FSANZ Proposes New Approach to Regulation of Nutritive Substances and Novel Foods

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said there had been some difficulty in interpreting the current definitions for nutritive substances and novel foods, which led to FSANZ exploring a new approach.

26 Mar 2012 --- Food Standards Australian New Zealand (FSANZ) released a consultation paper on a proposed new approach to regulating nutritive substances and novel foods.

Under the current Food Standards Code, nutritive substances are foods that are not normally consumed as food on their own or used as an ingredient, for example an amino acid. Novel foods are foods or substances that don’t have a history of human consumption.

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said there had been some difficulty in interpreting the current definitions for nutritive substances and novel foods, which led to FSANZ exploring a new approach.

“Under the proposed alternative approach, definitions in the Code for these substances and foods would be removed,” Mr McCutcheon said.

“They would be replaced with criteria for eligible foods. Foods that don’t meet the criteria would be deemed non-eligible and would need to be assessed. If considered safe to eat, they would be listed as permitted in the Code.

“FSANZ welcomes comments on the consultation paper from government agencies, public health professionals, industry and the community on the application.”