Proposed changes to supply chain regulations

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has invited public comment on the latest changes being proposed to the Food Standards Code " regulations that cover the content, labelling and handling of food throughout the supply chain.

Changes under consideration include the development of a food safety standard for the dairy industry, new requirements for infant foods, approval of foods derived from genetically modified corn and lysine, and a review of processing aids.

Most amendments to the Code are requested by industry.

FSANZ has to ensure that Code changes will not adversely affect the health of consumers. In the case of GM foods and food additives, FSANZ achieves this by carrying out pre-market safety assessments.

Sometimes, FSANZ "an independent government agency" raises proposals of its own to change the Code. New food safety standards for the primary industries, including dairy, are a case in point.

Individuals and organisations with an interest in food regulation are given an opportunity to comment on proposed changes. FSANZ responds to these comments publicly in documents posted on its website.

Submissions: FSANZ welcomes comment from primary producers, manufacturers, consumers, public health professionals and government agencies. Details of the assessments listed above can be found on www.foodstandards.gov.au

Submissions close on 3 May 2006, except for P277, which closes on17 May 2006.