09/03
21 May 2003
INITIAL ASSESSMENT REPORT
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DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS to the Authority in relation to this matter: |
Full Report [ pdf 253kb ]
Executive Summary
This is an initial assessment report only and based on available information provided by the applicant. Public submissions are invited on this initial assessment report and will be used as part of the draft assessment stage.
The Australasian Soft Drinks Association (ASDA) submitted an application on 6 June 2002 to amend Schedule 1 subitem 14.1.3 in Standard 1.3.1. of the Food Standards Code to increase the maximum permitted levels of saccharin and cyclamate in water-based flavoured drinks.
The applicant requests amendment to the current permissions for the levels of saccharin (150 mg/kg) and cyclamate (1200 mg/kg) for inclusion in diet cordials and diet soft drinks. The applicant claims that the requested levels are considerably lower than those permitted for use in the old Food Standards Code and were permitted for use during the transition period until December 2002 (saccharin 1.5g/kg and cyclamate 20g/kg). However they are higher than those adopted in the current Food Standards Code (saccharin 80 mg/kg and cyclamate 600 mg/kg). The applicant claims that current permitted levels will force some beverage manufacturers to either withdraw their products from the market place or to reformulate to the legally permitted levels.
Full Report [ pdf 253kb ]