New Zealand's Push for Infant Formula Labeling Fails at Trans-Tasman Regulatory Meeting
Source: The DairyNews
New Zealand's efforts to implement specific nutritional labeling on infant formula have been thwarted, as confirmed by a recent decision at a Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) meeting.
Despite lobbying for the ability to include detailed nutritional information on packaging, New Zealand's proposal was rejected, posing a potential setback for the country's $2 billion annual infant formula market.
The rejection occurred during a session involving ministers fr om Australian states and the federal government, wh ere New Zealand's Minister of Food Safety, Andrew Hoggard, requested a review of current packaging restrictions. These restrictions, motivated by a health-driven agenda to promote breastfeeding, may now compel New Zealand to consider unilateral measures. Hoggard highlighted that such standards could place New Zealand exporters at a disadvantage, especially compared to European Union countries, which are permitted to display nutritional content on infant formula packaging, a significant factor in competitive markets like China.
Despite the setback, Hoggard indicated that the government might still proceed independently, which would involve severing ties with the existing trans-Tasman standards that currently offer administrative and marketing benefits. Such a move would require careful governmental review and consideration before any changes could be implemented.
This development comes amid acknowledgment from local producers that while breastfeeding is preferable for health reasons, there is a need for accessible nutritional information for consumers who rely on infant formula. This information is crucial for parents making informed feeding choices for their infants.
The rejection occurred during a session involving ministers fr om Australian states and the federal government, wh ere New Zealand's Minister of Food Safety, Andrew Hoggard, requested a review of current packaging restrictions. These restrictions, motivated by a health-driven agenda to promote breastfeeding, may now compel New Zealand to consider unilateral measures. Hoggard highlighted that such standards could place New Zealand exporters at a disadvantage, especially compared to European Union countries, which are permitted to display nutritional content on infant formula packaging, a significant factor in competitive markets like China.
Despite the setback, Hoggard indicated that the government might still proceed independently, which would involve severing ties with the existing trans-Tasman standards that currently offer administrative and marketing benefits. Such a move would require careful governmental review and consideration before any changes could be implemented.
This development comes amid acknowledgment from local producers that while breastfeeding is preferable for health reasons, there is a need for accessible nutritional information for consumers who rely on infant formula. This information is crucial for parents making informed feeding choices for their infants.
