Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on a proposal to clarify and define added sugars for the purposes of making claims about food.
Proposal P1062: Defining added sugars for claims to consider and assess changes to ‘no added sugar(s)’ nutrition content claim conditions in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said FSANZ had worked with Australian and New Zealand food and health authorities and used the best available evidence to develop proposed Code amendments.
“Australian and New Zealand food ministers have asked FSANZ to ensure voluntary no added sugar claims align with Australian and New Zealand dietary guidelines to help consumers make informed decisions in line with these guidelines,” Cuthbert said.
Currently, the code permits voluntary ‘no added sugar’ claims to be made on foods. The Australian guidelines recommend limiting intake of foods and drinks containing added sugars, while New Zealand’s recommend choosing and/or preparing foods and drinks with little or no added sugars.
“These amendments seek to clarify no added sugar(s) claim conditions to support consumers to make informed decisions about sugar in their diet.
“We encourage consumers and stakeholders to have their say on the proposed changes during our public consultation period,” Cuthbert said.
The period for comment closes at 6pm (Canberra time) on Tuesday 3 October 2023.
