Food forum: The Amendment to Preservatives in Food Regulations Consultation Paper.

The Centre for Food Safety is gauging views on proposed amendments to the Preservatives in Food Regulations, which cover the latest developments in food science and technology and comply with international standards.

The proposals include:

* amending the definitions of preservatives and antioxidants to bring them in line with definitions contained in the Codex Alimentarius Commission document;

* combining the lists of preservatives and antioxidants under the regulations as some additives have both preservative and antioxidant functions;

* incorporating those preservatives and antioxidants, as well as their permitted levels of use, in the Codex General Standard for Food Additives into the Regulations; and,

* developing a food category system for Hong Kong based on the food classes in the Codex General Standard for Food Additives. This amendment reflects the international trend of moving away from product-specific legislation to horizontal provisions aimed at all food types.

Enhanced confidence

The revisions will offer the trade clearer information on the use of preservatives and antioxidants. They also enable the Government to use internationally recognised risk assessment and management standards to protect public health and enhance consumer confidence in food safety. More details are available here.

Two consultation forums will be held to garner public views. The first will be held at the Science Museum January 23 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The second will be held at Central Library February 7 from 10am to noon. Call 2381 6096 for seat reservations.

Comments should reach the centre's Risk Assessment Section by mailing to 43/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, faxing 2893 3547 or emailing preserve_consultation@fehd.gov.hk by February 28.