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Survey of beverages enriched with seaweed

Survey of beverages enriched with seaweed FSANZ has investigated levels of iodine in beverages enriched with seaweed following an increased number of reported human thyroid dysfunction cases resulting from high iodine intake. Investigation into the cause of thyroid dysfunction showed a link to the consumption of Bonsoy soy beverage, which was found to contain high iodine levels resulting from the addition of seaweed (kombu, Laminaria spp ) during the manufacturing process. On 24 December 2009, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) coordinated a national food recall and issued a media release advising people not to consume Bonsoy soy beverage with all best before dates. This product was also recalled in the UK, Ireland, Singapore and Hong Kong. FSANZ, in consultation…

Published 28 February 2014

Survey of chemical contaminants and residues in espresso, instant and ground coffee

Survey of chemical contaminants and residues in espresso, instant and ground coffee In Australia, existing data on chemical contaminants and residues in coffee is limited. In order to gather more data, FSANZ undertook a survey of chemical contaminants and residues in a variety of coffee types available in Australia. The survey looked for 133 chemical contaminants, including metals (e.g. aluminium and zinc), pesticide residues, ochratoxin A, acrylamide, furan and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A total of 164 samples of coffee available from food service and retail outlets in Melbourne and Sydney, were analysed in a total of 41 composite samples of coffee. The coffee types included were: cappuccino, latte, flat white, long black, short black, mocha, instant and ground…

Published 22 March 2013

Survey of chemical migration from food contact packaging materials in Australian food

Survey of chemical migration from food contact packaging materials in Australian food Food packaging is vital for ensuring foods are not contaminated, providing physical protection and extending the shelf life of foods. Packaging materials are becoming increasingly complex in their design and composition. As such, the safety of materials is being considered by regulators around the world. FSANZ is aware of a number of reports about chemicals in food contact packaging that might migrate into the food or liquid inside a package. To assess whether the levels of packaging chemicals in Australian foods and beverages present any health and safety risks, FSANZ undertook a survey of a range of chemicals associated with packaging materials. A total of 65 foods and beverages…

Published 22 March 2013

Survey of GM in Soy-based Infant Formula

Survey of GM in Soy-based Infant Formula In September 2010, several media reports , including reports on testing undertaken by Greenpeace, suggested that genetically modified (GM) ingredients had been found in soy-based infant formula that were not labelled as containing GM components. In response, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) conducted a small survey of a soy-based infant formula for GM ingredients, recognising the consumer sensitivities associated with infants and infant formula. Six samples of a major brand of soy-based infant formula with different batch codes and use-by dates were purchased from a number of supermarkets. Each sample was analysed using a similar testing methodology by two independent accredited laboratories for GM DNA commonly used in GM…

Published 22 March 2013

Survey of inorganic arsenic in seaweed and seaweed-containing products available in Australia

Survey of inorganic arsenic in seaweed and seaweed-containing products available in Australia (January 2013) Executive summary Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) conducted a small survey investigating levels of inorganic arsenic in dried seaweed and products containing seaweed available in Australia. This survey was conducted as part of the FSANZ surveillance and monitoring program in 2010 with the intention of reviewing our consumer advice released in 2004. In November 2004, FSANZ issued a media release advising Australian consumers to avoid hijiki seaweed as it may contain high levels of naturally occurring inorganic arsenic. The levels of inorganic arsenic in various seaweed types tested were all below the maximum level (ML) for seaweed of 1 mg/kg in the…

Published 28 February 2014

Survey of low-THC hemp seed foods

Survey of low-THC hemp seed foods Introduction The Implementation Sub-committee for Food Regulation (ISFR) bi-nationally coordinated survey was carried out to investigate whether:

• The low-THC hemp food products sold in Australia and New Zealand complies with the requirement in the Food Standards Code (the Code) in term of the level of THC and CBD present in the products, and
• Labelling of the products complies with the Code. 

Published 4 April 2023

Survey of nitrates and nitrites

Survey of nitrates and nitrites Nitrates and nitrites occur naturally in plant foods as part of the nitrogen cycle between air, land and water environments. Most of our dietary exposure to nitrates and nitrites is through fruit and vegetables. Eating fruit and vegetables is widely recommended due to the strong evidence of beneficial health effects against a range of diseases. Nitrates and nitrites have also been used as food additives in cured meats and some cheeses for many years, primarily to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum.Adding nitrites or nitrates improves the microbiological safety of these foods and extends their safe shelf life. In the past, some concerns have been raised about possible health risks associated with nitrates and nitrites in foods. To estimate…

Published 22 March 2013

2011 APVMA notices

2011 APVMA notices December 2011 7 December 2011 - Notification to FSANZ under section 13A of the Agvet code [ pdf ] November 2011 22 November 2011 - Notification to FSANZ under section 13A of the Agvet code [ pdf ] 9 November 2011 - Notification to FSANZ under section 13A of the Agvet code [pdf] October 2011 25 October 2011…

Published 22 March 2013

2012 APVMA notices

2012 APVMA notices December 13 December 2012 - Notification to FSANZ under section 13A of the Agvet code (pdf 88kb) | (word 38kb)  November 27 November 2012 - Notification to FSANZ under section 13A of the Agvet code (pdf 17kb) |…

Published 16 January 2014

Consumer information

Consumer information Our mission is to ensure consumers can trust the foods they choose to eat. Public confidence in the food supply is a cornerstone of a healthy population and a strong economy. Find out more about what FSANZ does to keep our food supply safe and help consumers make informed choices. Card Labelling information for consumers Food labels provide important information to help consumers make food choices. FSANZ sets standards for what information must be on food labels. …