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Food Standards News 57

July 2006

Full colour version [ pdf ]

In this issue

Chief Executive Officer's message

Under its Act, FSANZ has always been required to base its risk management decisions on the best available scientific evidence.   We refer to this as the ‘evidence base’ of the agency.

Scientific evidence gives us an estimate of the potential risk from a food or a hazard associated with food to the health or safety of consumers.   We look at the severity of the hazard and the likelihood that various groups in the community will be exposed to it.   This requires the pooling of scientific information from many sources, including the food industry and our regulatory partners.  

Once we have an estimate of risk, we then use the non-science areas of our evidence base to help us develop the minimum measures necessary – including changes to the Food Standards Code – to reduce that risk to acceptable levels.

For example, we use advisory groups and the formal consultation process to inform our decision-making processes.  We prepare impact statements that examine the likely effects (e.g. benefits and costs) of our proposed regulatory measures on the well being of sectors of the community.   And we conduct research to more accurately understand consumer attitudes and behaviour towards food.

The better our evidence base, the greater confidence Australians and New Zealanders can have in the objectivity and integrity of the food regulatory system.  

In the Portfolio Budget Statement for the health portfolio, FSANZ has undertaken to ‘enhance the evidence base for standard setting’ as one of five priority activities for 2006-07.   Part of this process involves working closely with states and territories and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority to develop a shared understanding of the evidence available to us and the implications of that evidence for standard setting.

On the science side, FSANZ seeks, where possible, to harmonise domestic food standards with international standards.   Our scientists are very active in the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and we have excellent bi-lateral relationships with major food economies.   This means we have access to cutting-edge scientific information on food issues as they unfold around the world.

We have recently appointed Dr Dorothy Mackerras as Chief Public Health Nutrition Advisor to strengthen our ability to respond effectively to the growth of foods in the marketplace that are likely to claim health benefits under a proposed new health claims regime.   Dorothy will no doubt have a major role to play in the current debate on the role of food standards in addressing public health issues.

Dr Trevor Webb, a principal social scientist, has also joined the staff to enhance the strategic dimension of the agency’s consumer research programs and to investigate more fully why consumers react in the way they do to changes in the food supply.

In the coming year, we intend to streamline the operations of the Jurisdictional Forum and the Science Network, both recently established to engage our jurisdictional partners earlier and more effectively in the standard setting process.

The Science Network has already covered topics such as benzene in beverages, dioxins in Sydney Harbour and the nutrient content of stored fruit and vegetables.  Trans fats and phytosterols are on the agenda for future meetings.

Discussions such as these will add to our evidence base.   As a result, I am confident we will be able to provide a better service to the people of Australia and New Zealand.

Helping Hungry Australians

The Australian food industry was to be congratulated for donating a record 9 million kilograms of food to the hunger relief charity, Foodbank, in 2005-06, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne, said in Adelaide on 10 July 2006. Speaking at the opening of the 39th annual Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Convention in Adelaide, Mr Pyne said food companies that had donated their surplus production to Foodbank had made a valuable contribution to alleviating hunger.

‘Midwinter is a difficult time for welfare agencies to keep up with feeding the hungry,” Mr Pyne said. “Foodbank, which is the largest hunger-relief charity in Australia , does an often unrecognised job of ensuring our welfare agencies have access to good-quality, nutritious and safe food.

‘In the last 12 months Foodbank has distributed 9 million kilograms of food to over 1500 welfare agencies, providing food for 12 million meals. The food is donated by 25 national companies and 500 smaller ones and often comes from dedicated production runs by the food companies for Foodbank.

‘I would strongly urge any food company or retailer, large or small, which is not already donating, to contact Foodbank to see how they can help,’ Mr Pyne concluded.

Foodbank is the “pantry” of welfare agencies and is the philanthropic arm of the Australian Food and Grocery Council and its member organisations. It is a registered charity (donations are tax deductable). More information can be found on its website at http://www.foodbank.org.au/foodbank/foodbank.htm.

Consumer viewpoint

Welcome to a new regular section of our newsletter about our newly established Consumer Liaison Committee.

