Food standards amendments

Requirements, Law & Policy, Food standards

Australian Amendment no. 241, 242, 243 and 244. These amendments are set out below:

Changes stemming from amendment 241 are to:
• Clarify that nutrition content claims about sugar can be made on alcoholic beverages containing more than 1.15% alcohol by volume (ABV). Claims about individual sugars (e.g., fructose) or other components of carbohydrates are prohibited.
• Require a standardised energy statement on most alcoholic beverages. This statement must include energy content per serving, energy content per 100 mL, number of servings per package, the serving size, and the number of standard drinks per serving.
• Prescribe the content and format requirements for a voluntary Nutrition Information Panel (NIP).

Changes stemming from amendment 242 are to:
• Permit insect-protected soybean line COR23134 as a food produced using gene technology.

Changes stemming from amendment 243 are to:
• Replace the term ‘food produced using gene technology’ with ‘genetically modified food’ in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
• Define ‘genetically modified food’ as food that:
o is an organism that contains novel DNA,
o is derived from an organism that contains novel DNA,
o are cells that contain novel DNA, or
o is derived from cells that contain novel DNA.
This definition does not include:
o substances used as additives or processing aids,
o substances used to support the growth and viability of cells during cell culture,
o substances used to process cells during cell culture,
o food derived from part of a grafted plant where that part does not contain novel DNA, or
o food derived from a null segregant.
• Define ‘novel DNA’ as DNA that a person has inserted into the genome of an organism, cell or cells is one of the following:
o DNA from a species that is not a crossable species,
o DNA that is from a crossable species and contains a coding region that was rearranged or recombined prior to insertion, or
o DNA that is not from an existing species.

Changes stemming from amendment 244 are to:
• Permit the use of chitosan and beta-1,3-glucans from white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) as a food additive.

Australian Amendment no. 238, 239 and 240. These amendments are to:

• Permit the sale and use of insect-protected corn line MZIR260 as a permitted food produced using gene technology and conditions.

• Permit the sale and use of cell-cultured foods and sets labelling requirements for cell-cultured foods.

• Permit the sale and use of cell-cultured quail and sets specific conditions and labelling requirements for cell-cultured quail.

• Permit a fermented preparation of Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom) mycelia as a processing aid.

• Permit the sale and use of insect-protected soybean line MON94637 as a permitted food produced using gene technology.

• Permit Prolyl oligopeptidase from genetically modified Trichoderma reesei as an enzyme processing aid.

Australian Amendment no. 234, 235 and 236. These amendments are to:

• Permit the use of 2-methyloxolane as an extraction solvent processing aid in the processing and manufacture of infant formula products, foods for infants, formulated supplementary food for young children and all other foods.
• Permit the sale and use of food derived from a new food produced using gene technology: potato line BG25.
• Permit the use of a protein engineered glucoamylase (EC 3.2.1.3) from a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger containing a gene from Gloeophyllum sepiarium.
• Permit the use of Vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7) as a permitted form of vitamin K in food for special medical purposes.
• Permit the use of an immobilised fructosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.9) from a non-genetically engineered strain of Aspergillus oryzae as processing aid in the manufacture of short-chain fructooligosaccharides (sc-FOS) from sucrose.
• Permit triacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) from genetically modified Komagataella phaffi to be used as a processing aid in the manufacture of bread and bakery products
• Permit the sale and use of food derived from a new food produced using gene technology: sugar beet line KWS20-1

Australian Amendment no. 228, 229, 230, 232, 233. These amendments are to:

