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Analytical survey of total and inorganic arsenic in apple and pear juice

Analytical survey of total and inorganic arsenic in apple and pear juice (April 2014) In 2012 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) conducted a small analytical survey examining total arsenic and inorganic arsenic levels in apple and pear juice.   In total, 96 apple juice samples and four pear juice samples were analysed. The survey found a quantifiable amount of arsenic in 34 apples juice samples and inorganic arsenic in 20 samples. None were at a level that, based on present knowledge, would cause a safety concern over a lifetime of consumption. The range of concentrations reported for inorganic arsenic were similar to concentrations observed in other countries for apple juice. There were no detections of arsenic…

Published 23 April 2014

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

Combined survey and risk assessment for cyanogenic glycosides

Combined survey and risk assessment for cyanogenic glycosides (April 2014) Cyanogenic glycosides, found in a range of plant-based foods, can pose potential risks to consumers. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (NZ MPI) coordinated a survey of foods containing cyanogenic glycosides between 2010-13 in consultation with Australian states and territories. Key findings Almost 300 samples of plant-based foods were collected and analysed. The survey identified that cyanogenic glycosides (measured as hydrocyanic acid or HCN) are present in a wide range of Australian and New Zealand plant-based foods at levels consistent with or lower than those reported in the scientific literature.…

Published 17 April 2014

Ethyl carbamate in Australian foods (2007)

Ethyl carbamate in Australian foods (2007) (Survey sampling and analysis conducted 2007) Ethyl carbamate (EC), or urethane, is a chemical contaminant that occurs naturally in foods undergoing fermentation during processing or storage. Foods such as bread, soy sauce and yoghurt; as well as alcoholic beverages such as whisky, fruit brandies, beer and wine have been found to contain quantifiable levels of EC. In 2007 FSANZ decided to undertake an analytical survey to quantify actual levels of EC in foods and alcoholic beverages in Australia. This was necessary to quantify levels of EC in the Australian food supply and to accurately estimate dietary exposure and assess potential risk to human health for Australians. This survey was undertaken as part of the surveillance program…

Published 22 March 2013

FSANZ study of brominated flame retardants in food

FSANZ study of brominated flame retardants in food FSANZ study of brominated flame retardants in food (14 December 2007) In 2007 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) released a survey of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in food. PBDEs are flame retardant chemicals and the FSANZ survey was prompted by increasing interest internationally in these chemicals. In 2005, the joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants concluded that while there was limited data, the current intakes of PBDE from the diet are unlikely to be a significant health concern. Download the Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in food in Australia (pdf 435kb)…

Published 22 March 2013

FSANZ survey and activities on bisphenol A

FSANZ survey and activities on bisphenol A FSANZ recognises consumers are concerned about the safety of BPA in foods, particularly the safety of food consumed by infants. In response to these concerns, FSANZ has worked with national and international agencies to examine the safety of BPA. FSANZ has assessed the relevant scientific data on BPA and will continue to assess any new published data. The weight of scientific evidence indicates that exposure to BPA in food does not present a significant human health and safety issue at current exposure levels. FSANZ recently undertook a survey of BPA levels in food and drinks to determine levels of exposure to BPA from packaging materials. The survey found no detectable levels of BPA in infant formula, including infant formula made in BPA…

Published 8 May 2014

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

Microbiological surveillance of raw egg products

Microbiological surveillance of raw egg products Conducted by Gippsland region, Victoria (June 2012) Raw egg products are frequently linked to foodborne illness, and the Gippsland regional sampling group aimed to assess the microbiological safety of these products in their region of Victoria. All samples were accompanied by a questionnaire, detailing egg supply, process and production controls and other food safety aspects of the premises. Samples were processed by analysts authorised under the Victorian Food Act 1984. The laboratories that processed samples are NATA accredited for the analytical methods used. Samples taken were analysed for Standard Plate Count (SPC), Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. The SPC and E. coli were included to provide an overall…

Published 28 November 2016

Microbiological surveillance of hot meat meals served in aged care facilities (2011)

Microbiological surveillance of hot meat meals served in aged care facilities (2011) Conducted by North Western Metropolitan region, Victoria This survey was conducted as a result of 3 food borne outbreaks at aged care facilities in the North Western Metropolitan region of Victoria being attributed to Clostridium perfringens during the 1st quarter of 2010. Samples were processed by analysts authorised under the Victorian Food Act 1984. The laboratories that processed samples are NATA accredited for the analytical methods used. Samples taken were analysed for Standard Plate Count (SPC), Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens and Listeria monocytogenes. Enumeration of L. monocytogenes was also included in the requested tests, to provide some background epidemiological…

Published 16 January 2019

National Coordinated Survey of Melamine in Food and Beverages

National Coordinated Survey of Melamine in Food and Beverages In 2008, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), in conjunction with Australian States and Territories, conducted a survey of melamine in food and beverages that were manufactured in China and sold in Australia. This survey was conducted in response to an international food incident linking the adulteration of raw milk with melamine and its analogues, to increased incidence of kidney stones in infants in China. Results from this survey were previously reported in 2008 and 2009 in the Food Surveillance News, and FSANZ has now consolidated a formal report on the 'National coordinated survey of melamine in food and beverages' including risk assessment. The survey analysed 280 foods for melamine,…

Published 22 March 2013