Australia New Zealand Food Authority Food Standards The Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) was created to develop and implement uniform food standards in Australia and New Zealand. Any person or organisation can apply to ANZFA to have food standards developed or varied. The authority publishes notices asking for public submissions in relation to applications. Public submissions help the authority make an informed assessment. The processes of ANZFA in assessing applications are described in the booklet ``Introducing the Australia New Zealand Food Authority''. Please contact one of the officers below for your copy. For further information, please contact: Standards Liaison Officer Australia New Zealand Food Authority P.O. Box 7186 CANBERRA MAIL CENTRE ACT 2610 AUSTRALIA Tel: (00 61 06) 271 2219 Fax: (00 61 06) 271 2278 or Ms Elizabeth Flynn Acting Manager, New Zealand Operations Australia New Zealand Food Authority P.O. Box 10-559 The Terrace WELLINGTON 6036 Tel: (04) 473 9942 Fax: (04) 473 9855 All submissions should be forwarded by mail or facsimile to the above named by 9 October 1996. Matters Before the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Council The authority has completed inquiries into the following applications and has recommended to the council that draft variations to the Australian Food Standards Code be adopted. The authority will now hold a further inquiry into these matters in New Zealand so that a further recommendation to the council can be made which incorporates New Zealand views. Kava (A242). This application was received from the Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services. The authority has recommended that the council adopt a new Standard O10Kava, and a draft variation to Standard A12Metals and Contaminants in Food. The recommendation, if approved by the council, will mean that kava will be allowed to be sold in Australia as a food provided there is compliance with the National Code of Kava Management, and with any relevant State and Territory legislation. Importation of kava for sale as a food will be permitted by importers licensed by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services. Vitamin E in Table Spreads, Margarines, Fats and Oils (A247). This application was received from the Australian Margarine Manufacturers Association. The authority has recommended that the council adopt draft variations to Standards A9Vitamins and Minerals, G1Edible Fats and Oils, G2Margarine and G5Table Spreads. The recommendation, if approved by the council, will provide permission for the addition of vitamin E to table spreads, margarines and oils containing not more than 200 g of saturated fatty acids per 1 kg of total fatty acids.