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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 December 2023

Antimicrobial resistance and food safety

Antimicrobial resistance and food safety Practicing good food safety can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and help limit the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Microorganisms, including bacteria, are everywhere. They can spread through the interactions and movement of people, animals, food and the environment. Some bacteria are good, some are harmful, and some are resistant to antibiotics (which are antimicrobials). Everyone can play a role in slowing the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria.  The Australian food supply is one of the safest in the world, but people can still get sick from eating contaminated foods. Foodborne illness can be caused by bacteria and in some cases these bacteria can also be antimicrobial resistant. This means the steps we take to keep food safe and…

Published December 2023

Cell-based meat

Cell-based meat   What is cell-based meat? Cell-based meat is produced using animal cell culture technology, where meat is produced from animal cells using a combination of biotechnology, tissue engineering, molecular biology and synthetic processes. Cell culture technology does not reproduce the animal itself, but produces a product that is intended to resemble traditional meat from an animal, such as steak, minced meat, etc. Technology has advanced to a stage where this is possible, so companies are increasingly exploring cell-based meat options as an alternative to farmed meat. Is cell-based meat the same as plant-based meat alternatives? No. Plant-based meat alternatives are made from plants and plant-based proteins and produced to look and taste like traditional meat, despite containing no…

Published December 2023

Isomaltulose

Isomaltulose   Isomaltulose is a sugar substitute found naturally in very small quantities in honey and sugar cane juice. It contains glucose and fructose and therefore has similar properties to traditional sugars. FSANZ has approved the use of isomaltulose as a sugar substitute in food. Isomaltulose provides the same amount of the energy as sucrose, but is digested more slowly, leading to lower and slower increases in blood glucose when compared to sucrose. It is suitable for use as a total or partial replacement for sucrose in certain foods. Commercial isomaltulose can also be made from sucrose using enzymes. Is isomaltulose safe? For most people, yes. However, a FSANZ safety assessment (pdf 403 kb) suggests it is unsuitable…

Published December 2023

Receiving food safely

Receiving food safely Chapter 3 (Australia only) Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code NOTE: The Food Safety Standards do not apply in New Zealand. The provisions of the food standards treaty between Australia and New Zealand do not include food hygiene standards. Under Standard 3.2.2 Food Safety Practices and General Requirements, food businesses are expected to take all practicable measures to ensure that they do not receive unsafe or unsuitable food. This means that they must make sure that the food they receive:

1. is protected from contamination;
2. can be identified while it is on the premises; and
3. is at the correct temperature when it arrives, if it is potentially hazardous.