Call for comment on new source of human identical milk oligosaccharide in infant formula products

Published

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to permit a new genetically modified source organism for the production of a human identical milk oligosaccharide used in infant formula products.  

2′-fucosyllactose (2ʹ-FL) is a non-digestible carbohydrate that naturally occurs in human milk. It is used as a nutritive substance in infant formula products at levels consistent with those found in human milk. 

FSANZ's safety assessment concluded there were no public health and safety concerns associated with the applicant’s 2′-FL. 

The 2′-FL is chemically and structurally identical to the naturally occurring substance present in human milk and other 2′-FL already assessed and permitted by FSANZ. 
 
While breastfeeding is the recommended way to feed infants, this option is not always available to parents. Infant formula products provide a safe and nutritious substitute for human milk where required.  

All commercially produced infant formula products available in Australia must comply with the composition and safety requirements outlined in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. These regulations are no longer bi-national and the New Zealand Government is responsible for maintaining infant formula product regulations in New Zealand.

To have your say, visit the FSANZ Consultation Hub, where a survey response form is available to guide your submission. Submissions close at 6pm (AEDT) on Tuesday, 24 December 2024.

What happens to my feedback?

Submissions will be published to our website as soon as possible after the end of the public comment period. 

FSANZ will consider all feedback received through this submission process before deciding on whether to approve the application. 

FSANZ's decision will be notified to ministers responsible for food regulation who can ask for a review or agree that the standard should become law.