Food Standards Australia New Zealand

Food Surveillance News - Winter 2009

FSANZ releases report on the Analysis of Food-Related Health Risks

Planning for the 24th Australian Total Diet Study

Salmonella in Peanuts and Pistachios from the United States

A snapshot of surveillance activities abroad

Keeping an eye on food recalls

FSANZ attends the 42nd Annual AIFST Convention

FSANZ provides microbiological risk assessment training in Malaysia

FSANZ releases report on the Analysis of Food-Related Health Risks

In February 2009, FSANZ published a comprehensive document entitled ‘The Analysis of Food-Related Health Risks’, which provides an overview of the broad approach adopted by FSANZ to analyse the health risks associated with food. The document provides general information on a range of food-related health risks; however the key focus is to describe therisk analysisframework FSANZ uses and how this is applied to food risks.

The risk analysis process at FSANZ is modelled on the Codex risk analysis framework which has three interrelated components: risk assessment,risk managementandrisk communication.

Analysis

Surveillance activities, which collect analytical data, are essential elements in informing both risk assessment and risk management components of the risk analysis process. Activities such as the Australian Total Diet Study and other ad hoc surveys can assist in providing data on the levels of various chemicals, nutrients and other substances of interest in foods, which assist in informing the dietary exposure assessments. The dietary exposure assessment is essential in informing the risk assessment process.

Surveillance activities also inform risk management by providing data that monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of regulatory measures implemented. Data obtained through surveillance activities e.g. levels of additives and contaminants in foods, can be directly compared to levels set in the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code. This form of monitoring is on-going and iterative in the risk analysis process and can lead to revision of risk assessments or reduce uncertainties within the risk analysis.

The Analysis of Food-Related Health Risks document is available on the FSANZ website at the following address-http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/newsroom/publications/index.cfm#_indexA.

Planning for the 24th Australian Total Diet Study

FSANZ has commenced planning for the 24th Australian Total Diet Study (ATDS). The ATDS provides a comprehensive assessment of the Australian population’s dietary exposure to a range of food chemicals. The survey also provides valuable quantitative data that can be used to inform risk management and public health decisions, as well as the development of food regulatory measures.

A list of potential analytes was developed through internal consultation and with food regulatory agencies from the Australian States and Territories at the Implementation Sub Committee (ISC) Coordinated Food Survey Planning Workshop in November 2008. The ISC Coordinated Food Survey Planning Workshop is a forum which aims to promote a consistent and coordinated approach to surveillance and monitoring activities across Australian jurisdictions and New Zealand.

After further consultation and refinement, a detailed survey proposal was presented at the April 2009 ISC Coordinated Food Survey Planning Workshop. The Workshop agreed to include the 24th ATDS on the Coordinated Food Survey Plan (CFSP) for 2009-2012. The ISC CFSP is a three year forward plan for collaborative survey activities of national or bi-national significance and is presented to ISC for endorsement.  

At a later stage, FSANZ will organise an invitation to tender for the analytical component of the study. Contingent on funding and resources, it is envisaged that sampling for the 24th ATDS will be conducted in 2010-2011 with an aim to publish by the end of 2012.

Salmonella in Peanuts and Pistachios from the United States

Peanuts

Between November 2008 and March 2009, the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) reported 691 cases of foodborne illness in the US caused bySalmonellaTyphimurium, linked with the consumption of peanuts and peanut products.  Illness occurred across 46 states and may have contributed to nine deaths.   The affected peanuts were distributed by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA).

More than 3,800 peanut containing products were voluntarily recalled in the US. Affected products included peanut butter, peanut paste, crackers, ice cream, cookie dough, confectionery, energy bars, curry sauces, bakery products and pet foods.

In response to this incident, FSANZ worked closely with national and international agencies, as well as industry, to establish whether any contaminated products were imported into Australia. The Australian response was facilitated by timely notifications from the USFDA, which occurred under a pre-existing confidentiality agreement between FSANZ and the USFDA that facilitates food safety information sharing. To assist in the identification of affected products, FSANZ also collaborated with the Australian Customs Service, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, the International Food Safety Authorities Network, the Food and Beverage Importers Association, the Australian Food and Grocery Council and Australian importers.

A number of products (frozen cookie dough; a protein bar; trail mix and several nutritional bars) manufactured in the US, linked to the outbreak and subject to the US recall were identified as having been exported to Australia and were withdrawn from sale for precautionary purposes.

