Published
Overview
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Board met on 11 December 2024 to consider standards matters for decision, governance, organisational and performance matters and set aside time for strategic discussions.
The FSANZ Board is the accountable authority for the agency.
Matters for Decision notified to the Food Ministers' Meeting
A1300 Vitamin K2 (as Menaquinone-7) as a permitted form of Vitamin K in Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP)
The Board approved an application from Novozymes Australia Pty Ltd sought to permit the use of vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-7) as a permitted form of vitamin K in FSMP. These special purpose foods are intended to be used in the dietary management of individuals with medical conditions and are recommended for use under medical supervision.
Strategic discussions
Alcohol labelling proposals
The Board received an update on the progress of the assessment to date for two alcohol labelling proposals: P1049 – Carbohydrate and sugar claims and P1059 – Energy labelling. The Board considered stakeholder views, technical issues and further evidence and information provided to FSANZ from recent targeted stakeholder consultations. FSANZ will progress finalising its assessment for Board consideration for these two proposals in March 2025.
Health Star Rating and Nutritional Information Panel
As requested by Australian and New Zealand food ministers as a priority, FSANZ is undertaking:
• preparatory work to inform decision-making on potentially mandating the front-of-pack Health Star Rating (HSR) system; and
• a holistic review of the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP).
Public consultation seeking information and evidence to inform the NIP and HSR work is open until 17 January 2025 with a summary report to be made publicly available following consultation.
VIBE - emerging food issues & biannual update
As part of its work to support a safe food supply, FSANZ proactively identifies and responds to emerging challenges and opportunities within the food systems to stay ahead of potential food issues. In 2021 a new framework was introduced - Vigilance and Intelligence Before food issues Emerge, otherwise known as the VIBE - to anticipate and consider potential food matters of relevance to FSANZ. A VIBE register is maintained as a record to capture and monitor these potential food issues. FSANZ collaborates with organisations within the binational food regulation system and internationally on this work. The Board agreed to publish the second edition of the VIBE newsletter.
Governance, risk and performance
The Board considered a range of governance, risk and performance matters presented by the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee and People and Culture Committee. Updates to the Governance Framework, Risk Management Framework and Risk Appetite Statement will be finalised for Board endorsement in February 2025.
Other matters
The Board welcomed the report on the work of Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation (ISFR) from Chair, Dr Eva Bennet.