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Major Australian newspapers
Major Australian newspapers It is recommended that businesses place a press advertisement in a newspaper in each state and territory that the recalled product was available for sale. Major newspapers and contact details are listed below. Newspaper Phone Fax Website Canberra (ACT) The Canberra Times 02 6280 2122 n/a www.canberratimes.com.au Sydney (NSW) The Sydney Morning Herald 02 9282 2833 n/a www.smh.com.au The Sun Herald 02 9282 2833 n/a www.sunherald.com.au The Daily Telegraph 02 9288 3000 02 9288 3729 www.dailytelegraph.com.au Sunday Telegraph…
Published December 2023
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A (BPA) Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the lining of some food and beverage packaging to protect food from contamination and extend shelf life. It’s also used in non-food products. Small amounts of BPA can migrate into food and beverages from containers. For a number of years concerns have been raised that BPA exposure may cause health problems. However, when food safety authorities around the world have reviewed BPA they have generally concluded there are no safety concerns at the levels people are exposed to. In April 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a re-evaluation of the risks to public health from the presence of BPA in food. EFSA concluded the tolerable daily intake (or TDI) for BPA should be substantially reduced from the temporary value it had previously…
Published January 2024
Epidemiology studies
Epidemiology studies We monitor all research on BPA and have prepared responses to some of the studies relating to epidemiology. The table below lists the studies from newest to oldest. Study Key findings/claims FSANZ response Association Between Bisphenol A Exposure and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in US Adults Bao et al. (2020) JAMA Network Open 3(8):e2011620. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.11620
- In a cohort study of 3883 US adults enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), higher urinary BPA levels (measured in 2003-2008) were associated with an increased risk of death from all causes during approximately 10 years of observation.
- Urinary BPA levels showed…
Published January 2024
Studies in experimental animals
Studies in experimental animals We monitor all research on BPA and have prepared responses to some of the studies relating to experimental animals. The table below lists the studies from newest to oldest. Study Key findings/claims FSANZ response 'Bisphenol A affects early bovine embryo development and metabolism that is negated by an oestrogen receptor inhibitor' Choi et al (2016) science Reports, 6:29318.
- In vitro incubation of bovine embryos with BPA resulted in (i) a decreased percentage (by up to 20%) in embryos considered to be suitable for subsequent transfer into a host, and (ii) an up to 50% increase in glucose consumption rate by the embryos.
- This is an in vitro study where…
Published January 2024
Cassava and bamboo shoots
Cassava and bamboo shoots Cassava and bamboo shoots available in Australia and New Zealand are safe to eat provided you prepare them properly. These foods contain cyanogenic glycosides; chemicals that can be broken down to release hydrogen cyanide, which can be harmful to consumers. Under the Food Standards Code cassava and bamboo shoots must be labelled with (or if unpackaged accompanied by) a statement indicating they must be fully cooked (and peeled in the case of cassava) before eating. Cassava The simplest method of detoxifying cassava roots is the wetting method1:
- Peel the tubers, chop them and grind them into flour
- Mix the flour with water in a ratio of 1 part cassava flour to 1.25 parts water, by weight
- Spread the mixture of flour and water in a layer not more than 1 cm…
Published December 2023
Dioxins
Dioxins (February 2012) What are dioxins? Dioxins are chemicals produced when household and industrial waste is burned and as by-products from some industrial chemical processes. They persist in the environment for a long time and can get into food but assessments show the amounts are tiny so the risk to our health is minimal. Dioxins also break down in our bodies and we excrete them. Where do dioxins come from? More than 96 per cent of dioxins in the environment come from air emissions. Dioxins then fall to the ground and occur in trace amounts on soil, plant and water surfaces. In Australia, the major sources of dioxin emissions in the air are bushfires and burning agricultural stubble. Plants do not generally absorb dioxins. However, dioxins can enter the food chain when animals eat plants on which…
Published December 2023
Fluoride in bottled water
Fluoride in bottled water (June 2016) The Food Standards Code allows between 0.6 and 1.0 milligrams of fluoride (including naturally occurring and added fluoride) per litre of bottled water. This is the same level recommended for drinking water to provide benefits for dental health. A FSANZ risk assessment (Application A588 - Final Assessment Report) found there is a history of safe use of fluoride in tap water at this level. Fluoridated bottled water (at the approved levels) is nutritionally equivalent to fluoridated tap water. Not all bottled water contains fluoride. However, all bottled water with fluoride added must be clearly labelled. Bottled water with added fluoride is safe for everyone and plain bottled water (but not natural…
Published December 2023
Chemicals in food packaging
Chemicals in food packaging (August 2018) Food packaging prevents contamination, allows food to be transported easily and extends shelf life. From time to time concerns are raised about chemicals migrating from packaging into food. To address this concern FSANZ undertook a project to assess whether there were any unmanaged risks from packaging chemicals migrating into food. This project (Proposal P1034) was completed in October 2017. After a thorough safety assessment involving targeted and public consultation, a number of surveys and a dietary exposure assessment, FSANZ has determined that estimated dietary exposure to these chemicals is low and not of concern for human health.
Chemicals in food - maximum residue limits
Chemicals in food - maximum residue limits (November 2022) A maximum residue limit (MRL) is the highest amount of an agricultural or veterinary (agvet) chemical residue that is legally allowed in a food product sold in Australia whether it is produced domestically or imported. MRLs help enforcement agencies monitor whether an agvet chemical has been used as directed to control pests and diseases in food production. In 2022, FSANZ completed M1019 (Review of Schedule 22 - Foods and Classes of Foods). The purpose of this Proposal was to review and update a food naming system that more closely aligns with both codex and the Australian…
Published December 2023
Food Standards Code
Food Standards Code All food sold in Australia and New Zealand must comply with food standards. These standards are compiled in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. FSANZ assesses applications to amend the Code and prepares proposals to vary existing standards or develop new ones. Card Food Standards Code legislation Links to the latest Food Standards Code legislation in the federal register. Public consultations…
Published December 2023