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FSANZ survey and activities on bisphenol A

FSANZ survey and activities on bisphenol A FSANZ recognises consumers are concerned about the safety of BPA in foods, particularly the safety of food consumed by infants. In response to these concerns, FSANZ has worked with national and international agencies to examine the safety of BPA. FSANZ has assessed the relevant scientific data on BPA and will continue to assess any new published data. The weight of scientific evidence indicates that exposure to BPA in food does not present a significant human health and safety issue at current exposure levels. FSANZ recently undertook a survey of BPA levels in food and drinks to determine levels of exposure to BPA from packaging materials. The survey found no detectable levels of BPA in infant formula, including infant formula made in BPA…

Published 8 May 2014

Cleaning and sanitising

Cleaning and sanitising In a food business, cleaning and sanitising are important ways to prevent harmful microorganisms or other things contaminating food and making it unsafe to eat. What are the requirements? Under Standard 3.2.2 - Food Safety Practices and General Requirements, food businesses need to keep their premises, fixtures, fittings, equipment and food transport vehicles clean and sanitary. This means:

• things like food scraps, garbage, dirt, grease etc should not be left to accumulate
• utensils and surfaces that come in contact with food should be clean and sanitary.

Published 30 September 2025

Dare Iced Coffee 750mL

Dare Iced Coffee 750mL   Bega Dairy and Drinks Pty. Ltd. is conducting a recall of Dare Iced Coffee 750mL. Affected flavours are Espresso, Double Espresso, Mocha and Double Espresso No Sugar Added. The products have been available in VIC at independent grocery stores including IGA, convenience stores including Coles Express, and smaller independent outlets (i.e., milk bars, cafes, and bakeries).  Problem The recall is due to the potential presence of foreign matter (plastic pieces).  Food safety hazard Food products containing plastic pieces may cause illness/injury if consumed. Country of origin Australia What to do Consumers should not drink these products and should contact Bega Dairy and Drinks for a full refund.…

Published 5 October 2022

Consumer Research Investigating the Use of Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods

Consumer Research Investigating the Use of Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods (August 2010) In 2010, Colmar Brunton Research was commissioned by FSANZ to conduct research investigating the cognitive and behaviour approaches to purchasing and consuming sports foods and sports drinks. The findings inform the risk analysis processes required in the review of Standard 2.9.4 Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods. A series of ten 90 minute face-to-face focus groups, with segmented groups, were conducted across Australia and New Zealand. Participant groups included: people consuming sports foods and drinks and engaging in physical activity; people not engaging in physical activity and still consuming sports foods and sports drinks; and parents of children (aged under 15 years) consuming sports products. The key…

Published 11 August 2017

Survey of added colours (2008)

Survey of added colours (2008) (2008) Synthetic and natural colours are routinely added to food and beverages as a visual cue for quality, to induce the perception of flavour and to meet consumer expectations. In 2006, FSANZ commissioned an analytical survey to quantify actual levels of all permitted synthetic colours and two natural colours in foods and beverages in Australia. This was necessary to accurately estimate dietary exposure and assess the potential risk to human health for Australians. This survey was undertaken as part of the surveillance program in 2006. The survey targeted a wide range of foods and beverages that contained added colours in accordance with Standard 1.3.1 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). The foods and beverages included…

Published 22 March 2013

Intense Sweeteners

Intense Sweeteners Intense sweeteners are many times sweeter than sugar which means they can be used in much smaller amounts. They are classed as food additives and added to foods to replace sugar to provide low or lower energy/kilojoule foods or foods that are reduced in sugar or sugar-free. Some intense sweeteners occur naturally in some plants and can be extracted to produce a highly concentrated extract.  Examples are steviol glycosides extracted from the South American plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (stevia) and monk fruit extract (also called luo han guo extract) which is derived from the fruit of a perennial vine native to southern China. FSANZ, together with the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand recently conducted a review of all the intense sweeteners…

Published 5 April 2023

Isomaltulose

Isomaltulose   Isomaltulose is a sugar substitute found naturally in very small quantities in honey and sugar cane juice. It contains glucose and fructose and therefore has similar properties to traditional sugars. FSANZ has approved the use of isomaltulose as a sugar substitute in food. Isomaltulose provides the same amount of the energy as sucrose, but is digested more slowly, leading to lower and slower increases in blood glucose when compared to sucrose. It is suitable for use as a total or partial replacement for sucrose in certain foods. Commercial isomaltulose can also be made from sucrose using enzymes. Is isomaltulose safe? For most people, yes. However, a FSANZ safety assessment (pdf 403 kb) suggests it is…

Published 13 January 2017

Weather events

Weather events Grower and primary processors need to make sure produce that might have been damaged or contaminated from weather events is disposed of or treated so it is safe to eat. What are weather events? Weather events include drought, dust storms, floods, strong winds and hail storms, which can all contaminate produce. What are the requirements? Primary producers and primary processors of leafy vegetables and melons must take appropriate action to ensure that produce affected by a weather event is not unacceptable and is safe to eat. This means you need to understand the food safety risks, and what to do with your produce after these events, to prevent unsafe produce entering the food supply. These requirements are under primary production and processing standards for…

Published 1 October 2025

Application of discretionary foods flag

Application of discretionary foods flag The ADG recommends that Australians limit consumption of 'discretionary' foods. According to the AGHE, discretionary food and drink choices include sweet biscuits, cakes, desserts and pastries; processed meats and fattier/salty sausages; ice cream and other ice confections; confectionary; savoury pastries and pies; some sauces and dressings; jams & marmalades; commercial burgers with a high fat and/or salt content; commercially fried foods; potato chips, crisps and other fatty and/or salty snack foods including some savoury biscuits; palm oil, coconut cream & milk, cream, ghee, butter and dairy-blend spreads which are high in saturated fats; sugar-sweetened soft drinks, fruit…

Published 11 May 2016

Campylobacter in food

Campylobacter in food What is it?

• Campylobacter is a type of bacteria that can be found in the gut of pets, livestock and wild animals
• It is usually transferred to food and water from the faeces (poo) or organs of animals, for example during milking and poultry processing

• Campylobacter can cause a severe type of gastro called campylobacteriosis
• Anyone can get campylobacteriosis but vulnerable people (i.e. very young children, the elderly) and people with weak immune systems (e.g. cancer patients) are more likely to get ill.
• Foods at higher risk of contamination include poultry (chicken, turkey and duck) products including paté, meat, seafood, unpasteurised…

  Published 22 December 2020