Kraft Australia has requested approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to use phytosterol esters in their low-fat cream cheeses and low-fat processed cheeses. Phytosterol esters, commonly known as plant sterols, are prepared by the reaction of phytosterols with fatty acid methyl esters or free fatty acids. They occur naturally at low levels in common vegetable oils and have been reported as an effective way to reduce cholesterol absorption. Phytosterols are classified as a ‘novel... ...Read more »

The Food Standards Agency has moved to promote brands that have rid their products of certain artificial ingredients in the wake of an agreement of Ministers to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommending a voluntary ban on certain food colours. The colours (listed below) were linked to hyperactivity in children by the ‘Southampton Study’ in the UK in 2007. Australia’s food regulator, FSANZ, has since carried out tests of food products in Australia and suggested a ban on the colours... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) - an independent government agency responsible for setting food regulations - today invited public comment on a request to approve the use of phytosterols, derived from vegetable oils, in fruit juice and fruit juice drinks. Phytosterols (also known as plant sterols) are classified as a ‘novel food’ for food regulation purposes, which means that they are not a traditional part of the Australian and New Zealand diet and they have not been used before... ...Read more »

The Smith’s Snackfood Company is conducting a voluntary recall of the products listed below as a precautionary measure following the discovery of pieces of rubber in some packs produced at their Queensland manufacturing plant. The company has advised that the rubber could pose a choking hazard.Only Smith’s Salt and Vinegar flavour Classic Crinkle Cut Potato Chips with the below Best Before date and lot codes are affected. Salt & Vinegar Multipack Box 15pack Best Before: 12 Feb 2009... ...Read more »

Australian children are consuming low levels of food colours, according to a survey of added colours in foods released today by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. FSANZ’s Chief Scientist, Dr Paul Brent said the results of this survey were very positive and indicate that colours are not being used above maximum permitted levels, or at levels that would pose a risk to consumers. “This survey provides significant reassurance that there is no public health and safety risk from the consumption... ...Read more »

The Irish Government announced on 6 December 2008 that dioxins had been detected in pork and that it had recalled all pork and pork products as a precautionary measure due to the difficulty in establishing which slaughtered pigs had been fed dioxin contaminated feed. Preliminary advice is that the feed contamination incident started in September this year. Dioxins are environmental contaminants that may be formed during combustion processes and may be present in industrial wastes. Irish authorities... ...Read more »

Cadbury Schweppes is conducting a voluntary consumer level recall on Cadbury Boost Totally Nuts (BB: 15/6/09, only), due to the possible presence of isolated plastic fragments from the manufacturing process. No other Boost or Cadbury products are affected by the recall. Date Notified To FSANZ: 19 November 2008 Food Product: Confectionery Name of Product: Cadbury Boost Totally Nuts Package Description & Size: 60g plastic wrap Use By Date: 15-06-09 Australian Distribution: National Overseas Distribution:... ...Read more »

Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke told the UN Food and Agriculture Organization overnight that he believes GM crops could play a vital role in coping with a global food shortage and climate change. The GM debate continues to be fuelled, with some arguing they are a solution to a potential crisis, while others fear they will merely create more problems. Studies suggest, however, that the majority of consumers are still to make up their mind. Greenpeace last month released a report, ‘Eating... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) proposes amending the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to allow manufacturers to voluntarily add fluoride to bottled water. The addition of certain substances, such as fluoride, must undergo a pre-market safety evaluation by FSANZ before they are approved for use at specified levels. If FSANZ approves the sale of bottled water containing added fluoride, it will be a voluntary permission. Manufacturers will be able to add fluoride or not, under... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has invited individuals and organisations with an interest in the regulation of food to provide information and comment on two applications to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.The applications are for two enzymes for use as processing aids in the food industry: phospholipase A2 derived from a genetically modified source and a cellulose enzyme preparation produced by fermentation from a non-genetically modified source. Application A1004... ...Read more »