STANDARD 1.1.2
SUPPLEMENTARY DEFINITIONS FOR FOODS
Purpose
This Standard sets out definitions for foods which do not have specific compositional requirements elsewhere in this Code.
Table of Provisions
1 Definitions
Clauses
1 Definitions
In this Code –
chocolate means the confectionery product characterised by the presence of cocoa bean derivatives -
(a) prepared from a minimum of 200 g/kg of cocoa bean derivatives; and
(b) which contains no more than 50 g/kg of edible oils, other than cocoa butter or dairy fats.
cocoa means the powdered product prepared from cocoa beans from which a portion of the fat may have been removed, with or without the addition of salt or spices.
coffee means the product prepared by roasting or grinding, or both the roasting and grinding, of coffee beans.
decaffeinated coffee means coffee from which most of the caffeine has been removed and which contains no more than 1g/kg of anhydrous caffeine on a dry basis.
decaffeinated soluble coffee or instant coffee and decaffeinated soluble or instant tea mean soluble or instant coffee or soluble or instant tea from which most of the caffeine has been removed and which contains no more than 3g/kg of anhydrous caffeine on a dry basis.
decaffeinated tea means tea from which most of the caffeine has been removed and which contains no more than 4g/kg of anhydrous caffeine on a dry basis.
gelatine means a protein product prepared from animal skin, bone or other collagenous material, or any combination thereof.
instant coffee or soluble coffee means the dried soluble solids prepared or extracted from the water extraction of coffee.
instant tea or soluble tea means dried soluble solids obtained from the water extraction of tea.
peanut butter means a peanut based spread containing no less than 850 g/kg of peanuts.
sweet cassava means those varieties of cassava roots grown from Manihot esculenta Crantz of the Euphoribiacae family that contain less than 50 mg per kg of hydrogen cyanide (fresh weight basis)
tea means the product made from the leaves and leaf buds of one or more of varieties and cultivars of Camelia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntz.
Editorial note:
Sweet cassava may also be known by other common names including manioc, mandioca, tapioca, aipim and yucca.
Overview
The legislative instrument F2008B00600, enacted by the relevant Australian authority, sets out supplementary definitions for foods which do not have specific compositional requirements elsewhere in the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Code. This legislation was introduced to address the need for clarity and consistency in the definition of certain food products to ensure accurate labelling and consumer understanding. The policy objective of this instrument is to provide clear definitions that facilitate compliance with the broader food standards, thereby enhancing consumer protection and ensuring fair trade practices in the food industry. By specifying definitions for products like chocolate, cocoa, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, tea, and others, this legislation helps to establish a consistent framework for the classification and labelling of these food items.
Scope and Application
The Standard 1.1.2 Supplementary Definitions for Foods applies to the definitions of various food products within the scope of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This legislation applies to the food industry and those involved in the manufacture, labelling, and sale of food products in Australia. The definitions provided apply to the composition and characteristics of foods such as chocolate, cocoa, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, decaffeinated soluble coffee or instant coffee and decaffeinated soluble or instant tea, decaffeinated tea, gelatine, instant coffee or soluble coffee, instant tea or soluble tea, peanut butter, and sweet cassava. This Standard is applicable across Australia, covering all states and territories. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified within the Standard itself. However, the application of these definitions may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which may provide further clarification or specific provisions relating to these food products.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislative instrument, specifically Standard 1.1.2 Supplementary Definitions for Foods, provide clear definitions for various food products that do not have specific compositional requirements elsewhere in the Code (Clause 1). These definitions are essential for ensuring consistency and clarity in the labelling and classification of foods. For example, chocolate is defined as a confectionery product characterised by the presence of cocoa bean derivatives, prepared from a minimum of 200 g/kg of cocoa bean derivatives, and containing no more than 50 g/kg of edible oils, other than cocoa butter or dairy fats (Clause 1(a) and (b)). Similarly, cocoa is defined as the powdered product prepared from cocoa beans from which a portion of the fat may have been removed, with or without the addition of salt or spices (Clause 1). These definitions are crucial for ensuring that consumers receive accurate information about the products they purchase.
The Act imposes specific obligations on parties or entities it governs, ensuring that food products are accurately labelled and classified according to the definitions provided. For instance, manufacturers and importers must ensure that their products comply with the defined standards for chocolate, cocoa, coffee, and other specified products (Clause 1). This includes ensuring that the products meet the specified compositional requirements and that they are accurately labelled to reflect their true nature. These obligations are essential for maintaining consumer trust and ensuring that food products are safe and accurately represented.
Any breach of the provisions outlined in the Act may result in various civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is generally understood that non-compliance with food standards and labelling requirements can lead to fines, legal action, and potential criminal charges in cases of severe or repeated breaches. The severity of the penalties may depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as any harm caused to consumers or the public. It is important for parties governed by the Act to adhere to the defined standards to avoid any potential legal or financial repercussions.