WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/SPS/N/AUS/73
8 September 1998
(98-3403)
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Original:  English
NOTIFICATION
1. Member to Agreement notifying:  AUSTRALIA
If applicable, name of local government involved:           
2. Agency responsible:   Australia New Zealand Food Authority
3. Products covered (tariff item number(s) as specified in national schedules deposited
with the WTO.  ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable):   Novel
foods
4. Title and number of pages of the notified document:   Explanatory Notes – Proposal
P168 (11 pages)
5. Description of content:  A proposal to establish a standard for novel foods.  This proposed
Standard will ensure that a risk-based assessment of novel foods and novel found
ingredients is conducted before they are offered for sale for direct consumption in Australia
and/or New Zealand.
6. Objective and rationale: Consumer Health and Safety
7. An international standard, guidelin e or recommendation does not exist [    ].
If an international standard, guideline or  recommendation exists, whenever possible,
identify deviations:           
8. Relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:           
9. Proposed date of adoption:  Recommendation to Government anticipated early 1999.
10. Proposed date of entry into force:  Mid-1999
11. Final date for comments:  The domestic closing date for comments is 30 September 1998,
however comments from Members will be accepted until 16 October if notice of intention
to comment is received by the domestic closing date.
Agency or authority designated to handle comments:
12. Texts available from:  National enquiry point [  X, quoting Proposal P168  ] or address,
telefax number and E-mail address (if available) of other body:            