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Call for comment on food made from a new type of GM corn line

Call for comment on food made from a new type of GM corn line Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to permit the sale and use of food made from a new genetically modified (GM) corn. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said corn line DAS1131 was genetically modified to provide it with herbicide tolerance and protection from insect pests. “If approved, food made from this type of GM corn could be imported into Australia and New Zealand in the form of starch, grits, meal, flour, oil and sweetener," Dr Cuthbert said. She said safety assessments are a key part of the approval process for all GM foods. “Our safety assessment considered the specific genetic modification process, the nutrient content compared to a non-GM food of its type, and any potential allergic or toxic effects in humans,” Dr Cuthbert said. “FSANZ…

Published 16 December 2023

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

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