1. Extend the permitted use of rosemary extract as a food additive (an antioxidant) in a number of additional foods, subject to specified maximum permitted levels (MPLs).
2. Permit the use of the food additive ‘steviol glycosides’ to Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) subject to specified conditions related to MPLs.
3. Permit transglutaminase from genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis, containing the transglutaminase gene from Streptomyces mobaraensis, as a processing aid in brewing and in the manufacture and/or processing of specified foods.
4. Permit the sale and use of food derived from soybean line MON94313, genetically modified to tolerate the herbicides glufosinate, dicamba, 2,4-D and mesotrione.
5. Permit the use of 2′-fucosyllactose produced from a new genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli K-12 as a nutritive substance in infant formula products.
6. Permit the sale and use of honey produced by Australian native stingless bees as a standardised food in Australia and New Zealand.
7. Permit the sale and use of food derived from corn line DAS1131, genetically modified for herbicide-tolerance and protection from insect pests.​
8. Increase the maximum energy level for machines generating X-rays used to irradiate food, from 5 megaelectronvolts (MeV) to 7.5 MeV, provided the X-ray target of the machine source is made of tantalum or gold.
9. Permit the sale and use of the sale and use of food derived from corn line DP910521, genetically modified for herbicide-tolerance and protection from insect pests.
10. Permit the use of subtilisin from genetically modified Bacillus subtilis containing the gene for subtilisin from Bacillus clausii as a processing aid for hydrolysing proteins in foods containing proteins.
11. Permit the use of 2′-fucosyllactose produced from genetically modified Corynebacterium glutamicum, containing the gene for alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase from Pseudopedobacter saltans, to be used as a nutritive substance in infant formula products.
12. Permit the sale and use of food derived from corn line MON94804, genetically modified to have reduced overall plant height.
13. Permit the sale of D-allulose (as a novel food) produced from the enzymatic conversion of fructose by D-psicose 3-epimerase contained in Microbacterium foliorum.
14. Permit the use of a protein engineered triacylglycerol lipase from a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei, containing a gene from Thermomyces lanuginosus, as a processing aid in the manufacture of bakery products and other cereal-based products.
15. Correct a typographical error and remove a redundant term from the conditions for no added sugar(s) claims that were recently amended as a result of Proposal P1062.

Australian Amendment no. 222, 223 and 224. These amendments are to:
• Permit the additional use of alpha-glucosidase from a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei containing the alpha-glucosidase gene from Aspergillus niger as a processing aid in the brewing of low alcohol and low carbohydrate beer.
• Permit the sale and use of food derived from corn line MON95275, genetically modified for protection from coleopteran insect pests.
• Permit the sale and use of food derived from soybean line IND-00410-05. This soybean line has been genetically modified for tolerance to drought and the herbicide glufosinate.
• Permit the voluntary addition of four human-identical milk oligosaccharide (HiMO) substances produced by microbial fermentation using a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli K-12 for use as nutritive substances in infant formula products. The four HiMO substances are:
o Mixture of 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and difucosyllactose (DFL) (2' FL/DFL);
o Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT);
o 6'-Sialyllactose (6'-SL) sodium salt; and
o 3'-Sialyllactose (3'-SL) sodium salt.
• Permit the use of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase sourced from a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei containing the endo-1,4-beta-xylanase gene from Fusarium verticillioides as a processing aid in starch processing and the production of potable alcohol.
• Not permit 'no added sugar(s)' claims when a food:
o contains, or is, an 'added sugar' as defined in the Code; or
o does not contain 'added sugar' but contains more sugars (i.e. monosaccharides and disaccharides) than:
 10.0 g/100 g for solid food
 7.5 g/100 mL for liquid food.

Australian Amendment no. 225, 226 and 227. These amendments are to:

Lower the maximum level (ML) for diarrhetic shellfish toxins and change the reporting unit for paralytic shellfish toxins.
Permit the use of pullulanase sourced from a genetically modified strain of Bacillus subtilis containing the pullulanase gene from Bacillus deramificans as a processing aid for use in starch processing.
Permit the use of fructanase from genetically modified Trichoderma reesei containing the fructanase gene from Lactobacillus crispatus to be used as a processing aid in the manufacture of bakery products.
Permit use of the following enzymes from genetically modified Escherichia coli strain K-12 as processing aids in the manufacture (by bioconversion) of steviol glycosides:
Uridine triphosphate (UTP)-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase containing the gene for UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase from Bifidobacterium bifidum.
Uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucosyltransferase, containing the gene for UDP-glucosyltransferase from Oryza sativa (rice).
Sucrose synthase, containing the gene for sucrose synthase from Glycine max (soybean).
Permit the sale and use of food derived from corn line DP51291, genetically modified for tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate and protection from coleopteran insect pests.
Correct typographical and formatting errors, and reduce ambiguity for some definitions of food commodities, groups or subgroups referred to in Schedule 22.
Permit the use of a protein engineered variant of the enzyme cellulase produced from genetically modified Aspergillus niger containing the cellulase gene from Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid in brewing and the production of potable alcohol.
Permit the sale and use of corn line DP915635, genetically modified for tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate and protections from coleopteran insect pests.
Permit the sale and use of banana line QCAV-4 which has been genetically modified for resistance to the fungal disease Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), also known as Panama disease.
Permit the use of the enzyme beta-fructofuranosidase from a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei containing the beta-fructofuranosidase gene from Aspergillus niger, a processing aid in the production of short-chain fructooligosaccharides to produce a reduction in sugar levels in treated fruit and vegetable products.

