Fsanz consults on decision to allow added vit D in breakfast cereals

The antipodean food regulator has released a consultation paper on its review of a decision to permit the voluntary addition of vitamin D to breakfast cereals.  

Steve McCutcheon, chief executive of Fsanz, said ministers responsible for food regulation had asked for a review of the decision last July.

Ministers also provided some clarification of the policy guideline relating to adding vitamins or minerals to food,” McCutcheon said.

The clarification included reference to the use of nutrition profiling tools or other initiatives to determine whether fortification permissions should be allowed for some foods.”

Vitamin D can currently be added to a range of foods including dairy products, but not breakfast cereals. If manufacturers choose to add vitamin D to breakfast cereal, it has to be included in the list of ingredients on the label.

Fsanz has assessed the effects of using a nutrition profiling calculator for vitamin D fortification in breakfast cereals and is calling for submissions on that assessment,” said McCutcheon.

Fsanz is now seeking submissions, including evidence, on the impact of the proposed drafting amendments.

The closing date for submissions is August 5.