a survey response form is available to guide your submission. 

Submissions close at 6 pm (AEDT) on Tuesday, 24 December 2024.

Image credit: iStock.com/Zheka-Boss