FSANZ Proposal P1056: Review of Caffeine Regulations in Foods and Sports Supplements

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has initiated the second call for submissions on Proposal P1056, aiming to review and potentially revise regulations concerning caffeine in sports foods and the general food supply. This follows an initial consultation in December 2022. 
Key Aspects of Proposal P1056:

1. **Express Prohibition**: FSANZ proposes to explicitly prohibit the addition of caffeine to foods for retail sale unless specifically permitted by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This measure seeks to prevent the proliferation of high-caffeine products in the general food supply, thereby safeguarding public health.
2. **Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods (FSSF)**: The proposal includes a provision to allow FSSF to contain up to 200 mg of caffeine per one-day serving. This aims to balance consumer demand for caffeinated sports products with safety considerations. 
3. **Removal of Previous Restrictions**: FSANZ suggests removing existing concentration limits on caffeine in solid and liquid foods, replacing them with the new, more comprehensive regulations to enhance clarity and enforcement. 
4. **Economic Analysis**: An analysis indicates that the total cost of implementing the proposal ranges from AUD 3.1 million to AUD 6.2 million. The benefits to consumers, even if modest (approximately AUD 1 to AUD 2 per year for daily users of caffeinated sports foods), are expected to outweigh these costs, resulting in a net societal benefit.

FSANZ is seeking public feedback on these proposed changes to ensure that the regulations effectively protect public health while accommodating consumer preferences and industry practices. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments by April 15, 2025.