New food code now in effect for Australia and New Zealand

The new Food Standards Code for Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) became fully effective on March 1.

Steve McCutcheon, chief executive officer of FSANZ,   said the new code more closely aligns with the food acts of Australian states and territories and New Zealand. There is no transition period between the old and new version of the code.  “While the code looks a lot different, the changes are relatively minor in nature,” McCutcheon said. “All industry stakeholders will benefit from a clearer, easier to follow Food Standards Code.”  FRANZ has provided both a Summary of Changes and the new Food Standards Code on its website. The agency first shared the changes with the public a year ago.  Food Standards Australia New Zealand is a bi-national government agency.   It is charged with developing and administering the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which lists requirements for foods involving additives, food safety, labeling and genetically engineered foods.  Interpretation and enforcement of the code is the responsibility of state and territorial departments and food agencies within the two countries separated by the Tasman Sea.     (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)