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Call for comment on a new type of genetically modified corn

Call for comment on a new type of genetically modified corn Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow food from a new type of genetically modified corn line to be sold in Australia and New Zealand. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the corn line has been genetically modified to increase yield and be resistant to a herbicide (glufosinate). “When assessing any Applications to allow new foods or ingredients to be sold in Australia and New Zealand, the safety and health of consumers is at the centre of our decision making process. “FSANZ undertook a comprehensive safety assessment which looked at the intended and unintended changes to the food, including potential toxicity and allergenicity of any new proteins. “We found that corn derived from this GM line is as safe as traditional non-GM…

Published 6 August 2020

Nitrates and nitrites

Nitrates and nitrites (September 2011) Nitrates and nitrites occur naturally in plant foods as part of the nitrogen cycle between air, land and water environments. Most of our dietary exposure to nitrates and nitrites is through fruit and vegetables. Eating fruit and vegetables is widely recommended due to the strong evidence of beneficial health effects against a range of diseases. Nitrates and nitrites have also been used as food additives in cured meats and some cheeses for many years, primarily to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Adding nitrites or nitrates improves the microbiological safety of these foods and extends their safe shelf life. In the past, some concerns have been raised about possible health risks associated with nitrates and nitrites in foods. To estimate Australians'…

Published 10 May 2018

Call for comment on proposed changes to residue limits for agricultural and veterinary chemicals

Call for comment on proposed changes to residue limits for agricultural and veterinary chemicals Date: 23/08/2023 ​​​Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today released its annual call for comment on proposed changes to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for nominated agricultural and veterinary chemicals. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said FSANZ is considering requests to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to align 127 chemicals with limits set by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, Codex Alimentarius Commission, and other international food standards agencies. “As part of an annual harmonisation process, FSANZ will add or amend an MRL, only if the results of our internationally-benchmarked dietary exposure assessments find there are no public health and safety concerns," Dr Cuthbert said. She said the proposed…

Published 23 August 2023

Update on national recall of poppy seeds

Update on national recall of poppy seeds Australian food authorities today announced preliminary findings on the cause of contamination which led to a national recall of poppy seeds. While investigations are ongoing, it has been confirmed a batch of poppy seeds not intended for food use and containing high levels of thebaine entered the supply chain. Thebaine is a natural chemical found in poppy seeds which can be toxic in high concentrations.   A total of 37 cases of illness were reported nationally among people who consumed large amounts of poppy seeds. The national recall of several brands was successful in removing affected products from the market. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) announced the…

Published 15 December 2022

Call for comment on an urgent proposal to prohibit the retail sale of pure and highly concentrated caffeine products

Call for comment on an urgent proposal to prohibit the retail sale of pure and highly concentrated caffeine products Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for public comment on an urgent Proposal to prohibit the retail sale of pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products in Australia and New Zealand. The proposal follows a review conducted by FSANZ in August 2019 which found the availability of pure caffeine for retail sale poses an unacceptably high risk to consumers, and should be prohibited. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the urgent proposal reflects a significant amount of work, including a thorough risk assessment carried out by FSANZ over the past few months. “Our risk assessment confirmed pure or highly purified forms of caffeine pose an unacceptably…

Published 23 March 2021

Call for comment - new source for an enzyme processing aid

Call for comment - new source for an enzyme processing aid Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow an existing enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new microbial source. FSANZ interim CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the enzyme beta-fructofuranosidase has a long history of safe use and is already approved to be sourced from other microorganisms. “The applicant is seeking approval to produce the enzyme from a strain of bacterium known as Aspergillus fijiensis,' Dr Cuthbert said.  “FSANZ's safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers.'  If approved, the enzyme would be used as a processing aid to perform any technological purpose in the manufacture of any food, in accordance with the Australia New…

Published 4 November 2021

Call for comment on use of a nutritive substance in infant formula

Call for comment on use of a nutritive substance in infant formula Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to permit the use of a nutritive substance in infant formula products. Bovine milk fat globule membrane-enriched whey protein concentrate (MFGM-WPC) contains lipids and proteins found in both human and cow milk, which support healthy infant development. The application proposes using MFGM-WPC as a source of phospholipids in formulas and FSANZ has found it sufficiently similar to human milk for this purpose. MFGM-WPC offers potential health benefits, such as anti-pathogenic effects, immune support and gut microbiome development. FSANZ’s safety assessment concluded MFGM-WPC poses no safety risk to infants. While breastfeeding is recommended, a safe and nutritious substitute for breast milk is…

Published 12 December 2024

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 existing enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new genetically-modified (GM) microbial source. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the enzyme glucoamylase has a long history of safe use and is already approved to be sourced from other microorganisms. “The applicant is seeking approval to produce the enzyme from a strain of fungus known as Aspergillus niger,' Dr Cuthbert said.  “FSANZ's safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers.' If approved, the enzyme could be used as a processing aid in starch processing and potable alcohol production, in accordance with the Australia New…

Published 27 May 2022

Survey of iodine levels in seaweed and seaweed containing products

Survey of iodine levels in seaweed and seaweed containing products Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) conducted a survey of iodine levels in seaweed and products containing seaweed, in consultation with the Australian states and territories. The 'Survey of iodine levels in seaweed and seaweed containing products' shows most seaweed and seaweed products have safe levels of iodine, but there are some products with very high iodine levels that may be unsafe for human consumption. The survey was prompted by an increased number of reported human thyroid dysfunction cases linked to high iodine intake. The high intake was considered to be associated with consumption of a soy beverage, Bonsoy. The high iodine levels in the beverage were attributed to the addition of seaweed (kombu…

Published 28 February 2014

Baseline survey on the prevalence and concentration of Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken meat on-farm and at primary processing

Baseline survey on the prevalence and concentration of Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken meat on-farm and at primary processing FSANZ was the coordinating agency for a baseline survey to obtain information on the likelihood of live chickens being contaminated on-farm with Salmonella and Campylobacter and also the likelihood of the chicken being contaminated after it has been slaughtered. Salmonella and Campylobacter are the two main bacteria that can be present on raw chicken and cause illness if the chicken isn't cooked or handled correctly. Salmonella and Campylobacter are killed by cooking. To handle chicken safely:

• cook it thoroughly, until there is no pink visible and juices run clear
• after handling raw chicken, wash and dry hands thoroughly
…

Published 28 February 2014