The two-year transitional period for compliance with the Preservatives in Food (Amendment) Regulation 2008 will end on June 30.

The Centre for Food Safety said the amendment regulation makes the control of preservatives and antioxidants clearer, benefiting the trade and consumers, offering more choice and harmonising local standards with international developments.

While it came into effect on July 1, 2008, a transitional period of two years has been given to allow sufficient time for the food trade to prepare for the changes.

Four major changes have been made - revising the definition of preservative and antioxidant, changing the number and maximum permitted levels of preservatives and antioxidants, merging the lists of permitted preservatives and antioxidants under Part I and Part II of the First Schedule of the former regulations, and introduction of a food category system.

There will also be 11 new types of permitted preservatives and antioxidants, while the maximum permitted levels for the existing permitted individual preservatives or antioxidants may be unchanged, relaxed or tightened.

One kind of preservative, propyl para-hydroxybenzoate, and its alternative form, propyl para-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt can no longer be used.

With the former regulations' repeal on July 1, all food must comply with the amended regulation. Offenders face six months' jail and a $50,000 fine.