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Foods and nutrients in the Australian Food Composition Database

Foods and nutrients in the Australian Food Composition Database   (January 2022) Read information about the foods and nutrients included in the database, what key terms mean and information about how the data are reported. Foods  What foods are included? There are so many foods available to eat in Australia that it isn't possible to generate nutrient data for every single one. The Australian Food Composition Database primarily includes foods which are most commonly eaten by Australians or used as ingredients in other foods. A food may also be included if it…

Published 28 January 2022

Benzene in flavoured beverages

Benzene in flavoured beverages (April 2013) Benzene is a common industrial chemical used in manufacturing plastics and some types of rubbers, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. It is also found in crude oil, petrol and cigarette smoke. Benzene may also be found in non-alcoholic beverages including soft drinks at very low levels. Why is benzene in some beverages? Benzene can form at very low levels in beverages that contain both ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and sodium benzoate. Ascorbic acid occurs naturally in fruit and juices and may also be added as an antioxidant, while sodium benzoate is added to prevent spoilage. Low levels of benzene can be formed due to chemical reactions of these substances.  What is the beverage industry doing to reduce…

Published 24 June 2014

Development of food measures data

Development of food measures data On this page

• Densities
• Food specific portions
• Not further defined measures

Published 13 November 2020

Vitamins and minerals added to food

Vitamins and minerals added to food Vitamins and minerals can only be added to food if permissions exist in the Food Standards Code. The Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation has agreed that food manufacturers can add vitamins and minerals to food in response to an actual or potential population health need. This is outlined in the Fortification of Food with Vitamins and Minerals Policy Guideline. Mandatory fortification Mandatory fortification is when food…

Published 24 June 2016

Survey of scheduled pharmaceuticals in foods intended to promote weight loss

Survey of scheduled pharmaceuticals in foods intended to promote weight loss (April 2016) Summary report Issue In April 2015, FSANZ conducted an analytical survey of the levels of scheduled pharmaceuticals in weight loss products available in Australia. The survey was conducted in response to a national food incident and a number of international reports showing detectable levels of scheduled pharmaceuticals in foods and supplements intended to promote weight loss. Background In October 2010, the New South Wales Food Authority (NSWFA) activated the National Food Incident Response Protocol (NRIP) after the prescription-only medicine sibutramine was detected in imported foods and beverages labelled as 'slimming foods' from China and Hong Kong. As a result of the incident, an emergency…

Published 8 April 2016

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 November 2018

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

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 19 February 2018

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: Caffeine-infographic.png Is there a safe limit for caffeine? There is no recognised health-based guidance value, such as an Acceptable Daily Intake, for…

Published 1 November 2023

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 6 May 2021