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Aluminium

Aluminium (June 2019) Aluminium is the most abundant metallic element found in the Earth's crust and occurs naturally in soil, water and air. Occurrence in foods can occur naturally, for example, through uptake from soils or water, or from aluminium-containing food additives. Food additives containing aluminium are commonly used in baked products as leavening agents and also as emulsifiers and anti-caking agents. Standard 1.3.1 of the Food Standards Code lists the additives and levels permitted for use in Australia and New Zealand. Health effects The Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) established a health based guidance…

Published 25 June 2019

Call for comment on proposal to vary maximum residue limits of agvet chemicals in foods

Call for comment on proposal to vary maximum residue limits of agvet chemicals in foods Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on its annual proposal to amend the schedule for agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). Schedule 20 of the Code lists the maximum levels of agvet chemical residues allowed in or on foods. After consideration, FSANZ is proposing amendments to Schedule 20 to align maximum residue limits (MRLs) with:

• those adopted at the 2024 Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting
• requested by stakeholders seeking alignment with standards set by international trading partners
• requested by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to reflect changes in agvet chemical usage in…

  Published 22 January 2026

Call for comment on irradiation of fruits and vegetables

Call for comment on irradiation of fruits and vegetables Food Standards Australia New Zealand is calling for comment on an application to irradiate fresh fruit and vegetables. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has applied for permission to irradiate fresh fruit and vegetables as a way to stop the spread of pests like fruit fly when food is moved across quarantine borders. “Fruit fly is an ongoing threat to the horticulture industry, both here in Australia, New Zealand and internationally. “Australian quarantine laws mean food produced in an area where there are known pests, must be treated before they can be sent internationally or to states or territories that have quarantine restrictions.   “Irradiation has a long history of safe use and is used in many countries around the world…

Published 30 October 2020

Revel Brewing Co Pine Lime Sour Ale 375mL

Revel Brewing Co Pine Lime Sour Ale 375mL Product information Malt Brewing Co PTY LTD t/a Revel Brewing Co is conducting a recall of Pine Lime Sour Ale 375mL. The product has been available for sale as a 4 pack and 16 pack. The products has been available for sale at Vintage Cellars & independent liquor retailers in QLD, Craft Cartel in NSW, and online from Revel Brewing Co & online liquor retailers (including BoozeBud).  Date markings Packaged date 27.1.2022 Problem The recall is due to a potential 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…

Published 25 March 2022

Poultry liver dishes

Poultry liver dishes Poultry liver dishes are generally safe as long as they are prepared correctly. Foodborne illness outbreaks in Australia and overseas have been linked to poultry liver dishes such as paté or parfait where the liver was undercooked. Just like any other poultry (e.g. chicken, turkey or duck) meat, livers need to be cooked all the way through to kill harmful microorganisms (particularly Campylobacter) that may be present. Lightly searing the surface is not enough. In surveys of raw chicken meat in Australia, Campylobacter was found in 84 per cent of samples tested.…

Published 2 October 2025

Call for comment on food made from a genetically modified wheat

Call for comment on food made from a genetically modified wheat Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow the sale and use of food made from a genetically modified (GM) wheat. FSANZ interim CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the application seeks approval to permit food derived from wheat line IND-00412-7 which has been genetically modified to provide drought and herbicide tolerance. “If approved, food made from this type of GM wheat could be imported into Australia and New Zealand in products including flour, bread, pasta and biscuits.'  Dr Cuthbert said. “Our safety assessment found no potential public health and safety concerns with this variety of GM wheat. It is as safe as non-GM wheat varieties.' A safety assessment forms part of the approval process for all GM applications.…

Published 12 October 2022

Report on survey of cyanogenic glycosides in plant-based foods

Report on survey of cyanogenic glycosides in plant-based foods (17 April 2014) Cyanogenic glycosides, found in a range of plant-based foods, can pose potential risks to consumers. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (NZ MPI) coordinated a survey of foods containing cyanogenic glycosides between 2010-13 in consultation with Australian states and territories. Key findings Almost 300 samples of plant-based foods were collected and analysed. The survey identified that cyanogenic glycosides (measured as hydrocyanic acid or HCN) are present in a wide range of Australian and New Zealand plant-based foods at levels consistent with or lower than those reported in the scientific literature. Raw apricot kernels with skin contained HCN…

Published 18 April 2014

Statement on genetically modified banana application

Statement on genetically modified banana application   Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has commenced its assessment of an application from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to permit food from a disease-resistant genetically modified (GM) banana.   Banana line QCAV-4, modified to provide resistance to Panama disease TR4, is the first whole GM fruit submitted to FSANZ for assessment and approval.    QUT is concurrently seeking food approval for the banana fruit from FSANZ and a licence for the commercial cultivation of the GM banana plant from the Gene Technology Regulator.   Assessment of application A1274 - Food derived from disease-resistant banana line…

Published 12 May 2023