PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE FOOD REGULATIONS REGARDING FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS 2014

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.

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 four new food additives into the Food Regulations. 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. A new limit for mercury is proposed for predatory fish. In connection with this proposed new limit, a new Schedule specifying species considered to be “predatory fish” has been proposed, taking reference from definitions in Australia, New Zealand and the European Union. The proposed new limit serves to safeguard consumer health, and provide greater transparency to the industry on Singapore’s requirements.

4              An amendment on the addition of phytosterols, phytosterol esters, phytostanols or phytostanol esters (collectively known as phytosterols/phytostanols) to food (regulation 250A) is proposed, to provide for the addition of phytosterols/phytostanols to a wider range of food products. Current mandatory labelling requirements for such products are also amended taking into account new information on the safety of phytosterols/phytostanols These amendments allow for flexibility during product innovation and development by the food industry, and will facilitate easier access to such products for consumers.

5              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 four food additives are reflective of current industry practice.
2. Whether the proposed amendments with respect to the maximum limit for mercury in predatory fish and predatory fish product are practical and achievable.
3. Whether the proposed list of “predatory fish” species is reflective of current industry practice.
4. Whether the proposed revised food categories that may contain added phytosterols/phytostanols are practical.
5. Time required to amend and comply with the proposed mandatory labelling requirements for foods containing phytosterols/phytostanols 

6              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., 15 April 2014, 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