21Steps in the consideration of an application

#### 21 Steps in the consideration of an application The following is a simplified outline of the procedure for considering an application for the development of a food regulatory measure, or the variation of a food regulatory measure, other than a high level health claims variation. Step 1. An application is made. Step 2. The Authority decides whether to accept or reject the application. If the application is accepted, the Authority proceeds to step 3. Step 3. The Authority notifies the applicant of acceptance. Step 4. The Authority gives public notice of the application, indicating when the Authority proposes to undertake key steps in considering it. Step 5. The Authority assesses the application. The Authority may, after assessing the application, either reject it or proceed to the next step. If the application is for a new food regulatory measure or a major variation of a food regulatory measure, the next step is step 6. In any other case, it is step 7. Step 6. The Authority calls for public submissions. Step 7. The Authority prepares a draft food regulatory measure or a draft variation of a food regulatory measure, as the case requires. If the Authority has called for submissions under step 6, the Authority must have regard to the submissions in doing so. Step 8. If the application is for a minor variation, the Authority calls for submissions from the applicant and appropriate government agencies. In any other case, the Authority calls for public submissions. Step 9. If the draft is a draft standard or a draft variation of a standard, the Authority must decide whether to approve or reject it and prepare a report, having regard to any submissions made. If approved, the Authority notifies the Forum on Food Regulation and the public of the approval and proceeds to step 10. If the draft is a draft code of practice or a draft variation of a code of practice, the Authority must revoke or vary any existing code or practice and give public notice of its decision. No further steps are taken in relation to measures of this kind. Step 10. The standard or variation comes into effect after it has been considered by the Forum on Food Regulation and published.