07.01.04
The Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, which is made up of Ministers from the Australian and New Zealand state and territory governments, met in late May to discuss progress on a number of policy issues pertaining to food. As such, it agreed to a Policy Guide for the Fortification of Foods with vitamins and minerals, which covers both the mandatory and voluntary fortification of food. The council agreed that vitamins and minerals be added to food where there is, for example, demonstrated evidence of a potential health benefit, and it is clear the fortification of food will not result in harm. The ministers also agreed with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) that mandatory fortification of food with iodine and folate be considered a priority.
In other news, The Ministerial Council held further discussions on the appropriate approach to regulating the use of biomarker maintenance claims on food, such as “maintains healthy cholesterol”. The council recognized that foods may have a positive effect on the public’s health, and it believed industry innovation in this area should be encouraged. The ministers also emphasized that consumers be protected from false and misleading claims, or claims that have the potential to distort diets. At the meeting, it was decided that claims regarding the maintenance of a biomarker would be permitted on foods and will be treated the same way as enhancement claims. That is, manufacturers will be required to apply to FSANZ for approval of a biomarker maintenance claim prior to releasing the product to market. This, according to the council, will ensure that claims are appropriately substantiated, and subject to public consultation prior to their use.
In other news, The Ministerial Council held further discussions on the appropriate approach to regulating the use of biomarker maintenance claims on food, such as “maintains healthy cholesterol”. The council recognized that foods may have a positive effect on the public’s health, and it believed industry innovation in this area should be encouraged. The ministers also emphasized that consumers be protected from false and misleading claims, or claims that have the potential to distort diets. At the meeting, it was decided that claims regarding the maintenance of a biomarker would be permitted on foods and will be treated the same way as enhancement claims. That is, manufacturers will be required to apply to FSANZ for approval of a biomarker maintenance claim prior to releasing the product to market. This, according to the council, will ensure that claims are appropriately substantiated, and subject to public consultation prior to their use.