A464 Exec Summary

APPLICATION A464 - DEFINITION OF 'WHOLEGRAIN'

08/03

19 March 2003

INITIAL ASSESSMENT REPORT

DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC SUBMISSIONSto the Authority in relation to this matter:
30 April 2003(See “Invitation for Public Submissions” for details)

Full Assessment Report [ pdf 290kb ]

Executive Summary

This is an initial assessment report only and based on available information provided by the applicant. Public submissions are invited on this initial assessment report and will be used as part of the draft assessment stage.

BRI Australia Ltd submitted an application on 6 December 2001 of the Food Standards Code to amend the definition of the term “wholegrain”. This application may require amendments to Standard 2.1.1 Cereals and Cereal Products.

The applicant considers that the definition in the Food Standards Code of “wholegrain” is too narrow, inconsistent with international practice and severely limiting for food manufacturers and potentially misleading for consumers. The applicant also claims that the current definition is inconsistent with common usage and public health documents such as the Dietary Guidelines for Australians and the Australian Guide to Health Eating.

The applicant requested that as the matter raises issues of only minor complexity that consideration be given to omitting the Inquiry Stage (now the Final Assessment stage of the process), in order to save time and resources as permitted by section 35 (1A) of the FSANZ Act 1991.

Full Assessment Report [ pdf 290kb ]