Public Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Food Regulations Regarding Food Additives and Contaminants

AgriFood-Veterinary Authority of Singapore - Regulatory and Health Planning Division

Consultation Period: 19 Apr 2013 - 18 Jun 2013

Status: Closed

Summary

Proposed Amendments to the Food Regulations Regarding Food Additives And Contaminants

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is seeking feedback from the food industry (local food manufacturers and importers), on the proposed amendments to the Food Regulations concerning food additives and contaminants.

Detailed Description

Public Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Food Regulations Regarding Food Additives And Contaminants

Target Audience: Food Industry Partners

             The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is seeking feedback from the food industry (local food manufacturers and importers), on the proposed amendments to the Food Regulations concerning food additives and contaminants, as well as proposed editorial changes to the format for declaration of nutrition information. 
 
2            Food additives permitted for use in Singapore, as well as the conditions governing their specific usage, are specified under the Food Regulations. The proposed amendments would see the incorporation of nine new food additives into the Food Regulations, and a clearer definition of usage for an existing food additive (dimethyl dicarbonate). These proposed changes are in line with international practice, namely that of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and/or major developed countries, and are trade facilitating measures.  
 
3            Maximum limits for incidental constituents, commonly termed “contaminants” are also specified under the Food Regulations. New limits for aflatoxins and patulin are proposed for foods for infants and young children. In connection with these proposed new limits, a definition for the term “young children” has been proposed, which is in accordance with Codex definition. Maximum limits (based on Codex standards) are also proposed for melamine in infant formula as well as in other foods. These limits serve to safeguard consumer health, and provide greater transparency to the industry on Singapore’s requirements.
 
4            An amendment to the infant formula standard (regulation 252) is proposed, to provide for the addition of polydextrose to infant formula, at levels consistent with those permitted in the major developed countries.
 
5            An editorial amendment to the format for the nutrition information panel (as specified under the Twelfth Schedule) is proposed, to specify that the nutrients are to be declared either in micrograms (mcg), milligrams (mg), grams (g) or other units of measurement, as appropriate. This will better address the forms of nutrient declaration currently employed by the industry.
 
6            A detailed description on the proposed changes can be found in ANNEX I of the attached consultation document. AVA invites views and comments on:

1. Whether the proposed amendments with respect to the nine food additives are reflective of current industry practice.

2. Whether the proposed amendments with respect to the incidental constituents (contaminants) are practical and achievable.

3. Whether the proposed editorial amendments to the nutrition information panel are reflective of current industry practice.

7            All submissions should be clearly and concisely written, and should provide a reasoned explanation for any proposed revisions. Submissions should reach AVA no later than 12:00 p.m., 18 June 2013, through mail, or email, to the following addresses:
 
            Mail:            
            Regulatory Programmes Department
            Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore
            5 Maxwell Road #18-00 Tower Block
            MND Complex, Singapore 069110
            (Attention: Mr Low Teng Yong)
 
            Email:            
            low_teng_yong@ava.gov.sg

Industry Consultation on Food Amendment Regulations 2013 [PDF, 58 KB]