Published
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) continues to play a vital role in protecting the safety of the food supply through ongoing surveillance and monitoring activities.
This year, FSANZ is leading the 28th Australia Total Diet Study (ATDS) – the most comprehensive survey of chemicals, nutrients and other substances in the Australian diet.
Over 2,000 food samples are being collected nationwide and analysed for more than 600 chemicals including pesticides, antimicrobials, metals and mycotoxins. The data from the ATDS will strengthen food safety standards and help ensure that the Australian food supply remains safe.
FSANZ also conducts targeted surveys. Examples include surveys on pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Australian foods, as well as metals in apple juice and apple products. These surveys contribute to understanding potential risks and guide the development of standards and regulations.
Some targeted surveillance activities are informed by intelligence drawn from FSANZ’s internal and horizon scanning framework known as the VIBE (Vigilance and Intelligence Before food issues Emerge). This framework proactively identifies and assesses emerging food safety risks.
Through comprehensive monitoring and forward-looking risk assessment, FSANZ ensures that Australians and New Zealanders can trust the safety of their food.