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Survey of Metals in Apple Juice and Other Apple Products

Survey of Metals in Apple Juice and Other Apple Products In 2023, FSANZ managed a survey measuring levels of various metal contaminants in apple juice and other apple products. The samples were collected in all Australian states and territories in 2021 and 2022 as part of a previous national Patulin survey.   What was tested?  Most of the sampled products were apple juice, including not from concentrate, reconstituted and freshly squeezed varieties. Several solid apple products including infant foods, apple puree, apple sauce, canned apple, and dried apple were also included in the survey.   All samples were analysed for metal contaminants including total arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. Samples with detectable…

Published 4 March 2025

Microbiological survey of fresh horticultural produce in Australia

Microbiological survey of fresh horticultural produce in Australia Outbreaks of human foodborne illness have previously been reported in Australia and overseas and have been linked to consumption of contaminated fresh horticultural produce. Pathogenic bacteria can survive for extended periods on fresh produce and some products support bacterial growth [1]. As fresh produce is generally not cooked prior to consumption, contaminated produce presents a potential food safety risk to consumers. In 2005 - 2007, a survey was conducted under the ISFR Coordinated Food Survey Plan to determine the prevalence of microbiological contamination in fresh horticultural produce in Australia. Participating jurisdictions included ACT, NSW, NT, Queensland, SA and Tasmania. A total of 369…

Published 28 February 2014

P1054 - Pure and highly concentrated caffeine products

P1054 - Pure and highly concentrated caffeine products Urgent Proposal P1054 was prepared to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to prohibit the retail sale of pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products. FSANZ prepared the Proposal as an emergency interim response under its urgent legislative provisions following its review and report to Australian Government Ministers in August 2019. The Ministerial Report and the Initial Consideration Report found pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products posed an immediate and acute risk to consumers. FSANZ has approved the prohibition of the retail sale of foods in which total caffeine is present in a concentration of 5% or more (if the food is a solid or semi-solid food) or…

Published 16 December 2020

Work Program Dashboard

Work Program Dashboard Download the Work Program Dashboard File Work Program Dashboard - Feb 2026 (PDF 192KB) The Work Program Dashboard provides a high-level overview of FSANZ's current work and priorities. It highlights key projects, regulatory reviews and initiatives across the agency, supporting the…

Published 7 November 2025

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)   Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a transmissible and fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects cattle. Variant Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease (vCJD), a rare and fatal human neurodegenerative condition, results from exposure to BSE through eating contaminated beef or beef products. BSE has never been detected in cattle in Australia or New Zealand. The World Organization for Animal Health recognises both countries as having a negligible BSE risk status. What causes BSE? Most scientists think that BSE is caused by a protein called a prion. For reasons that are not completely understood, the normal prion changes into an abnormal prion that is harmful. Both vCJD and BSE are not contagious. A person (or a cow) cannot catch vCJD or BSE from being near a sick person or cow.…

Published 30 September 2025

Call for comment on a new processing aid from a GM source

Call for comment on a new processing aid from a GM source Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow a new processing aid from a genetically modified (GM) source.  FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the application seeks approval to permit use of a fructanase enzyme sourced from GM Trichoderma reesei.  “Our safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for consumers in Australia and New Zealand,” Dr Cuthbert said.  If approved, the enzyme may be used during the manufacture of bakery products.   “Trichoderma reesei has a long history of safe use as a source of enzyme processing aids, including several that are already permitted in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.”  For more information and to access assessment documents, visit the…

Published 7 July 2023

Call for comment on A1301 – a GM processing aid

Call for comment on A1301 – a GM processing aid ​Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on A1301 – Triacylglycerol lipase from GM Komagataella phaffii as a processing aid. This is an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to permit the use of an enzyme from a genetically modified (GM) microorganism as a processing aid in bread and bakery products.  The enzyme, triacylglycerol lipase, is sourced from GM Komagataella phaffii (K. phaffi) containing the triacylglycerol lipase gene from Fusarium oxysporum. Its use improves the crumb structure, volume and shape of bread and bakery products.  K. phaffii has a long history of safe use as a production microorganism of enzyme processing aids, including several that are already permitted in the…

Published 6 September 2024

Proposal P1055 - Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques

Proposal P1055 - Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques On 2 September 2025, changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) were gazetted to update definitions for genetically modified (GM) food. The new definitions maintain strong food safety protections while ensuring regulatory oversight remains proportionate to risk and supports safe innovation. They have been developed with input from stakeholders and the public to provide clarity and certainty for food businesses, regulators and consumers. The definitions apply across the Code and are designed to support consistent application of GM food assessment and labelling requirements.…

Published 2 September 2025

Australian Total Diet Study

Australian Total Diet Study The Australian Total Diet Study is Australia's most comprehensive monitoring survey of chemicals, nutrients and other substances in the Australian diet. We measure the levels of different chemicals and substances in a range of foods typical to the Australian diet. We use this data to estimate Australian consumers' exposure to chemicals through food to ensure it is safe to eat. The ATDS is also a trusted source of public health information which is used by the World Health Organisation (WHO), other government and nongovernment agencies and independent researchers. The first ATDS (formerly the Australian Market Basket Survey) was conducted over 50 years ago in 1970 by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). FSANZ has managed…

Published 10 December 2021

Frozen berries and hepatitis A

Frozen berries and hepatitis A (17 February 2015)   What products are affected? The following products have been recalled:

•  Nanna's Mixed Berries (frozen), 1kg plastic bags, from Coles, Woolworths, IGA and other independent supermarkets with all best before dates of up to and including 22/11/16
• as a precautionary measure, Nanna's Raspberries (frozen), 1kg plastic bags, with best before dates up to and including 15/09/2016
• as a precautionary measure, Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries (frozen), 300g and 500g plastic bags and cardboard boxes, from Coles, Woolworths and IGA stores nationally with best before dates of up to and including 22/11/16.

Published 13 July 2023