FSANZ places a high weight on consumer views. We receive advice from a range of individuals and organisations, including a consumer representative on our Board.   We have a productive working relationship with consumer organisations such as Australian Consumers Association and New Zealand Consumers Institute and other groups representing consumer interests.   The consumer perspective is vital to the final regulation.  

Now consumers have an even greater voice in the food standards setting process, with the establishment of the new Consumer Liaison Committee. Earlier this year, with our Board’s support, we set up the Committee to give “grassroots consumers” a greater voice in our decision-making, consultation approaches and in developing responses to emerging food issues.   The Committee provides us with an opportunity to engage with consumers in a meaningful way.

The Committee has an important role of alerting us to key issues of current or emerging consumer concern.   They will also provide us with advice on consultation methodologies, including ways to reach vulnerable and marginalised groups.   Members will be able to initiate joint activities with us and consumer groups.   The Committee’s advice will be sought on issues that may be referred to them by our Board.   Members will also be able to participate in the standards development processes through a range of mechanisms, including membership on Standards Development Advisory Committees and other consultative committees.

The Committee Members met for the first time in Canberra on 18 May

Q. Eileen, what motivated you to nominate for this role on the Consumer Liaison Committee (CLC)?

A. I’ve always been interested in food issues, especially food safety and food labelling.   When a member of my family was diagnosed with type II diabetes, I became more interested in these issues. Then I saw the advertisement in Choice magazine inviting expressions of interest, and this prompted me to act.

Australia has a good record in regulating and maintaining the safety of our food supply, particularly in terms of microbiological and chemical safety.   Food plays an important role in our health, for example, obesity.   And since I live in a rural community, I’ve always been interested in the primary production of food.

I’m very pleased to be deputy chair of the Committee and want to make a meaningful contribution.

Q. What do you see as the role of the Committee?

A. I see the role of the Committee as providing feedback from the point of view of the grassroots consumer. While FSANZ has highly qualified and expert staff, the Committee is a means of keeping FSANZ grounded—helping it to focus on what’s important to consumers about food regulation.

Q. So what were your impressions of the Committee’s first meeting and induction day?

A. While the first meeting was a bit overwhelming, Committee members were very enthusiastic. They had many different perspectives on the issues. Since that meeting, my email has been running hot!   Members are keen to express their ideas and views on many food issues.

On induction day, it was surprising to see how much FSANZ does. I learnt more about food labelling and safety, issues where I had some knowledge. I was very interested in the whole paddock-to-plate approach, as this was new to me.

I discovered that FSANZ has been able to carve a clear path through some very difficult territory, as a bi-national organisation working across jurisdictions. I’m very impressed that it has retained its integrity throughout this process.

Q. Finally, as a consumer, what food issues concern you most?

The issues that concern me most as a consumer are: country of origin labelling, food labelling more generally, food safety, and fortification of the food supply, for example, with folate and iodine. The health perspective is very important. The Committee is discussing many of these issues and I think we’ll make great progress!

Stragegic Directions for FSANZ

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has a well-developed system for establishing objectives and priorities. At the highest level, we have the objectives contained in the FSANZ Act and the policy guidelines issues by the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council.   Beneath this tier lie the goals and performance measures set by the FSANZ Board.

KEY RESULT AREAS

In our Corporate Plan 2003-06, we allocate our goals to four Key Result Areas:   

We undertake to measure our performance against these goals by monitoring a range of activities under each Key Result Area.  However, the corporate plan has a three-year timeframe.  This means that it has been prepared as an outcomes-based document, with the scope to adjust as circumstances arise.

Key Strategic Directions 

FSANZ’s Key Strategic Directions are contained in the Portfolio Budget Statements 2006-07 for the Health and Ageing Portfolio of the Australian Government.  They represent the priorities of FSANZ during the next financial year.  They are consistent with the goals set out in the Key Result Areas, but refined to focus on aspects of FSANZ’s work requiring more immediate attention.  Key Strategic Directions therefore change from year to year.  

