IAM hosted four talks for the sector with discussions on improvement of standards for use of food additives.
The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) is now listening to the views extensively from the local food sector regarding the amendment to the “Standards for the Use of Food Additives in Food”. IAM has earlier hosted four talks for the sector to exchange ideas on the current use of food additives and the plan to update relevant standards, and to listen to the views from the sector. In additions, the businesses in the sector may give their views by filling in the “Questionnaire on the Use of Food Additives and Views Collection Form”, or by calling the Food Safety Hotline. The views are being collected until 10 March and the sector is welcome to give views.
IAM is embarking on the formulation of the “Standards for the Use of Food Additives in Food”, and will bring together and update the existing Administrative Regulation No.30/2017 “Standards for Use of Food Colourings in Food”, Administrative Regulation No. 12/2018 “Standards for Use of Sweeteners in Food” and Administrative Regulation No. 7/2019 “Standards for Use of Preservatives and Antioxidants in Food”. At the same time, studies on the development of new standards for use of other food additives commonly found in local food products, including emulsifiers, leavening agents, acidity regulators, etc., will be carried out to further guide and standardise the use of food additives by food producers and operators, so as to better protect public health.
In view of this, IAM has earlier hosted four talks for about 80 invited business representatives from the categories of locally produced noodles, beverages, ice cream, meat products, bakery and food souvenirs. During the talks, IAM’s food safety staff introduced the current status and the plan to update food additive standards in Macao, and explained the types of commonly used food additives and their scope of use with examples. Meanwhile, they discussed with the food businesses on the actual use of food additives in various food manufacturing sectors and collected their views, so as to better cover food additives commonly used by local businesses when formulating relevant standards and jointly safeguard food safety in Macao.
In order to make it convenient for more food businesses to give their views, IAM has uploaded the “Questionnaire on the Use of Food Additives and Views Collection Form” on the Food Safety Information website www.foodsafety.gov.mo. After downloading and completing it, the businesses may submit it by email to fsconsult@iam.gov.mo or by fax to 8296 1204. They may also call the Food Safety Hotline 2833 8181 to give their views directly. The views collection period will last until 10 March and the sector is welcome to give views.