The Ministry for Primary Industries is proposing amendments to the New Zealand Food (Supplemented Food) Standard 2010 (SFS), to better align health claims with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Food Standards Code).
One of the proposed changes to the SFS is the inclusion of Standard 1.2.7 – Nutrition, Health and Related Claims (under the Food Standards Code).
The proposed change will mean that certain health claims will be allowed on supplemented foods.
This will provide consumers with evidence-based information about the health benefits of products, as businesses will have to scientifically substantiate any health claims.
It will also provide an opportunity for food businesses in the area of product innovation, and allow for greater consistency with labelling requirements under the Food Standard Code.
Other proposed changes are to clarify how the SFS applies to products containing caffeine, and to make minor technical changes.
Supplemented foods sit outside the Food Standards Code and are regulated by the SFS under the Food Act 1981. Supplemented food is a food that has been modified in some way to provide more than just basic nutritional need.
The closing date for submissions is 5pm, Thursday 29 August. Information on the public consultation including the discussion document can be found at www.foodsafety.govt.nz/consultation