In 2006-07, our Key Strategic Directions are to:

Associated with each Key Strategic Direction are a number of major activities that FSANZ undertakes to pursue during the year and qualitative or quantitative performance measures.  

We report performance against Key Result Areas and Key Strategic Directions in our Annual Report.   In effect, this closes the accountability loop to Parliament, which began with the undertakings in our Portfolio Budget Statement.

15th quadrilateral discussions on food safety (QUADS)

FSANZ participated at the 15th quadrilateral discussions on food safety (QUADS) in March 2006 at Santa Fe, New Mexico . Australia, New Zealand, United States and Canada meet annually at QUADS.

The discussions provide an opportunity for participating countries to develop a collective approach to risk management decisions and food safety issues. They also provide us with an opportunity to inform members of work that we are progressing, and promote our approach to food safety issues.

The main items of interest to us at the meeting included: evidence-based food regulations (the use of consumer research in food regulations); risk communication using the example of mercury in fish; the use of social science in standards development; guidelines for the conduct of food safety assessment of foods derived from r-DNA animals; trans fatty acids; health claims; and primary production and processing standards.

Government Food Communicators’ Group

The Government Food Communicators’ Group met again in April to discuss a range of issues including the new Health Claims Watchdog.   The Implementation Steering Committee (ISC) has asked the Group, chaired by FSANZ, to develop a communication strategy for the Watchdog.   ISC has also asked the Group to work with FSANZ on a national audit of education and communication materials.   By the end of 2007, this information will be accessible via our website.  

FSANZ continues to work closely with China

Lydia Buchtmann, FSANZ’s Communication Manager recently met with the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration in Beijing to discuss risk communication issues. She also took the opportunity to meet with the Beijng Municipal Center for Food Safety Management about communication in the lead up the Beijing Olympics and with the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.   “It is evident that we share so many issues with other regulatory agencies,” Lydia said, “especially in the area of food emergencies when consumers often have a higher concern about a risk that the scientific evidence shows is true.”   In 2004 FSANZ signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration in Beijing for the sharing of information relating to food safety.

Board Reappointments: Protecting Food Standards 

On 26 June 2006, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne announced the reappointment of the Hon Rob Knowles as Chairman of the FSANZ board for two years. He also announced that Ms Hikihiki Pihema and Mr Owen Symmans, both of New Zealand , have been reappointed for three years and two years respectively.  

“ Australia and New Zealand introduced a new food standards organisation in 2002. Mr Knowles, Ms Pihema and Mr Symmans have been instrumental in the successful implementation of this new organisation,” Mr Pyne said.

“These reappointments reflect the valuable contribution and expertise each member has brought to food regulation over the past four years. It maintains the strong representation of public health, food science and technology, human nutrition and consumer issues on the FSANZ Board,” he said.  

A full list of members and details of their backgrounds is available from our website.

Board Reappointments: Protecting Food Standards 

On 26 June 2006, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne announced the reappointment of the Hon Rob Knowles as Chairman of the FSANZ board for two years. He also announced that Ms Hikihiki Pihema and Mr Owen Symmans, both of New Zealand , have been reappointed for three years and two years respectively.  

“ Australia and New Zealand introduced a new food standards organisation in 2002. Mr Knowles, Ms Pihema and Mr Symmans have been instrumental in the successful implementation of this new organisation,” Mr Pyne said.

“These reappointments reflect the valuable contribution and expertise each member has brought to food regulation over the past four years. It maintains the strong representation of public health, food science and technology, human nutrition and consumer issues on the FSANZ Board,” he said.  

A full list of members and details of their backgrounds is available from our website.

Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council

Food Ministers protect public health, support industry innovation

The eighth meeting of the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council was held in Melbourne on 5 May 2006, chaired by Christopher Pyne, Parliamentary Secretary to the Australian Government Minister for Health and Ageing.

