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P1010 - Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods
P1010 - Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods Through Proposal P1010, we're reviewing Standard 2.9.4 - Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). Formulated supplementary sports foods (sports foods) refer to foods and drinks which are designed to assist sports people in achieving specific nutritional or performance goals. These 'special purpose' foods may contain specified ingredients which are either not permitted to be added to 'general purpose' foods and drinks, or are added at a higher level. Such foods are intended to supplement the diet rather than be a sole or principal source of nutrition. To inform our assessment, FSANZ undertook a call for data on substances used in sports foods. This was completed in September 2021. Additional consultation papers for this proposal are listed below…
Published 25 July 2023
E. coli and STEC in food
E. coli and STEC in food What is it?
- E. coli (short for Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria that can be found in the gut of people as well as many animals
- Most E. coli are harmless, but some can cause illness; for example STEC, which is short for shiga-toxin producing E. coli
- STEC can get into soil, water and food from the faeces (poo) of animals, for example from livestock or animal manure
- STEC can cause a type of foodborne illness called gastroenteritis or 'gastro'
- In some cases (about 10%) it can cause a life-threatening illness called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). For some people this can…
Published 22 December 2020
Toxins in seafood
Toxins in seafood What are they?
- Toxins (poisons) can be present in some shellfish and fish
- These toxins are known as:
- amnesic shellfish toxin
- diarrhoetic shellfish toxin
- neurotoxic shellfish toxin
- paralytic shellfish toxin
- ciguatoxin and
- histamine
- The toxins come from algae that shellfish and fish feed on, or from bacteria naturally present in some fish
- These toxins can cause gastro or neurological illnesses called:
- amnesic, diarrhoetic, neurotoxic or paralytic shellfish poisoning
- ciguatera poisoning
- Scombroid or histamine poisoning
- Severe illness can result in coma,…
Published 23 December 2020
Health and hygiene - advice for food businesses
Health and hygiene - advice for food businesses If you're a food business, making sure no-one contaminates your food because of illness or unclean habits is important to keep food safe to eat. What are the requirements? Under Standard 3.2.2 - Food Safety Practices and General Requirements, food businesses need to do whatever they can to make sure no-one on their premises contaminates food. Under Standard 3.2.3 - Food Premises and Equipment, businesses need to provide staff with hand washing facilities, toilets and storage space for personal belongings. Reduce your risk
- only food handlers should be in food preparation or packing areas
- if…
Published 30 September 2025
Processed foods
Processed foods What are processed foods? Processed foods are any foods that have been modified from their original fresh or whole state. Many foods we eat are processed in some way. They include:
- bread
- breakfast cereals
- cheese
- cakes and biscuits
- drinks, such as milk or soft drinks
- tinned fruits and vegetables
- savory snacks, such as chips, sausage rolls and pies
- meat products, such as bacon, sausage, ham, salami and paté
- ready to eat meals (including frozen meals).
Published 3 November 2023
P1054 - Pure and highly concentrated caffeine products
P1054 - Pure and highly concentrated caffeine products Urgent Proposal P1054 was prepared to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to prohibit the retail sale of pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products. FSANZ prepared the Proposal as an emergency interim response under its urgent legislative provisions following its review and report to Australian Government Ministers in August 2019. The Ministerial Report and the Initial Consideration Report found pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products posed an immediate and acute risk to consumers. FSANZ has approved the prohibition of the retail sale of foods in which total caffeine is present in a concentration of 5% or more (if the food is a solid or semi-solid food) or…
Published 16 December 2020
Food colours
Food colours Food colours are either produced naturally or derived synthetically. Like all food additives, colours must undergo a safety assessment by FSANZ before they can be used in food or drinks sold in Australia or New Zealand. This process sets a safety limit for food additives to try and ensure no one would eat an unsafe level, even if they ate a large amount of foods containing the colour over a lifetime. The food colours currently approved have been used safely for decades and FSANZ reviews all new evidence about the safety of food colours. Surveys undertaken by FSANZ have found that Australian children consume low levels of food colours. Food intolerance Some people notice a reaction to either natural or synthetic additives. Reported reactions…
Published 14 May 2021
Chemicals in food
Chemicals in food In this section
Processing food safely
Processing food safely If you're a food business that processes food, it's important to use correct techniques so the food stays safe to eat. What are the requirements? Under Standard 3.2.2 - Food Safety Practices and General Requirements, food businesses must process food in a way that keeps it safe and suitable. This means the food is protected from contamination, processed using known safe techniques and kept at a safe temperature. Reduce your risk Start with safe food
- Before you process food, make sure it is safe and suitable (e.g. ingredients from reliable suppliers, safely stored, inspected).
- Make sure food handlers know how to correctly use processing equipment…
Published 30 September 2025
Animals and pests
Animals and pests If you are a grower or primary processor of leafy vegetables or melons, you must control animals, vermin and pests to minimise their presence and the risk of contaminating produce. What are animals and pests? Animals, vermin and pests include livestock, pets and working dogs, rats and mice, birds, wild animals (e.g. kangaroos, possums and deer), flies, cockroaches and other insects. Animals and pests are known to carry harmful microorganisms that can contaminate produce and make it unacceptable. They can directly contaminate crops through their faeces and urine, hair/feathers or carcasses left on growing sites. They can also indirectly contaminate crops through contaminating buildings, equipment and inputs such as water. What are the requirements? Primary producers…
Published 1 October 2025