This Proposal seeks to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to revise the regulatory measures for Schedule 22
– Food and classes of foods to align more closely with the classification system established by Codex Alimentarius (Codex) and adopted by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
− As Codex continues to review their food classification system, the focus for this Proposal is primarily crop commodities, however the commodity abalone (currently listed in Schedule 20 of the Code) is proposed to be added to the group Molluscs
– and other marine invertebrates under the existing type, Fish, crustaceans and molluscs under the 'Primary Food Commodities of Animal Origin'.
− The Proposed variation includes listing approximately 60 commodities in a relevant food group/sub-group or processed commodity group, which are currently listed in Schedule 20, but whilst described, not expressly listed in Schedule 22.
− Any existing Schedule 20 foods not captured by Codex or the APVMA Crop groups have also been included under a relevant food group or subgroup.
− With changes to food names and some foods moving from one classification to another, FSANZ has also proposed a number of consequential variations to ensure that all existing Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) will still apply. There are no changes to MRLs in Schedules 20 or 21.
− A number of changes to correct spelling or provide synonyms to help remove ambiguity to food names have also been proposed.
The proposed variations presented in this Proposal are intended to remove inconsistencies and promote harmonization of the commodity groups and individual food names used to describe commodities which are subject to MRLs.
As Schedule 22 is also referenced by other sections of the Code, the proposed changes will assist trading partners requesting to align MRLs for agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals for food import purposes as well as provide a consistent application of the standards throughout the Code.
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