The Ministerial Council comprises Ministers responsible for food issues in Australia and New Zealand .   At the meeting, the Ministerial Council considered a number of policy issues and projects related to food regulation in Australia and New Zealand , several of which are still in train and will be reported on after the next meeting of the Ministerial Council in October 2006. Decisions made included:

Country of Origin Labelling

On 8 December 2005, FSANZ gazetted the new country of origin labelling (CoOL) Standard.   This Standard will come into full force for unpackaged fruit, vegetables, nuts and seafood for Australia- only products on 8 June 2006, for some unpackaged pork products on 8 December 2006, and for packaged goods on 8 December 2007.

At the direction of the Australian Government, FSANZ undertook an evaluation of a possible extension of CoOL to declaring the origin (or place where grown) of the principal whole food components of products containing two or less fruit and/or vegetables.  

At its meeting, the Ministerial Council considered the report from Food Standards Australia New Zealand on this feasibility study.   The study found that the cost of the proposed extension to CoOL would exceed the benefits from its implementation and would not be in the overall interest of Australia .   Furthermore it was found that it would harm the horticultural industry, the horticultural processing industry and exports, and the domestic industry would also be harmed in favour of imports of finished products.   The FSANZ report can be accessed on the FSANZ website at  www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/CoOL_Feasibility_Report_%2028_March_2006.pdf .  

The Ministerial Council therefore decided not to further extend the CoOL Standard and noted that the CoOL Standard that they approved in December 2006 would be progressively implemented through 2006 and 2007.

The Council members noted that a new working group established by the Australian Government is being established, with membership from the horticulture sector as well as relevant government and food industry representatives.

The working group will develop a voluntary ‘Australian Grown’ labelling scheme, as well as examine provisions in the Trade Practices Act to better reflect the content of packaged food products.

Mandatory Fortification

The Ministerial Council considered advice from FSANZ regarding the timeframes for developing standards for mandatory fortification of food with folic acid and with iodine and agreed to make a final decision at their next meeting in October 2006.

Overarching Policy Guideline for Primary Production Standards

The Ministerial Council approved a revised policy guideline for Primary Production Standards.   The revised guideline provides overarching Ministerial guidance for the development of all national primary production and processing standards for food products in Australia.  

The guideline, endorsed by all states and territories, and the Australian Government, will ensure that the development of standards for primary production and processing of food products will be consistent across Australia .  States and territories will recognise the national standards in their food regulatory legislation.

Primary production and processing standards for various food sectors ensure that food safety is addressed across the entire food chain using minimum effective regulation, and will provide the food production and processing sector with clear statements of its food safety responsibilities. A Primary Production and Processing Standard for Seafood was gazetted on 26 May 2005. The development of primary production and processing standards for the poultry and dairy sectors is underway, and future work will cover other sectors including eggs, plant products and red meat.

Seeking public comment

You are invited to make written submissions to FSANZ on the following Applications and Proposals, as well as the Food Standards Work Plan.  These items reflect information from current Notification Circular.

Closing date 6pm ( Canberra time) 31 July 2006

Closing date 6pm ( Canberra time) 11 August 2006 (extended from 12 July 2006)

Enhancing the Safety and Security of our Food Supply

After extensive consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders the Food Chain Assurance Advisory Group has completed the National Food Chain Safety and Security Strategy.  The Strategy, Enhancing the Safety and Security of Our Food Supply,was launched by the Attorney General –at an official dinner – held on 1 May 2006.

The Food Chain Assurance Advisory Group is part of the national Trusted Information Sharing Network (the TISN) for critical infrastructure protection and was formed to improve the safety and security of the food supply in the new global security environment.   The TISN forms part of the national counter-terrorism arrangements.   Our food industry represents an essential piece of national critical infrastructure.   If our agriculture and food industries are disrupted or interfered with there is the real potential for community anxiety and a severe impact on our economy.

Food exports generate around $24 billion in foreign revenue.  The industry employs over a one million people and contributes around seven per cent of GDP.   So when we talk about critical infrastructure protection—protecting the food sector must be a high priority.

The National Food Chain Safety and Security Strategy adopts an ‘all hazards’ approach acknowledging the wide range of natural, accidental and malicious hazards facing the sector.   The strategy recognises that we already have a robust food safety and security system.  However, it also acknowledges the changed global security environment that now includes the potential for deliberate, malicious intervention, including by terrorists, either directly or indirectly.