Australian Amendment no. 219, 220 and 221. These amendments are to:

• Permit alpha-amylase from a genetically modified strain of Bacillus subtilis as a processing aid for use in the manufacture of bakery products.
• Correct typographical errors, omissions, inconsistencies and formatting issues.
• Update references.
• Amend editorial notes to reflect the New Zealand Government’s decision to adopt in New Zealand the Code’s provisions relating to folic acid fortification – requiring the addition of folic acid to non-organic wheat flour.
• Permit alpha-arabinofuranosidase a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid for use in grain processing and potable alcohol production.
• Permit endo-1,4-beta-xylanase from a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei (gene donor: Talaromyces leycettanus) as a processing aid for use in brewing, fats and oils processing, grain processing and potable alcohol production.
• Permit carboxypeptidase from a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus oryzae as a processing aid for use in the manufacture and/or processing of proteins, yeast and flavourings, the manufacture of bakery products, and brewing.

Australian Amendment no. 216, 217 and 218. These amendments are to
• Permit beta-amylase from a genetically modified strain of Bacillus licheniformis as a processing aid for use in starch processing to manufacture maltose syrup.
• Permit phospholipase A1 from genetically modified Aspergillus niger as a processing aid for use in the degumming of vegetable oils.
• Permit glucose oxidase sourced from Penicillium rubens as a processing aid for use in the manufacture of cooked products made from a dough (including bread), pasta, noodles, and dried egg powder.
• Permit the voluntary combination of 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) with galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and/or inulin-type fructans (ITF) in infant formula products.
• Permit the use of a protein engineered glucoamylase sourced from a genetically modified Aspergillus niger, as a processing aid in the manufacture of bakery products, brewing, and starch processing for the production of starch hydrolysates, including glucose syrups.
• Permit the voluntary use of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) as a nutritive substance for use in infant formula products (IFP).
• Permit pregnancy warning labels on corrugated cardboard packaging used for multiple individual units of alcoholic beverages to be in a single colour on a contrasting background.

Australian Amendment no. 213, 214 and 215. These amendments are to:


▪ Permit the enzyme thermomycolin (EC 3.4.21.65), sourced from a GM strain of Trichoderma reesei, as a processing aid for use to produce a meat stock of other protein-based food ingredients from meat, vegetable, and seafood.
▪ Permit the use of chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4), sourced from a GM strain of Trichoderma reseei, as a new processing aid in the manufacture of cheese, cheese products and fermented and rennetted milk products.
▪ Permit food produced from genetically modified canola: canola line LBFLFK
▪ Permit the use of the enzyme polygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.15) as a processing aid to break down pectin in the production of fruit and vegetable juices and products, coffee, flavouring substances and wine
▪ Permit the use of the enzyme pectinesterase (EC 3.1.1.11) as a processing aid to breakdown pectin during the production of fruit and vegetable juices and products, coffee, flavouring substances and wine
▪ Permit the use of the enzyme phospholipase A1 (EC 3.1.1.32) as a processing aid to breakdown fatty substances during the manufacture of bakery products
▪ Permit the use of the enzyme glucoamylase (EC 3.2.1.3) as a processing aid to breakdown starches during starch processing and the production of potable alcohol
▪ Permit the use of the enzyme alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) from GM Bacillus licheniformis as a processing aid for use in brewing, potable alcohol production and starch processing
▪ Extend existing permissions to add phytosterols, phytostanols or their esters (plant sterols), to include plant-based milk alternatives

Australian Amendment no. 209, 210 and 211. These amendments are to:

• Permit the sale and use of food derived from a new food produced using gene technology: wheat line IND-00412-7.
• Permit the sale and use of 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) derived from a new genetically modified Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain as a nutritive substance in infant formula products.
• Allow for changes to the composition and labelling of electrolyte beverages.
• Permit the use of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as a processing aid (antimicrobial treatment) for raw poultry.
• Address inconsistencies between the foods and classes of foods and crop groups, including subgroups, adopted by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and Codex Alimentarius and the foods and classes of foods described and listed in Schedule 22.

