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Call for comment on a new source for an enzyme processing aid

Call for comment on a new source for an enzyme processing aid Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow an already approved enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new source. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the enzyme (maltogenic alpha-amylase) has a long history of safe use and is already approved to be sourced from a genetically modified (GM) bacterium known as Bacillus subtilis. 'The manufacturer has applied to FSANZ to produce the enzyme from a different GM strain of yeast known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. 'If approved, the enzyme would be used as a processing aid in the manufacture of bakery products to improve shelf life. 'FSANZ has completed a safety assessment and found the enzyme to be safe and suitable for use in food,' Mr Booth said. To have your say…

Published 27 January 2021

Proposal P1053 - Food Safety Management tools

Proposal P1053 - Food Safety Management tools Food service and related retail sectors are vitally important to the Australian economy and our way of life. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has assessed a proposal to strengthen food safety and consistently deliver safer food to consumers, thereby supporting consumer confidence in these sectors. On 14 September 2022, the FSANZ Board approved a new food standard applying new regulatory measures to food service and retail businesses that handle potentially hazardous food. The new regulatory measures are: food handler training; food safety supervisor; and evidence to substantiate food safety management of key processes. On 23 November 2022, Food Ministers' Meeting (FMM) informed FSANZ that it does not intend to request a review.   The standard was gazetted on 8 December 2022 and…

Published 13 December 2022

Fortitude Brewing Company Pty Ltd - Pacer Beer 375mlx6 (6 pack), 375mlx24 (carton)

Fortitude Brewing Company Pty Ltd - Pacer Beer 375mlx6 (6 pack), 375mlx24 (carton) Product information Fortitude Brewing Company Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of their 6 and 24 packs of Pacer Beer. The product has been available for sale at Fortitude Brewing Co. and Dan Murphys in QLD.  Date markings Best before 15/02/2024, 16/02/2024 Problem The recall is due to secondary fermentation. Food safety hazard  Food products containing excess alcohol and carbonation may cause illness/injury if consumed. Country of origin Australia What to do Consumers should not drink or open this product, and should dispose of it safely. Please contact Fortitude Brewing Company Pty Ltd for safe disposal instructions and to arrange for reimbursement. For further…

Published 18 May 2023

Pine nuts

Pine nuts Pine nuts, which are popular in both recipes and on their own, are seeds produced by several species of the genus Pinus, and have been used as food by indigenous cultures and contemporary societies. Food Standards Australia New Zealand has investigated consumer reports of a bitter, metallic taste resulting from eating pine nuts. This aftertaste is sometimes referred to by consumers as ‘pine mouth’ and can last for a number of days or weeks and can result from eating raw, cooked and processed pine nuts. However, apart from the unpleasant bitter aftertaste, there are no safety issues that can be identified at this time. For sufferers, the condition is apparently self-limiting (it resolves itself) and is relatively benign without any ongoing adverse effects. There has…

Published 3 November 2023

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in foods

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in foods (November 2022) Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are naturally occurring plant toxins which may cause adverse health effects when consumed at high enough levels. There are more than 600 different PAs which are produced by about 6000 types of plants. PAs have been found in some foods, including honey, tea, herbs, spices, grains, and animal products such as meat, milk and eggs. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in honey PAs may be present in honey when bees forage on PA-containing flowers such as Paterson's Curse, also known as Salvation Jane.  In 2001, FSANZ established a safe level of dietary exposure for PAs of one microgram per kilogram bodyweight per day based on known toxicity in humans.…

Published 9 January 2023

Camping

Camping Preparing food for camps can be very challenging because facilities found in the home or commercial food premises are not generally available in camping areas. You need to properly plan things to make sure the food stays safe.  The main considerations for keeping food safe in camps are:

• temperature control
• water supply
• handwashing facilities
• protecting food from contamination
• disposal of rubbish and waste water to prevent the contamination of food.

Published 19 February 2018

Consumer information

Consumer information Our mission is to ensure consumers can trust the foods they choose to eat. Public confidence in the food supply is a cornerstone of a healthy population and a strong economy. Find out more about what FSANZ does to keep our food supply safe and help consumers make informed choices. Card Labelling information for consumers Food labels provide important information to help consumers make food choices. FSANZ sets standards for what information must be on food labels. …

Second call for comment on review of infant formula standards

Second call for comment on review of infant formula standards Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions on its assessment of standards for infant formula products.   FSANZ has reviewed infant formula standards in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) through Proposal P1028 - Infant formula.  The review assessed the current regulatory framework incorporating standards for safety, food technology, nutrient composition, labelling and product representation.  FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the review covers infant formula (for use from newborn), follow-on formula (for use from six to 12 months of age) and infant formula for special dietary use.   “Our review aims to ensure regulation of infant formula products is clear, reflects the latest scientific…

Published 26 April 2023

Inputs – Soil, water, fertiliser and composts

Inputs – Soil, water, fertiliser and composts If you’re a grower or primary processor of berries, leafy vegetables or melons, make sure the inputs you use do not make your produce unsafe to eat. What are inputs? Inputs are things you put into growing your produce and include water, fertiliser, soil and soil amendments (e.g. manure, compost, blood and bone). What are the requirements? Primary producers and primary processors of berries, leafy vegetables and melons must do what they reasonably can to make sure inputs do not make their produce unacceptable to eat. This means the soil, soil amendments, fertiliser and water you use do not contaminate your produce with harmful microorganisms, chemicals or physical hazards. If you grow leafy vegetables, you…

Published 20 October 2023

Food from cloned animals

Food from cloned animals (March 2016) Animal cloning is a type of reproductive technology. It creates an animal that is an exact genetic copy of another animal. The commercial use of cloned animals in agriculture has so far mainly been confined to the meat and dairy industries. The most common cloning method involves removing the genetic material from an unfertilised egg and replacing it with the complete genetic material from the animal to be cloned (the donor animal). The egg is then implanted into a surrogate mother who gives birth to an animal that is a clone of the donor animal. The cloned animal is then bred with other animals to pass on its desirable characteristics. Cloning is different to genetic modification. Genetic modification involves adding, taking away, or modifying genes. Cloning does not…

Published 8 September 2021