Food ministers hold meeting to review food policy and regulatory issues

Food ministers Australia and New Zealand responsible for food and health safety met on July 25 to consider food policy and regulatory issues.

The issues reviewed are described below:

• Regulation of infant formula products

Ministers agreed to not request a review of Proposal P1028 – Infant formula.

New Zealand noted that due to concerns New Zealand will be considering their option to opt out of the standard.

Ministers raised concerns with toddler milk and supported work progressing through FRSC to consider this matter.

• Improving commercial foods for infants and young children

Ministers approved documents for public consultation on improving commercial foods for infants and young children

• Health Star Rating system and review of the Nutrition Information Panel

Ministers agreed to FSANZ working with FRSC to commence preparatory work to inform ministers’ future decision-making on mandating the HSR system. This work will facilitate an efficient process to mandate the system if the final results do not reach the target. This work will not include a full review of the HSR system or algorithm. This will include consideration of specific issues such as the impact on cost of living and inconsistencies in some product categories. 

• Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcohol

Ministers discussed the policy implications of FSANZ’s research and look forward to the outcomes of:

Proposal P1049 Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages; and

Proposal P1059 Energy labelling on alcoholic beverages which will be presented to the FSANZ Board for consideration in late 2024/early 2025.

• FSANZ Act review – project update

The Australian Government provided ministers with an update on the review of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act Review).

The Australian Government will now progress the Review Report to the next stages in the legislative process. This will include further discussion with FRSC on key concepts.

• Modernising the food regulatory system

Ministers agreed to content for a System Statement and Regulator Commitments.

The System Statement outlines:

    The purpose of the food regulatory system (the System)

    The roles of governments in the System; and

    Provides an overview of System participants.

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