Australian Amendment no. 207 and 208. These amendments are to:

• permit the sale and use of food derived from a strain of genetically modified corn.
• permit a new source microorganism, Aspergillus Fijiensis, for the permitted enzyme beta-fructofuranosidase;
• include foods suited for Very Low Energy Diets in foods for special medical purposes; and
• approve the use of maltogenic alpha-amylase enzyme, sourced from genetically modified Escherichia coli, as a processing aid.

Australian Amendment no. 203, 204 and 205. These amendments are to:

• permit the use of nicotinamide riboside chloride as a form of Vitamin B3 in foods for special medical purposes;
• permit the use of β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23), an enzyme derived from a genetically modified organism to be used as a processing aid in lactose reduced dairy production.
• permit the use of a Steviol glycoside mixture, produced by fermentation from a genetically modified yarrowia lipolytica production strain, as an intense sweetener.
• permit the use of AOAC 2017.16 as a new method of analysis for total dietary fibre;
• permit the voluntary addition for 2’-fucosyllactose, produced via new genetically modified Escherichia coli BL21 strains in infant formula products (which includes infant formula, follow-on formula and infant formula products for special dietary uses) and formulated supplementary foods for young children; and
• permit a new source microorganism, being a genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis, for the permitted enzyme maltogenic alpha-amylase as a processing aid for use in brewing, manufacture of bakery products, the production of potable alcohol and starch processing.

• permit the use of irradiation on fresh fruit and vegetables as a phytosanitary measure (pest disinfestation);
• permit the use of subtilisin from a genetically modified strain of Bacillus licheniformis containing the subtilisin gene from Pyrococcus furiosus, as a processing aid in the production of potable alcohol;
• permit the use of the steviol glycoside, rebaudioside M, which is produced by fermentation from a genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing steviol glycoside biosynthesis pathway genes, as a general purpose sweetening agent;
• permit the sale and use of food derived from a food produced using gene technology: canola line MON94100; and
• permit a new source microorganism, being a genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for the permitting enzyme, maltogenic alpha-amylase as a processing aid for use in the baking industry.

• extend the use of the food additive mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (INS 471) as a glazing agent for fresh fruits and vegetables;
• permit the sale and use of food derived from a food produced using gene technology: corn line DP23211;
• permit beta-amylase from soybean (Glycine max) as a processing aid (enzyme) in starch processing for the manufacture of maltose syrup; and
• correct typographical errors and formatting issues, and update references, in the Food Standards Code.

• Can the description of the Notice please state: “Australian Amendment no. 197 and 198. These amendments are to:
• improve the protection of the public health and safety of consumers with food allergies, by introducing requirements that make allergen information clearer and more consistent;
• permit the use of ‘enhanced yield and herbicide-tolerant corn line DP202216’;
• permit the voluntary addition of 2’-O-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL), either alone or in combination with Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), in infant formula products;
• permit the use of rapeseed protein isolate as a novel food;
• permit the use of long-chain glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia (“sweet Osmanthus ear glycolipids”) as a preservative in non-alcoholic beverages; and
• permit the voluntary use of soy leghemoglobin in meat analogue products at levels not more than 0.8% weight for weight (w/w2) in raw product.

Australian Amendment no. 195 and 196. These amendments are to:
• allow glucoamylase from genetically modified Aspergillus niger containing the glucoamylase gene from Trametes cingulata for use in starch processing and the production of potable alcohol
• allow alpha-amylase from genetically modified Aspergillus niger containing the alpha-amylase from Rhizomucor pusillus for use in starch processing and the production of potable alcohol
• allow glucoamylase from genetically modified Trichoderma reesei containing the glucoamylase gene from Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid
• allow alpha-amylase enzyme from genetically modified Trichoderma reesei containing the alpha-amylase gene from Aspergillus kawachii as a processing aid
• include food derived from genetically modified corn line MON87429
• permit the sale and use of food derived from genetically modified soybean line GMB151, and
• permit the sale and use of food derived from genetically modified potato lines V11 and Z6.