Submissions welcome on proposed changes to Food Standards Code

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) invited submissions on a number of proposed changes to the Food Standards Code.

Applications currently being considered include two applications for approval to use food from genetically modified soy bean lines; one which is herbicide tolerant and the other with an improved fatty acid content.

Submissions are also invited on the second assessment report for an application to use Advantame as a high-intensity sweetener in a range of beverages, and as a tabletop sugar substitute.

Anyone can apply to amend the Food Standards Code. FSANZ assesses the safety of any new food, substance or food production technology and conducts a regulatory impact analysis to ensure that the change results in net benefits to the community.

Submissions on the soy bean applications should reach FSANZ by 28 March 2011 while the submission deadline for the Advantame application is 15 March 2011.