Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to extend the use of rosemary extract as a food additive.
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said rosemary extract is already permitted in the Code for use as a food additive in certain foods up to specified maximum permitted levels (MPLs).
“The use of the antioxidant properties of rosemary extract in food is well documented in the scientific literature,” Dr Cuthbert said.
“Based on the safety and dietary exposure assessments conducted by FSANZ, there is no evidence of a public health and safety concern associated with extending the use of rosemary extract as a food additive.”
The application is seeking to extend the use of rosemary extract as a food additive in colourings and flavourings, edible oils, cooked or instant noodles, breadcrumbs, tortillas (corn or wheat), sausages, and fermented uncooked processed meat products.
For more information about the application and to access assessment documents, visit the FSANZ call for comment page. Submissions close 6pm (AEDT time) 15 December 2023.
Call for comment on permitting steviol glycosides as a food additive in Foods for Special Medical Purposes
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to permit steviol glycosides as a food additive in Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP).
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandy Cuthbert said a number of intense sweeteners were already permitted to be used in the manufacture of FSMP, but not steviol glycosides.
“Steviol glycosides are food additives, with the technological purpose of an intense sweetener,” Dr Cuthbert said.
“FSANZ’s safety assessment concludes that the proposed use of steviol glycosides in FSMP is consistent with its typical function as an intense sweetener.”
FSANZ previously assessed an extensive toxicological database on steviol glycosides, which identified no safety concerns or a need to amend the Acceptable Daily Intake. This finding was confirmed through assessment of this application.
Dr Cuthbert said separate maximum permitted levels of steviol glycosides would apply to FSMP for very low energy diets, and all other FSMP, to manage potential risks associated with the variations in medical requirements of people requiring specialised diets.
For more information about the application and assessment documents, visit the FSANZ call for comment page. Submissions close 6pm (AEDT time) 15 December 2023.
What happens to my feedback?
Submissions will be published to our website as soon as possible at the end of the public comment period.
FSANZ will consider all feedback received through this submission process before deciding on whether to approve the application.
FSANZ’s decision will be notified to ministers responsible for food regulation who can ask for a review or agree that the standard should become law.
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