The strategy identifies potential gaps and vulnerabilities in the existing arrangements and identifies what needs to be done to improve our preparedness to respond to any incident.   While recognising these potential hazards, the strategy takes the approach that it is neither possible nor economically sensible to attempt to deal with every risk.   Accordingly, there is a strong emphasis on risk management, preparedness and response and recovery strategies.

At the launch the Attorney-General commented that “the approach and initiatives outlined in the report to enhance the protection of our food supply are smart and achievable and built on good business sense.”

The Attorney General also acknowledged the excellent work of the Food Chain Group.   He noted that the ability of the TISN to get the input and involvement of industry ensured that the strategy reflected the needs and priorities of the food industry.

More information about the strategy can be obtained by contacting the office of the chair of the Food Chain Group, Mr Dick Wells, at the Australian Food and Grocery Council on (02) 6273 1466.

Copies of the Strategy are being distributed to the owners and operators of businesses in the food supply chain through industry networks and to relevant government agencies.   Copies can also be obtained by contacting Alan Edwards at the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on (02) 6272 4513 or at alan.edwards@affa.gov.au

Country of Origin Food Labellling Consumer Brochure 

Our new Country of Origin Food Labelling – advice for consumers brochure explains the new labelling requirements for unpackaged fresh and processed fruit, vegetables, nuts and seafood that began on 8 June.   These requirements are detailed in the new food standard which became law in Australia 8 December 2005.   The changes will only apply to Australia.

From 8 June 2006, all unpackaged fresh and processed fruit, vegetables, nuts and seafood must say which country they come from, including Australia .   From December this year, unpackaged fresh and processed pork products must also be labelled with their country of origin. The changes to packaged foods must be completed by December 2007.

Earlier this year, we produced a user guide to the new labelling standard to help business and enforcement agencies understand the requirements. The new consumer brochure adds to the package of measures to help consumers make informed choices.   Both the user guide and brochure are available from our website.

Standards Update

Update on Health claims

The Draft Assessment Report for the proposal on nutrition, health and related claims closed for public comment on 31 March 2006.   The public consultation process involved a round of extensive public stakeholder briefings and targeted consultations in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Auckland and Wellington .   The purpose of the consultations was to provide general overviews or discuss particular aspects of the proposals with a variety of audiences.

We received 132 submissions as part of the consultation process.   These submissions are now being analysed.   Major themes raised in submissions relate to those put forward in public consultations.   These include the disqualifying criteria for health claims and the foods that would be able to make health claims, the labelling change requirements for making content claims, the requirement for percentage daily intake for content claims, and the handling of endorsements.

We will continue to work closely with health professionals, industry and consumer representatives, and the jurisdictions to achieve sensible results.   Currently, consideration is being given to amending some of the recommendations.   A further round of public consultation will be held in the second half of 2006.   Details of the time of release of the preliminary final report and consultation period will be notified through our website.

Updated information on Food Additives

We have now updated our fact sheet on food additives, with new information to help consumers make informed food choices.

Food additives are an important component of our food supply. They mean that we can enjoy a wide variety of foods throughout the year. They also have an important role in ensuring that our food lasts longer and is easier to use.   Additives can be used to improve the keeping quality or stability of a food, for example, sorbitol - humectant (420) - may be added to mixed dried fruit to maintain the moisture level and softness of the fruit.   Some additives help to preserve food, while others improve the taste or appearance of a processed food.   Additives are used in processed foods in relatively small quantities.   Many substances used as additives also occur naturally, such as ascorbic acid (300) in fruit and lecithin (322) in eggs or soybeans.

Lifetime achievement award for FSANZ board member Laurence Eyres

The New Zealand Food and Grocery Council (NZFGC) established the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 to recognise industry figures who have contributed substantially to the industry, have played a strong role in the affairs of the former GMA and now the FGC, usually through membership on the Board or FGC Committees, and who have demonstrated leadership, vision, integrity and inspiration. The Award is to acknowledge the personal contribution the recipient has made to the industry. At the recent NZFGC AGM, Laurence Eyres was announced the recipient of the 2006 Award to very popular acclaim.   Laurence is also member of the FSANZ Board.