Australia’s national foodborne illness investigation network, OzFoodNet, did not identify any Australian cases of salmonellosis linked to the consumption of PCA peanut products.

Pistachios

In April 2009, the US reported a large recall of pistachios and pistachio products due to contamination with Salmonella. FSANZ requested information from the USFDA on potential imports of pistachios and pistachio products into Australia, and advised that several potentially contaminated products had been exported to Australia. These products were traced from US records and were recalled from the Australian market.

Salmonellawas detected in a pistachio production facility in the US, but cases of illness linked with the consumption of these products were not identified in the US, Australia or other countries. There was no evidence to suggest a link with the earlier contamination of peanuts in the US.

A snapshot of surveillance activities abroad

Surveillance capability within a food regulatory agency provides an essential scientific foundation that is critical for sound risk assessment and subsequent risk management. Data obtained from surveillance activities is fundamental in identifying hazards in food which may present a risk to public health and safety. A snapshot of recent surveillance activities occurring around the world by some of FSANZ’s international food regulatory agency counterparts is discussed below.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

The EFSA received a request in 2008 to conduct a risk assessment on the levels of uranium in foodstuffs across eight European countries. Following the analysis of uranium concentrations in water and food samples, a total of 9,045 analytical results were submitted to EFSA. The mean dietary exposure to uranium across the eight European countries was estimated to range from 0.05 to 0.09 mg/kg bw per day. The dietary exposures to uranium reported for high consumers (95th percentile) were estimated to be between 0.09 and 0.14 mg/kg bw per day. These estimates fall well below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.6 mg/kg bw per day set by the World Health Organization. The opinion paper, published on the EFSA website in April 2009, can be found at the following link:  http://www.efsa.europa.eu/cs/BlobServer/Scientific_Opinion/contam_op_ej1018_uranium_in_food_en_rev1.pdf?ssbinary=true

In May 2009, EFSA published results from the monitoring of levels of acrylamide in certain foods. This was a directive of the European Commission in May 2007, which requested member states of the EU to monitor the levels of acrylamide in food on an annual basis over the years 2007 to 2009. A total of 21 member states sampled from the following food types- French fries , potato crisps , potato products for home cooking , bread , breakfast cereals , biscuits, roasted coffee , jarred baby foods , processed cereal-based baby foods and other products . From the 2007 sampling and analysis period, a total of 2715 results were submitted to EFSA. These results have been compared with the European Commission Joint Research Centres Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements results from 2003 to 2006. In general, acrylamide levels were lower in the current study in comparison to the 2003 to 2006 study; however this was not consistent for all food groups.   A comparison of the estimated dietary exposures between the 2003 to2006 study and the 2007 study indicated a decrease at the geometric mean of approximately 30%.  

The full scientific report on the 2007 acrylamide results is available at the following web address: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/cs/BlobServer/Report/datex_report_acrylamide_en,0.pdf?ssbinary=true

Health Canada

The Canadian Total Diet Study (TDS) is a major food and nutrition surveillance activity conducted by Health Canada’s Food Research Division of the Bureau of Chemical Safety. The TDS is up to its sixth edition since the inception of the study in 1969. The current TDS in progress commenced in 2005 and approximately 210 individual foods are being sampled in a number of major Canadian cities. Typical analytes that have been investigated in previous TDS include contaminants and other chemicals including pesticides, PCBs, dioxins/furans, PBDEs, trace elements, nitrosamines, disinfection by-products and radionuclides. Through laboratory analysis, the concentrations of these chemicals in the food supply are used to estimate dietary exposures across different age-sex groups in the Canadian population. Additional information on the Canadian TDS can be found at the following link:  http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/surveill/total-diet/index-eng.php

New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA)

A key surveillance project undertaken by the NZFSA is the New Zealand Total Diet Study (NZTDS). Conducted at five or six year intervals, the study aims to assess the exposure of the New Zealand population to chemical contaminants, residues and selected nutrients in the food supply. Currently underway is the 2009 NZTDS, which will analyse for residues of more than 250 agricultural compounds; contaminants including arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury; and the nutrients iodine and selenium in over 120 foods which are representative of a typical New Zealand diet. Sampling is being conducted over a 12 month period and is to be completed in 2009.The laboratory analysis is scheduled to commence in 2009 and publication is planned for September 2010. More information on the NZTDS is available at: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/science/research-projects/total-diet-survey/

