New Zealand opts out of joint infant formula standard with Australia

NEW ZEALAND – The New Zealand government has decided to opt out of a joint infant formula standard with Australia, a significant departure from the proposed regulations developed by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ).

Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard announced that the Cabinet decided against adopting the joint standard, which had been under development for 11 years.

In a statement, Hoggard explained that while New Zealand sought a review of the new labelling requirements, Australia was not able to support the changes.

Consequently, New Zealand will implement its own standards over the next five years. “So long as infant formula is safe and the claims on labels are not misleading, consumers should be allowed to make their own informed choices,” Hoggard stated.

Although the majority of the standard was supported, two parts relating to labelling restrictions did not fit the New Zealand context.

Hoggard reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Joint Food System and harmonisation of food standards but emphasized the need for specific provisions tailored to New Zealand.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon echoed Hoggard’s sentiments, indicating continued collaboration with FSANZ to amend the standards.

“We fully agree and support much of the new guidelines, but there are parts we cannot endorse,” Luxon said, rejecting suggestions that the government had succumbed to industry lobbying.

He highlighted the economic importance of the infant formula industry, which generates US$1.8 billion in export sales for New Zealand.

This decision marks the fourth time New Zealand has opted out of a joint standard with Australia. Labour leader Chris Hipkins supported the move, noting the risks of adopting Australia’s regulatory regime without considering New Zealand’s unique needs.

“Regulatory reform in New Zealand should not be that simplistic,” Hipkins said.

The proposed standards included stricter controls on labelling and marketing of infant formula, aligning with international codes to promote breastfeeding.

They also suggested limiting the sale of specialist formula to pharmacies removing them from supermarket shelves. However, after thorough discussions, the New Zealand government chose not to adopt these standards.

The decision was welcomed by manufacturers such as Danone, which had expressed concerns that the new standard could jeopardize their operations in New Zealand.

“Opt-out was the only decision that protects parent and caregiver access to important information and specialised infant formula in supermarkets,” Maria Venetoulis of Danone commented.

However, the New Zealand College of Midwives expressed disappointment, stressing the need for accurate information about infant feeding.

“Misleading labelling on infant formula products can result in parents purchasing inappropriate or more expensive products based on unsubstantiated claims,” the College stated.

They criticized the influence of industry marketing strategies and emphasized the government’s responsibility to provide impartial information.

Despite the controversy, the government’s decision underscores New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining regulatory autonomy while ensuring consumer safety and informed choice in the infant formula market.