In presenting the Award, Peter McClure, CEO, Fonterra Brands NZ Ltd acknowledged the invaluable contribution Laurence Eyres has made to the industry.  His technological expertise has made an outstanding contribution to the New Zealand food industry and his input on the FGC Science and Technical Committee has also been invaluable.

FSANZ Staff Awards

Annual Development Award 2006

Dr Duncan Craig is the recipient of our Annual Development Award.   Our CEO, Graham Peachey, presented Duncan with the award following the FSANZ Board meeting in May for “Corporate achievement in recognition of the significant contribution made to the food standards development work of FSANZ and in fostering a Team FSANZ work environment”.   As the recipient of this award, Duncan receives funding of $8,000 to pursue a development opportunity.

Staff Quarterly Awards for Innovation and Client Service

We also recognise the expertise and dedication of staff through our Quarterly Awards for Innovation and Client Service.   Our Chief Executive Officer, Graham Peachey, presented two such awards in May.   One award went to the Diamond team comprising Tracey Hambridge, Julie Boorman, Renee Sobolewski, and Benita Lalor.   This award recognised their efficiency in delivering accurate dietary exposure assessments in a professional manner, striving to meet deadlines imposed by other sections and building up the database on food labels to ensure modelling assumptions are based on products within the market place.

Ros Jones received the other award for her tireless ability to provide an exemplary level of client service, contributing to our corporate objectives.

Congratulations to all award recipients!

Calendar of Events  

Come and meet FSANZ staff at the following events:

Date and location

Event

 

11-19 September 2006 Melbourne

Fine Foods for more details see http://www.foodaustralia.com.au/food/index.asp

 

11-13 September 2006 Wellington

New Zealand Dietetic Association Conference see

http://www.dietitians.org.nz/mainsite/NZDAConferences.html

 

Food Safety Week 2006: 6-12 November

‘No, it’s not a good idea to leave your left-over pizza on the table overnight and then eat the remains for breakfast.’

Young people leaving home for the first time face many challenges, including learning to cook for themselves. They may be looking forward to eating their favourite food and experimenting in the kitchen. Who knows? There could even be a budding Jamie Oliver out there! But how much do young people know about making sure the food they prepare or purchase ready-to-eat is safe?

Research conducted by the Food Safety Information Council over the past few years shows that young people, particularly young men, have poor knowledge of basic food safety issues, such as the importance of hand washing and food temperature control. Food safety is simply not top of their list of important skills to learn.

Food Safety Week 2006 aims to raise awareness of food safety among young people and to educate them about the risks of poor food handling.

Temperature control will be a key message of the week—refrigerating leftover food if you plan to eat it later, keeping the fridge at or below 5 degrees, and reheating food until it’s steaming hot before eating.

Basic hygiene—washing hands, keeping food preparation surfaces and implements clean—will be another main message of the week.

During Food Safety Week 2006, there will be many sponsorship opportunities.

If you’d like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, or want to participate in Food Safety Week in any way, contact the Council’s Executive Officer, Tania Bradley (02) 6254 4896 or e-mail to info@foodsafety.asn.au

For more information about our conferences and events, see the FSANZ website at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/events/eventscalendar.cfm

Consumer Education 

In the last two months, we have released several new consumer education resources: a brochure about folic acid and pregnancy; a brochure about country of origin food labelling; and an updated fact sheet on food additives. All these brochures are available from our website, or by calling the FSANZ Information Officer on (02) 6271 2241 or emailing info@foodstandards.gov.au .   We are developing more education resources over the coming months on issues such as fortification of food and food labelling.   Register on our website to receive alerts about these resources.

New Folic acid and pregnancy brochure

A new brochure about folic acid in food for women expecting pregnancy was launched recently by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne.   “It is especially important for women to consume adequate folic acid every day before becoming pregnant and, during the first three months of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of birth abnormalities, such as spina bifida,” Mr Pyne said.