Furthermore, the NZFSA conducts an annual Food Residues Surveillance Programme (FRSP). The aim of the FRSP is to measure the effectiveness of current regulations for chemical residues on imported and domestically produced foods. Notably, the design of the FRSP is different to that of the NZTDS. The FRSP is focused on the analysis of raw produce ‘as harvested,’ whereas the foods sampled as part of the NZTDS are analysed on an ‘as consumed’ basis.   One such example of an activity conducted under the FRSP is the New Zealand Farmed Seafood survey. This survey analysed for triphenylmethane dyes, antibiotics, sulphonamides, phenicols and nitrofurans in crabs, scallops, oysters, shrimps and prawns. Further detail on the FRSP can be found at the following link:  http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/science/research-projects/food-residues-surveillance-programme/index.htm

UK Food Standards Agency (UK FSA)

In 2009, the UK Food Standards Agency published two food surveys on their website;

  • Survey of arsenic in rice drinks and
  • Survey on measurement of concentrations of metals and other elements from the 2006 UK total diet study (TDS).

The survey of arsenic in rice drinks investigated levels of total and inorganic arsenic in sixty samples of rice drinks. The study reported detections of arsenic at low concentrations in all of the rice drink samples (levels of total arsenic ranged from 0.010 mg/kg to 0.034 mg/kg and inorganic arsenic from 0.005 mg/kg to 0.020 mg/kg). It was noted that these levels are consistent with the levels found in previous surveys of arsenic in rice and rice products. Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic only was estimated for toddlers (1.5-4.5 years), young persons (4-18 years) and adults (over 18 years). These estimates were then compared to the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for inorganic arsenic. Further information on this report is available at: http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/fsis0209arsenicinrice.pdf

The survey on measurement of concentrations of metals and other elements from the 2006 UK TDS reported on the concentrations of 24 elements and metals and estimated the dietary exposure to these elements for the UK population. Of the 20 food groups sampled, all concentrations except for aluminium, barium and manganese were lower or comparable to levels reported in earlier TDS. Similarly, the survey report noted that population dietary exposures to the elements and metals have reduced in comparison to the results of previous TDSs. The results of the survey were assessed by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment. Additional information on the design and findings of this survey can be found at: http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/fsis0109metals.pdf

Keeping an eye on food recalls 

Food identified as a risk to public health and safety is recalled. Recalls are normally triggered by consumer complaints, company testing or government testing. FSANZ is the coordinating agency for all food recalls in Australia and the NZFSA is the responsible authority in New Zealand.

Australian recalls over the months of April 2009 to June 2009 included:

  • Roger’s Select Meats in Narangba, Queensland initiated a consumer recall of ready-to-eat roast beef (300-400g cryovac packets with the Use by date of 02.07.09) in response to testing that revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Any customers who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Only the above product of the nominated size and Use by Date is affected by this recall.

  • Cadbury conducted a voluntary recall of Cadbury Old Gold Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa (200g block cardboard carton around foil inner all dates up to and including 07/06/2010) due to the potential presence of milk protein which is not declared on the packaging. Consumers with an allergy or intolerance to milk protein are advised not to consume the product. No other Cadbury products are affected by this recall.

  • Regal Cream Products Pty Ltd initiated a voluntary recall of Bulla Creamy Classics- Cookies and Cream (2kg plastic tub with a Best Before 06/10/10) in response to reports of pieces of plastic in a small number of tubs. Any customers who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Only the above product of the nominated size and Best Before date is affected by this recall.

  • Campbell’s Soup Australia conducted a voluntary recall of Campbell’s Country Ladle Potato and Leek Soup (505g can batch code: 3T9PAL) as pieces of rubber have been identified in some cans. Customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Only the above product of the nominated size and batch code is affected by this recall.

