The Government today launched a three-month public consultation exercise on proposed amendments to the Sweeteners in Food Regulations to invite views from the public.
Sweeteners are food additives that impart a sweet taste to food in place of sugars. Like other food additives, they are permitted for use only after stringent safety evaluations demonstrate they are fit for consumption.
Current regulations stipulate that no person shall sell, consign, deliver or import any food containing sweeteners, except for those specifically permitted.
The Environment & Ecology Bureau and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department’s Centre for Food Safety reviewed the regulations and proposed amendments to update Hong Kong’s food safety standards. These proposals primarily reference the General Standard for Food Additives formulated by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which was established by the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
The proposed legislative amendments aim to better protect public health and harmonise local rules with international standards. The changes include bringing polyhydric alcohols under the regulatory scope, expanding the list of permitted sweeteners, setting maximum permitted levels for different “sweetener-food” pairs, and making various technical amendments.
The proposals are supported by the Expert Committee on Food Safety, which comprises local, Mainland and overseas experts. The Government also briefed the Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene in June, receiving general support from the panel.
The Government noted that, apart from enhancing food safety protection, expanding the list of permitted sweeteners will offer more choices for the trade and consumers. Aligning Hong Kong’s standards with international benchmarks will also help facilitate the food trade.
To allow reasonable preparation time for businesses and other stakeholders, the Government proposes an 18-month transitional period following the completion of the legislative procedure for the subsidiary legislation.
Members of the public may submit their written views on the proposed amendments on or before December 4 by email, by fax to 2893 3547, or by post to 43/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong. The Government will also conduct consultation forums to collect further views.