  “You can get folate from rich natural sources such as oranges, green leafy vegetables, baked beans, lentils and peanuts. Folic acid is also added voluntarily by manufacturers to some breakfast cereals and breads - where it will be listed in the nutrition information panel.

  “The best way for women to get enough folic acid is to take a folic acid supplement, as well as eating foods fortified with folic acid or naturally rich in folate. Women planning pregnancy should talk to their health professional about the need to take folic acid supplements, which are readily available from pharmacists. You should consult your doctor if you have a family history of neural tube defects, like spina bifida.

  “However, it can be difficult to get enough folate from eating food - and not all pregnancies may be planned. So, as a matter of priority, FSANZ will be finalising consideration of a food standard this year for the mandatory fortification of food with folic acid.   I encourage all women to ensure they are getting enough folic acid,” Mr Pyne concluded.

The Folic Acid and pregnancy – advice for women brochure is available from the FSANZ website, or by calling the FSANZ Information Officer on (02) 6271 2241 or emailing info@foodstandards.gov.au

Food for Thought  

Welcome to a new regular feature about what food issues have been in the news recently. If you’d like to be kept up to date subscribe on our website to the Food Standards News and Food Standards Update Service http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/mediareleasespublications/informationservice.cfm .

Streamlined food approvals to Benefit Consuers and Streamlilned $66 Billion Industry

Federal Budget investment of $2.9 million over two years will introduce a streamlined system of food standard approvals. This will boost the development of new foods and the international competitiveness of Australia ’s $66 billion food industry. C onsumers will also benefit by being able to purchase new foods sooner, gaining greater choice in foods and having much better input to the food standards system.

New nutrition reference values for Australia and New Zealand 

The NHMRC has released new dietary advice telling us to increase our intake of some key nutrients, but cut back on salt and saturated fats to reduce the risk of nutritional deficiency and chronic illness.

Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand isa joint project between the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Ministry of Health in New Zealand.

The report will help nutritionists and other health professionals accurately assess the dietary needs of individuals and groups. It sets the standard on both sides of the Tasman for all future guidelines and advice about nutrients and how much of them we need. It updates recommendations for daily energy and nutrient intakes for children and adults of various ages—as well as for women during pregnancy and lactation—and is based on the latest and best scientific advice.

For the first time, the guidelines make recommendations about how to optimise what we eat to reduce the risk of chronic disease. For example, the new folate values include recommendations for prevention of deficiency and neural tube defects in babies, as well as the prevention of chronic diseases.

Recommended intakes for all nutrients can be met by eating a wide variety of other nutritious foods every day including fruit, vegetables, wholegrain cereals, reduced-fat dairy foods, lean meats and small amount of fats and oils.

The nutritional advice given in this report will be translated into other publications—to help individuals work out how much food and what variety of foods to eat each day, according to their age and stage of life.

The document and a set of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers are available at: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/n35syn.htm

Benzene in Soft Drinks

Following international interest in this issue and findings of low levels of benzene in soft drinks and other beverages, we investigated a range of Australian non-alcoholic beverages in March and April this year.   We sampled 68 flavoured beverages purchased from typical retail outlets and analysed for benzene by a suitably qualified independent laboratory.   Our survey results do not raise any public health concerns in relation to benzene levels in flavoured non-alcoholic beverages available in Australia, as the trace amounts found make a very small impact on overall benzene exposure.   Nonetheless, we have liaised with other government departments and the food industry to ensure that levels of benzene in beverages are kept as low as can be achieved, while still ensuring the microbiological safety of these products.   A fact sheet about the survey results is now accessible via our website at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/mediareleasespublications/factsheets/factsheets2006/benzeneinflavouredbe3244.cfm

Food Additives

A report on Today Tonight[22/5/06] claimed that additives cause headaches, insomnia, stomach aches, skin irritations, asthma, irritability, inability to concentrate, boisterous behaviour, antisocial behaviour, swelling of the lips and tongue, a threat to life. We updated our fact sheet on food additives in May 2006 – see our website at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/mediareleasespublications/factsheets/factsheets2006/whatarefoodadditives3228.cfm .