  • The Smith’s Snackfood Company initiated a voluntary recall of Smith’s Classic Crinkle Cut Potato Chips Chicken Flavour (45g/90g/175g/200g polypropylene (plastic) pack with a Best Before 09 Jul 09 and lot code: GE), Smith’s Classic Crinkle Cut Potato Chips Salt and Vinegar Flavour (90g/200g polypropylene (plastic) pack and 15 pack cardboard box both with a Best Before 09 Jul 09 and lot code: GE), Variety Box (20 pack cardboard box with Best Before 09 Jul 09 and lot codes: GF and GG and Best Before 16 Jul 09 lot code: GA) and Kidz Pick Box (20 pack cardboard box with Best Before 09 Jul 09 lot codes: GE and GF and Best Before 16 Jul 09 lot code: GA) due to the discovery of pieces of rubber in some packs produced at the Queensland manufacturing site. This recall only applies to the above products of the nominated sizes, Best Before dates and lot codes. No other flavours of Smith’s Classic Crinkle Cut Potato Chips are affected by this recall. Any customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

  • Kyana Farms conducted a consumer recall of ready-to-eat IGA Deli Roast Meat (100g plastic pocket with the Use by 24 Jun 09) as a result of testing which indicated the presence ofListeria monocytogenes. If consumers have purchased this product they should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above product.

  • Meatworld Fishworld Maroochydore initiated a voluntary recall of ready-to-eat Sliced Pastrami (410g and 430g cryovac packets, available for sale from 02 May 2009) in response to testing which indicated the presence ofListeria monocytogenes. A total of 20 kg Sliced Pastrami is affected by this recall. Any customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to Meatworld Fishworld Maroochydore for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above product.

  • Haigh’s Manufacturing Pty Ltd conducted a voluntary recall of Chocolate and Almond Cookie manufactured by Baylies of Strathalbyn (120g plastic over wrap, Best Before 04 Aug 2009) due to the undeclared presence of gluten. The product is only sold through Haigh’s stores. Consumers with an allergy to gluten who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above product of the nominated size and Best Before date.

  • Mountain Creek Meats announced a consumer recall of Silverside and Boneless Ham ready-to-eat (various sizes and weights available for sale from 23 April 2009) due to testing which indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The products were only available for sale from Mountain Creek Meat store in Mountain Creek Queensland. Any customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above Mountain Creek meat products.

  • Mary’s Pasta Products initiated a voluntary recall of Mary’s Ravioli, Chicken Ravioli, Ricotta Ravioli, Mary’s Tortellini, Mary’s Gnocchi, Mary’s Egg Pasta Fettuccini, Mary’s Egg Pasta Spaghetti, Mary’s Egg Pasta Linguini, Mary’s egg Pasta Squid Ink Fettuccini, Mary’s Egg Pasta Kaffir Lime and Chilli Linguini, Mary’s Egg Pasta Chilli Spaghetti (all 500g poly bags and all date markings up to and including 01 Apr 2010), Lasagna Sheets (2kg all date markings up to and including 01 Apr 2010) and Mary’s Spaghetti Sauce (500g stand up pouch all date markings up to and including 01 Apr 2010) due to the potential contamination with foreign matter. Any customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Only the above products of the nominated sizes are affected by this recall.

  • Glutenfree Bakery conducted a voluntary recall of their Lamingtons (300g with the Use by: all dates between 28 May 2009 and 03 October 2009) due to incorrect labelling of the product. The product contains eggs which are not declared on the label. Any customers with an allergy to eggs who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above product of the nominated size and Use by dates. No other Glutenfree Bakery products are affected by this recall.

  • Sunbeam Foods conducted a voluntary recall of Sunbeam Pistachios (80g plastic pillow pack, with Best Before dates: 22 Sep 09, 23 Sep 09 and 30 Sep 09) due to being informed by their Australian supplier that the Pistachio nuts may be contaminated with Salmonella. Any customers who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above product of the nominated size and Best Before dates. No other Sunbeam product is affected by this recall.

  • Nut Producers Australia announced a voluntary recall of Value Pack Dry Roasted and Salted Pistachios (plastic bag, 500g; Best Before: 20 Aug 09) in response to information from their supplier advising that imported product from the USA may contain Salmonella. Any customers who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the product of the nominated size and Best Before date.

  • Nocelle Foods conducted a voluntary recall of Natures Delight Pistachios salted (500g all Best Before dates), Natures Delight Pistachio Kernels (125g, 300g, 375g, all Best Before dates), Natures Delight Pistachio Kernels Dry Roasted (125g all Best Before dates), Natures Delight Pistachios Roasted and Salted (150g all Best Before dates), Supa Barn Cranberry, Pistachio, Honey and Yoghurt (125g all Best Before dates), The Market Grocer Roasted and Salted (150g all Best Before dates), The Market Grocer Pistachio, Cranberry & Honey Yoghurt (125g all Best Before dates), The Market Grocer 100% Australian Mix (500g all Best Before dates), Setton Farms Roasted and Salted (11.34kg bulk box all Best Before dates) Setton Farms Kernels (11.34kg bulk box all Best Before dates) in response to testing by their supplier in the United States which revealed potential contamination with Salmonella. Any customers who have purchased the affected products should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall only applies to the above products.

