The 25th ATDS investigated a wide range of Australian foods for the presence of a number of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, and four metal contaminants (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury). A total of 88-different food types were sampled from all Australian states and territories over two sampling periods (May 2013 and February 2014). Concentrations of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and metal contaminants were generally low, with a large proportion of food samples containing no detectable residues.
Results
The 25th ATDS investigated levels of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, and metal contaminants arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, in a broad range of foods. Dietary exposure was estimated for the general Australian population and there are no public health and safety concerns for most substances. FSANZ has identified areas for future work including possible risk management options to ensure that the Australian food supply remains safe.
Conclusion
The 25th ATDS confirms the current safety of the Australian food supply for the general population in relation to the levels of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and selected metal contaminants in a broad range of foods. FSANZ has identified a number of areas for further work including risk management options to ensure that the Australian food supply remains safe. As part of this, FSANZ will continue to monitor domestic and international developments related to chemicals in food to prioritise future survey work as required. For contaminants, in particular, focus will be given to foods known to contribute significantly to dietary exposure, including for those groups identified as being at higher risk (such as infants and children).
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