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Maximum level for tutin in honey – COAG Decision Regulation Impact Statement – Food Standards Australia New Zealand

On 29 October 2014, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved a variation to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to provide for maximum levels (ML) for tutin in honey and comb honey. Tutin is a plant-derived neurotoxin, which can sometimes be present in honey produced in parts of New Zealand. Following a severe poisoning incident in New Zealand in 2008 temporary MLs for tutin in honey and comb honey (of 2 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively) were adopted into the Code while further research and evaluation was conducted. The temporary MLs were due to expire on 31 March 2015. The variation to the Code reduces to 0.7 mg/kg and makes permanent the ML of tutin in honey. This ML is based on scientific research that indicates that some people may have adverse reactions to tutin even at levels below the current temporary MLs. The new MLs may result in higher testing and blending costs for some New Zealand honey producers, but will reduce the risk to public health from tutin poisoning. For comb honey, the new ML has also been set at 0.7 mg/kg. For comb honey producers, the new ML does not impose any change on current industry practices since compliance with the existing New Zealand Tutin Standard for comb honey will ensure compliance with the standards in the Code. A Council of Australian Governments Decision RIS has been prepared by FSANZ, and assessed as adequate by the Office of Best Practice Regulation.