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Microplastics in food

Microplastics in food Microplastics are generally considered to be small plastic particles less than about 5mm in size. Primary microplastics are small to begin with, such as microbeads that are added to personal care products. Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, start off as larger plastic items, such as plastic bags, but degrade into microplastic particles over time. Recently, there's been increasing interest in the effects of microplastics pollution. Media reports have examined microplastics pollution, especially in the marine environment, and possible contamination of the food supply. Most research to date has been on microplastics in the marine environment. Plastic litter can enter our seas and oceans, where it never completely breaks down. Instead, it 'breaks up…

Published 3 November 2023

Palm oil

Palm oil What is palm oil? Palm oil is a vegetable fat obtained from the fruit of the African oil palm tree. Palm oil contains a high proportion of saturated fat. This is unusual as most vegetable fats do not contain high proportions of saturated fats; however there are exceptions such as palm oil and coconut oil. The Dietary Guidelines for Australians and the New Zealand Food and Nutrition Guidelines, recommend that we limit our intake of saturated fats. What are the current regulations for labelling palm oil? There have been calls for palm oil to be identified in the ingredient list due…

Published 3 November 2023

Pine nuts

Pine nuts Pine nuts, which are popular in both recipes and on their own, are seeds produced by several species of the genus Pinus, and have been used as food by indigenous cultures and contemporary societies. Food Standards Australia New Zealand has investigated consumer reports of a bitter, metallic taste resulting from eating pine nuts. This aftertaste is sometimes referred to by consumers as ‘pine mouth’ and can last for a number of days or weeks and can result from eating raw, cooked and processed pine nuts. However, apart from the unpleasant bitter aftertaste, there are no safety issues that can be identified at this time. For sufferers, the condition is apparently self-limiting (it resolves itself) and is relatively benign without any ongoing adverse effects. There has…

Published 3 November 2023

Processed foods

Processed foods What are processed foods? Processed foods are any foods that have been modified from their original fresh or whole state. Many foods we eat are processed in some way. They include:

• bread
• breakfast cereals
• cheese
• cakes and biscuits
• drinks, such as milk or soft drinks
• tinned fruits and vegetables
• savory snacks, such as chips, sausage rolls and pies
• meat products, such as bacon, sausage, ham, salami and paté
• ready to eat meals (including frozen meals).

Published 3 November 2023

A1096 - Xylanase from Bacillus licheniformis as a Processing Aid (Enzyme)

A1096 - Xylanase from Bacillus licheniformis as a Processing Aid (Enzyme) Page last updated: 13 February 2025

Published 8 March 2016

Working at FSANZ

Working at FSANZ The benefits of working at FSANZ

• an attractive remuneration package, including generous employer superannuation contributions
• flexible working arrangements
• additional paid holidays between Christmas and New Year
• access to part-time work and leave entitlements
• extensive learning and development opportunities, including access to library and research databases, study assistance schemes, and opportunities to attend conferences, workshops and training programs
• programs to recognise employee achievement
• spacious modern offices
• support for employee health and wellbeing, including an Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing resources.

Published 7 November 2023

Monitoring the nutrients of our food

Monitoring the nutrients of our food   FSANZ, together with some other groups, monitors nutrients in the Australian food supply to inform standards development and compile nutrient databases. We also monitor the food supply to ensure it is safe. Read more about monitoring the safety of the food supply. In New Zealand, Food Composition activities are undertaken by The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited and the Ministry of Health (New Zealand). View the New Zealand Food Composition Database. Generating nutrient data at FSANZ The food supply in Australia is constantly changing and nutrient data for some foods can become outdated due to changes in product formulation, production…

Published 8 November 2023

A1097 - Food derived from Herbicide-tolerant & Insect-protected Corn Line MON87411

A1097 - Food derived from Herbicide-tolerant & Insect-protected Corn Line MON87411 Page last updated: 13 February 2025

Published 8 August 2015

Call for comment on defining added sugars for making claims about food

Call for comment on defining added sugars for making claims about food Date: 11/09/2023 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on a proposal to clarify and define added sugars for the purposes of making claims about food. FSANZ has prepared Proposal P1062 – Defining added sugars for claims to consider and assess changes to 'no added sugar(s)' nutrition content claim conditions in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the Code permits voluntary 'no added sugar' claims to be made on foods “Australian…

Published 11 September 2023

Call for comment on the use of an enzyme processing aid in brewing and potable alcohol

Call for comment on the use of an enzyme processing aid in brewing and potable alcohol FSANZ has prepared Proposal P1062 – Defining added sugars for claims to consider and assess changes to 'no added sugar(s)' nutrition content claim conditions in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the Code permits voluntary 'no added sugar' claims to be made on foods “Australian and New Zealand food ministers have asked FSANZ to ensure voluntary no added sugar claims align with Australian and New Zealand dietary guidelines to help consumers make informed decisions in line with these guidelines," Dr Cuthbert said.  “Australian dietary…

Published 30 September 2023