FSANZ has reviewed the Food Standards Code and released an updated version, which will take effect on 1 March 2016, with no transition period.
In preparation for the implementation of the new Code, FSANZ has advised that all involved in producing, manufacturing or selling food should review the requirements that relate to their products and ensure they meet all the requirements of the Code.
FSANZ reviewed the Food Standards Code to make the requirements clearer and to ensure it better meets the needs of stakeholders.
One of the reasons for changing the Code was to ensure it was more closely aligned with the food Acts of the Australian and New Zealand Governments and Australian states and territories, which rely on requirements to be clearly stated. The changes will reduce uncertainty when it comes to code enforcement issues.
Most of the changes were made to chapter one and two and FSANZ says while the code will look different, there have been no major changes.
The changes that have been made include updating the wording to clarify key areas, such as:
- the Code’s requirements; to make it clearer who has to comply
- provisions relating to food additives, processing aids and nutritive substances
-
food composition requirements, to clarify when a requirement is:
- legally required for the sale of a product, or is
- a prerequisite to a permission, for example to add a food additive.
A dictionary of defined terms that will help users navigate the Code more easily is also included in the revised Code.
The revised Code can be viewed here.
FSANZ has produced a video to explain the changes:
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