  • Heinz Australia initiated a precautionary recall of Heinz Dijon Mustard Sauce with a Hint of Orange (370ml plastic bottle, batch code: 3248 and Best Before 19/11/10) due to the incorrect labelling of a small batch of this product which does not declare the presence of egg and milk. Any customers with an allergy to egg or milk who have purchased the affected product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

There were 2 recalls in New Zealand over the same period.

  • Cadbury initiated a voluntary recall of Cadbury Old Gold Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa (200g block with all Best Before dates up to and including 07/06/10) as the product contains milk protein which has not been declared on the product label. Consumers who are allergic or intolerant to milk protein are advised not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall does not affect any other Cadbury product.

  • Nutrition Systems NZ Pty Ltd conducted a recall of all batches of Hydroxycut weightloss supplement (150 and 120 caplets) a U.S. originated product sold in health-food stores in New Zealand. This product has been recalled in the U.S. Customers who have purchased this product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This recall does not apply to Australian branded products which can be identified by AUST L number on the front panel of the label. The numbers are AUST L 154243, AUST L 154647 and AUST L 154808.

FSANZ attends the 42nd Annual AIFST Convention

The 42nd Annual Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Incorporated (AIFST) Convention was held at the Brisbane Convention Centre from 13-16 July 2009. The theme of the Convention was “It’s Crunch Time”, which encompasses the broad issues and challenges currently faced by the agrifood industry such as climate change, environmental and economic sustainability, as well as food safety and security.

FSANZ was represented at the Convention, providing presentations on:

  • ‘The essential relationship between innovation and regulation’, which emphasized the importance for innovation programs to incorporate and consider regulatory matters as part of the innovation plan.
  • ‘A regulatory perspective of nanotechnology’which outlined some of the initiatives FSANZ is undertaking in anticipation of the potential use of nanotechnology in the Australian and New Zealand food sectors.
  • ‘The revised industry protocol for conducting a food recall’which noted the key aspects of the revised recall process, including the roles and responsibilities of the food industry, food enforcement agencies and FSANZ.  The importance of receiving timely and accurate food distribution information to ensure the recalled product is effectively targeted was also emphasized.

FSANZ considers attendance and participation at relevant conferences and conventions as a valuable opportunity to:

  • keep abreast of the challenges and issues confronted by the food industry
  • to identify a need for any potential   future surveillance activities
  • remain informed of developments in food processing techniques and applications.

FSANZ provides microbiological risk assessment training in Malaysia

FSANZ recently completed a consultancy with the World Health Organization to provide expertise and training to staff from the Food Safety and Quality Division of the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) on quantitative microbiological risk assessment. The training activity involved an initial workshop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in March 2009 to provide participants with a general understanding of the Codex Risk Analysis framework and practical examples of microbiological risk assessment. The 25 participants from state food and public health laboratories and staff from MOH developed a conceptual model and identified data requirements for a case study onBacillus cereusin fried rice prepared and served in school hostels. Fried rice is frequently served in Malaysian schools and has been associated with outbreaks of foodborne illness due toB. cereus.

An outcome of the initial workshop was development of a workplan to gather data on:

(a)  Prevalence and levels ofB. cereusvegetative cells and spores in raw rice, cooked rice and fried rice.

(b)  Information on practices undertaken for the preparation and serving of fried rice in Malaysian school hostels.

A total of 150 secondary school hostels throughout Malaysia were surveyed.

A follow-up workshop was held in Langkawi, Malaysia in July 2009 whereby the results from the surveys were analysed and incorporated into a probabilistic model that predicted changes of B. cereus concentrations during fried rice production and serving. Participants gained hands-on experience of quantitative microbiological risk assessment and there was a genuine desire to further develop and utilise skills developed during the training activity. Furthermore, data gathered during the survey of school hostels provides additional information on practices that may influence the safety of food prepared in school hostels in Malaysia.