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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

Survey of beverages enriched with seaweed

Survey of beverages enriched with seaweed FSANZ has investigated levels of iodine in beverages enriched with seaweed following an increased number of reported human thyroid dysfunction cases resulting from high iodine intake. Investigation into the cause of thyroid dysfunction showed a link to the consumption of Bonsoy soy beverage, which was found to contain high iodine levels resulting from the addition of seaweed (kombu, Laminaria spp ) during the manufacturing process. On 24 December 2009, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) coordinated a national food recall and issued a media release advising people not to consume Bonsoy soy beverage with all best before dates. This product was also recalled in the UK, Ireland, Singapore and Hong Kong. FSANZ, in consultation…

Published 28 February 2014

Information about Tagatose for Individuals with Disorders in Fructose Metabolism

Information about Tagatose for Individuals with Disorders in Fructose Metabolism (Last updated April 2012) What is tagatose? Tagatose is a novel food that has been approved by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Tagatose is very similar in chemical structure to fructose and has similar properties to traditional sugars (e.g. is sweet tasting and has similar cooking properties) but unlike most other sugars it is only partially absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this, tagatose has a reduced energy value compared to traditional sugars and so is intended for use in foods as a reduced energy sugar substitute. Where does tagatose come from? Tagatose occurs naturally at low levels in the gum from Sterculia setigera (an evergreen tree), as well as heated cows milk and other dairy…

Published 22 March 2013

Ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide What is ethylene oxide? Ethylene oxide is a man-made chemical that exists as a gas above 10°C. It does not persist for long in the environment due to its instability. What is ethylene oxide used for? The primary use of ethylene oxide is as an intermediate ingredient in the further manufacture of industrial products (e.g. polyester). Ethylene oxide also has applications as a sterilising agent in healthcare and as a fumigant pesticide in agriculture. Historically, ethylene oxide was used as a fumigant pesticide to treat foodstuffs sold in Australia. Because of its volatility, ethylene oxide residue in food post-treatment can fully dissipate with time. However, the use of ethylene oxide on foods is being phased out worldwide, due to health concerns associated with residues that may…

Published 20 July 2021

Expert reaction - nanoparticles in baby formula

Expert reaction - nanoparticles in baby formula (July 2017) The following expert reaction to media reports on tests commissioned by Friends of the Earth which found the presence of nanoparticles in several Australian infant formula products has been reproduced with the permission of the Australian science Media Centre: Adjunct Professor Andrew Bartholomaeus is a consultant toxicologist with Adjunct Professor appointments at the University of Canberra and the University of Queensland. He has previously been the Chief Toxicologist for the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the General Manager of the Risk Assessment Branch of FSANZ. 'The Friends of the Earth slide deck presents the rather unexciting and facile observation that a food containing high levels of…

Published 2 July 2017

Genobile Saba Australia pizzas

Genobile Saba Australia pizzas   Updated: 5 October 2022 Product information Genobile Saba Australia is conducting a recall of their Premium Salami Pizza, Premium Margherita Pizza, Premium Garlic Pizza and Premium Pomodoro Pizza. The products have been available for sale at Coles nationally.  Date markings Use by: 20/09/2023 Problem The recall is due to non compliant labelling (incorrect USEBY date). Printed USEBY is 20/09/2023. Correct USEBY is 11/10/2022. Food safety hazard The food may cause illness if consumed after 11/10/22 Country of origin Australia What to do While the product is currently safe to eat, customers should not consume these products beyond 11/10/22. Customers should return the product to the place of purchase for a…

Published 5 October 2022

Call for comment to permit the use of a new processing aid

Call for comment to permit the use of a new processing aid Date: 10/10/2023 ​Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to permit the use of the enzyme transglut​aminase (EC 2.3.2.13) as a processing aid. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the enzyme would be used in brewing and the manufacturing and/or processing of food products. “If approved, the enzyme may be used as a processing aid in brewing and in the production of bakery and other cereal-based products such as pasta and noodles, cheese, fermented dairy products, dairy analogues, egg substitutes, meat products, fish products, meat analogues and fish analogues," Dr Cuthbert said. The enzyme is sourced from genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis containing the transglutaminase gene from Streptomyces mobaraensis. “B. licheniformis…

Published 11 October 2023