Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) called for submissions today on an application to clarify the meaning of the terms herbs and spices in the food irradiation standard of the Food Standards Code.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Scott Crerar said the applicant―Sapro―requested the change to ensure uniform interpretation and enforcement of irradiated herbs and spices.
“The applicant is seeking to replace the current definition of herbs and spices to either a commonly understood meaning of herbs and spices or by including generic definitions of 'herbs' and 'spices' in the Code," Dr Crerar said.
“These changes would be consistent with the original intent of the permission to irradiate herbs and spices, provided in 2001."
There are no public health or safety concerns associated with the proposed change. Irradiation continues to provide suppliers of herbs and spices with safe alternatives to chemical treatments, providing benefits to consumers.
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