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Iodine fortification

Iodine fortification Iodine is a naturally occurring mineral and an essential nutrient for life. It is found in the food we eat and the water we drink. Adequate intakes of dietary iodine by Australians, particularly females of child-bearing age and breast-feeding mothers is important for health and to reduce possible iodine-deficiency health problems such as impaired neurological function in babies and young children. Mandatory iodine fortification was implemented in Australia in 2009 through Standard 2.1.1 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code which required the replacement of non-iodised salt with iodised salt for making all breads except organic bread and bread mixes for making bread at home. Mandatory iodine…

Published 1 April 2019

Colours and food additives reported as banned

Colours and food additives reported as banned Sometimes colours and other food additives are reported as “banned” in some countries but permitted in Australia and New Zealand. A lack of permission in a country is not the same thing as a ban. It may mean manufacturers have never sought permission to use the additive, usually because alternatives are approved. Sometimes additives are not approved because of circumstances unique to a country (e.g. different dietary exposure). Different countries also have their own food regulatory systems and legislation. This can mean an additive may have been banned many years ago, however scientific evidence since then has proven it is safe. For example, there is legislation in the US that prevents permission of…

Published 15 September 2021

Monitoring the safety of our food supply

Monitoring the safety of our food supply FSANZ and other Australian and New Zealand government agencies continuously monitor the food supply to ensure it is safe, and that foods comply with standards for microbiological contaminants, pesticide residue limits and chemical contamination. FSANZ also monitors nutrients in the Australian food supply, compiling the results in databases available to the public.   Completed ISFR food surveys…

Published 23 March 2021

Australian Total Diet Study

Australian Total Diet Study The Australian Total Diet Study is Australia's most comprehensive monitoring survey of chemicals, nutrients and other substances in the Australian diet. We measure the levels of different chemicals and substances in a range of foods typical to the Australian diet. We use this data to estimate Australian consumers' exposure to chemicals through food to ensure it is safe to eat. The ATDS is also a trusted source of public health information which is used by the World Health Organisation (WHO), other government and nongovernment agencies and independent researchers. The first ATDS (formerly the Australian Market Basket Survey) was conducted over 50 years ago in 1970 by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). FSANZ has managed…

Published 10 December 2021

Australian food recalls

Australian food recalls Food recalls remove unsafe food from sale to protect consumers. Food can be recalled for a range of reasons, including product contamination, undeclared allergens and labelling errors. When a recall happens, FSANZ works with food businesses and regulators to coordinate the response and inform consumers.  Add block Australian food recall alerts View all recalls Alog Australian Wholesalers Pty Ltd -…

Food allergen portal

Food allergen portal Food allergies can be life threatening. For people who have a food allergy the only way to manage the allergy is to avoid the food allergen. For this reason there are laws in place, for example mandatory labelling to help people who have a food allergy avoid food allergens. Title Guidance and resources Card Manufacturers, retailers and importers The food industry is required to comply with the allergen declaration requirements in…

Homepage

Homepage Safe food for life Food safety is our business. FSANZ has set the standards for safe food in Australia and New Zealand for more than 25 years. Our work is at the heart of the world class bi-national food regulation system, ensuring consumers in both countries can be confident the food they buy is safe to eat.  Have your say! FSANZ conducts public consultations on proposed food standards. We welcome feedback from stakeholders and the broader community on applications and proposals to change the Food Standards Code. Add…