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Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A (BPA) Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the lining of some food and beverage packaging to protect food from contamination and extend shelf life. It’s also used in non-food products. Small amounts of BPA can migrate into food and beverages from containers. For a number of years concerns have been raised that BPA exposure may cause health problems. However, when food safety authorities around the world have reviewed BPA they have generally concluded there are no safety concerns at the levels people are exposed to. In April 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a re-evaluation of the risks to public health from the presence of BPA in food. EFSA concluded the tolerable daily intake (or TDI) for BPA should be substantially reduced from the temporary value it had previously…
Published 26 June 2024
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
Takeaway coffee cup measures program
Takeaway coffee cup measures program
Background In July 2011, FSANZ undertook a small program to estimate the average volumes for a range of takeaway coffee cup sizes available that were likely to be reported during the 2011-13 Australian Health Survey (AHS). As naming of…Published 8 July 2015
2014-15 Key foods program
2014-15 Key foods program In mid-2014, FSANZ commenced a small analytical program to improve the quality and robustness of its food composition data holdings. Foods and beverages were identified for analysis based on current data holdings and frequency of their consumption in the 2011-13 Australian Health Survey (AHS). The analytical program was staged in 4 phases. Phases 1-3 identified 43 of the highest priority foods and beverages for analysis. Phase 4 focused exclusively on alcoholic beverages as the most recent data available to FSANZ for beer and table wines was collated in1990, and the varieties analysed did not accurately reflect current product availability and patterns of consumption. The range of nutrients analysed differed for each food and…
Published 16 June 2020
Caffeine
Caffeine Caffeine occurs naturally in foods, such as coffee, tea and cocoa and has a long history of use as a mild stimulant. Products are also available with added caffeine, including cola-type soft drinks and formulated caffeinated beverages (energy drinks). Some caffeine products are not considered safe for consumption and have been banned in Australia and New Zealand. These products usually come in the form of powders and syrups and are typically marketed as sports supplements. Caffeine content of some food and drinks: Is there a safe limit for caffeine? There is no recognised health-based guidance value, such as an Acceptable Daily Intake, for caffeine. However, a FSANZ Expert Working Group analysed the available…
Published 1 November 2023
Sausage sizzles and barbecues
Sausage sizzles and barbecues Sausage sizzles and barbecues are a popular way to raise money for charities and community organisations. They are often held outdoors to take advantage of Australia's good weather and open spaces. Provided you take some simple food safety precautions and sell freshly cooked food straight from the barbecue, the food should be safe. Preparing and cooking food safely Take the following precautions at sausage sizzles and barbecues to ensure that food is safe.
- Finish preparing raw meat before leaving for the site such as slicing, marinating or skewering.
- Pack raw meat into insulated boxes with ice bricks for transportation.
- Handle food with tongs or other equipment. Use separate equipment to handle raw and cooked meats. Hands should not be…
Published 1 October 2025
UPDATED 30.05.25 | SSM International Pty Ltd - Coco2 Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 Formulas 800g
UPDATED 30.05.25 | SSM International Pty Ltd - Coco2 Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 Formulas 800g SSM International Pty Ltd are conducting a recall of the above product(s). The product(s) have been available for sale in Go Vita stores in NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA, NT and WA, Priceline stores in QLD, Independent retailers in SA, and online nationally. Batch Codes:
- Coco2 Infant Formula Stage 1 - 7109, 7151
- Coco2 Follow-on Formula Stage 2 - 7108, 7149
- Coco2 Toddler Drink Stage 3 - 7107, 7147
Published 22 May 2025
Cassava and bamboo shoots
Cassava and bamboo shoots Cassava and bamboo shoots available in Australia and New Zealand are safe to eat provided you prepare them properly. These foods contain cyanogenic glycosides; chemicals that can be broken down to release hydrogen cyanide, which can be harmful to consumers. Under the Food Standards Code cassava and bamboo shoots must be labelled with (or if unpackaged accompanied by) a statement indicating they must be fully cooked (and peeled in the case of cassava) before eating. Cassava The simplest method of detoxifying cassava roots is the wetting method1:
- Peel the tubers, chop them and grind them into flour
- Mix the flour with water in a ratio of 1 part cassava flour to 1.25 parts water, by weight
- Spread the mixture of flour and water in a…
Published 2 October 2025
Ingredient lists and percentage labelling
Ingredient lists and percentage labelling Ingredient lists Ingredients must be listed in descending order (by ingoing weight). This means that when the food was manufactured, the first ingredient listed contributed the largest amount and the last ingredient listed contributed the least. For example, if sugar is listed near the start of the list the product contains a greater proportion of this ingredient. If the product contains added water, it must be listed in the ingredient list according to its ingoing weight, with an allowance made for any water lost during processing, e.g. water lost as steam. The only exceptions are when the added water:
- makes up less than 5% of the finished product,
- is part of a broth, brine or syrup that is listed in the ingredient list, or
- is used to…
Published 25 January 2022
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