Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to harmonise maximum levels (MLs) for marine biotoxins in bivalve shellfish.
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the application seeks to lower the MLs in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) for two marine biotoxins – diarrhetic shellfish toxins and paralytic shellfish toxins – to align with international and New Zealand standards.
“Marine biotoxins cause serious and sometimes long term toxicity in humans so setting MLs for their presence in shellfish is critical to ensuring food safety,” Dr Cuthbert said.
“Our assessment supported the applicant’s request and will harmonise the Code’s standards with those set by the international food standards body Codex and MLs in place in New Zealand.
“The changes will mean lower levels of biotoxins will be permitted in shellfish, protecting public health and safety and potentially opening up new export opportunities for Australian producers.“
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