The following is a media release from Food Standards Australia New Zealand and is included here with permission.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow an already permitted food additive sweetener (steviol glycosides) to be produced by fermentation from a genetically modified Yarrowia lipolytica strain.

FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the steviol glycosides sweetener is similar to a range of other steviol glycosides already permitted for use in the Food Standards Code, it is only the method of production that is different.

“If approved, this steviol glycoside would be used as a low-calorie sweetener in a range of food products.

“Steviol glycosides can be sourced from the South American plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (stevia), but can also be produced by different methods.

“FSANZ has conducted a thorough safety assessment and found no public health or safety concerns with this type of steviol glycoside,” Mr Booth said.

The period for comment closes at 6pm (Canberra time) 22 July 2021.

What happens to my feedback?
Submissions will be published to our website as soon as possible after the end of the public comment period.

We will consider all feedback received through this submission process before making a decision on whether to approve the application.

FSANZ’s decision will be notified to ministers responsible for food regulation who can ask for a review or agree that the standard should become law.
More information:

• How to make a submission
• Read the assessment documents
• Steviol glycosides

​Media contact:

• 0401 714 265 (Australia)
• +61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand)

media@foodstandards.gov.au​

The following is a recall notice from Food Standards Australia New Zealand and is included here with permission.

Back to Basics Green Curry Kale Chips 60g 

​Date published: 9 June 2021

Product information

DJ&A Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of Back to Basics Green Curry Kale Chips 60g. The product has been available for sale at ALDI Supermarkets in NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA & WA.

Date markings

Best Before 14/02/2022, 15/02/2022 & 30/03/2022

Problem

The recall is due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (cashews).

Food safety hazard

Any consumers who have a cashew allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed.

Country of origin

Australia

What to do​

Consumers who have a cashew allergy or intolerance should not consume this product and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information please contact:

DJ&A Pty Ltd
(02) 9666 8797
https://www.djaproducts.com/

The following is a media release from the Food Safety Information Council to recognise UN World Food Safety Day 2021, and is included here with permission.

The Food Safety Information Council, together with their partner Environmental Health Australia, today released a report card on Australia’s food safety record in the lead up to the Third UN World Food Safety Day to be held on 7 June 2021. This year’s theme, ‘Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow’, stresses that production and consumption of safe food has immediate and long-term benefits for people, the planet and the economy.

Council Chair, Cathy Moir, said that in an average year there are an estimated 4.1 million cases of food poisoning in Australia that result in 31,920 hospitalisations, 86 deaths and 1 million visits to doctors.

‘Ms Moir said that this past 12 months has seen a mixed report card for Australian food safety:

✔︎Less diagnosed food poisoning. During 2020 there were fewer diagnosed cases of Campylobacter and Salmonella infections although a specific reason for this has not been identified*. Much of this reduction could be due to restaurant and food business closures during the COVID-19 lockdowns, as a lot of food poisoning outbreaks are linked to food service. There were also fewer international travellers who may have acquired food poisoning overseas. People may have also been less likely to seek medical attention and provide a specimen for diagnosis. Additionally, there may have been impacts on laboratory testing capacity.

✔︎Handwashing improves after the toilet. We saw an improvement in some handwashing with our 2020 Omnipoll handwashing survey finding a 4% increase in the number of people who said they always wash their hands after going to the toilet (up from 79% to 83%).

✖︎Handwashing decreases before food preparation. Unfortunately, there was also a 5% drop in the number of respondents (from 63% to 58%) saying they always washed their hands before handling food.

✖︎Need to close the gender gap. There is still a gender gap in food safety knowledge between men and women. For example, men were less likely than women to say they always wash hands after going to the toilet (80% of men versus 85% of women) and before touching food (53% of men versus 62% women).

✖︎Need to close the age gap too. Our recent Omnipoll national handwashing survey found only 75% of respondents between 18 and 34 years said they always washed their hands after going to the toilet (compared with 89% of over 50s). Only 55% of respondents between 18 and 34 years said they always washed their hands before handling food (compared with 61% of over 50s). This is a concern as young people will often go on to work as food handlers either as a full time or part time job or have jobs caring for vulnerable groups in the child, aged care and disability sectors.
✖︎Stop picking or eating those wild mushrooms. Poisons Information Centres around the country have reported increased calls from people who may have eaten poisonous mushrooms, especially as wild mushrooms have been growing profusely this year after wet weather.

‘Finally, a big fail for some of the social media giants such as Facebook and WeChat who continue to advertise unregulated food for sale. Don’t risk buying from an illegal seller with these signs: is the location you collect the food from a home address, does the vendor have proof they have a food licence or are a registered business and is the food a much cheaper price than you would usually pay? If in doubt don’t take the risk.

‘Whether you are a home cook, want to set up a food business or volunteer fundraiser  and you’d like to learn more about food safety  we have some easy to use and cost effective resources on our website at https://foodsafety.asn.au/topic/food-safety-training/,’ Ms Moir concluded.

Philip Swain, National President Environmental Health Australia, added ‘Food Safety is everyone’s responsibility whether in the home or as a worker in a food business. And the basics are simple, washing hands before handling food, ensuring perishable food is stored and served at correct temperatures, and ensuring cross contamination from surfaces to food isn’t occurring. So if you need assistance or advice don’t hesitate to contact your local government Environmental Health Officer. They’ll be happy to help!’
Media contact:
Lydia Buchtmann, Food Safety Information Council, 0407 626 688 or info@foodsafety.asn.au

The following are new recall notices from Food Standards Australia New Zealand and are included here with permission.

Community Co Cookies & Cream Ice Cream 1L  

​Date published: 3 June 2021

Product information

Metcash Trading Ltd is conducting a recall of Community Co Cookies & Cream Ice Cream 1L. The product has been available for sale at Independent grocery stores including IGA in NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, and TAS.

Date markings

Best Before 09 MARCH 2023

Problem

The recall is due to the potential presence of foreign matter (rubber).

Food safety hazard

Food products containing rubber may cause illness/injury if consumed.

Country of origin

Australia.

What to do​

Consumers should not eat this product and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information please contact:

Metcash Trading Ltd
1300 135 690
consumersupport@metcash.com

Eat Real Corn Puffs – various varieties  

Date published: 5 June 2021

Updated: 7 June 2021

Product information

The Market Grocer is conducting a recall of Eat Real Quinoa Corn Puffs White Cheddar 40g & 113g and Eat Real Quinoa & Kale Corn Puffs Jalapeno & Cheddar 40g & 113g. The products have been available for sale independent food retailers including IGA in NSW, ACT & VIC.

Date markings

All best before dates up to and including 31 May 2022.

Problem

The recall is due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (milk).

Food safety hazard

Any consumers who have a milk allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed.

Country of origin

United Kingdom

What to do​

Consumers who have a milk allergy or intolerance should not consume this product and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information please contact:

The Market Grocer
02 9397 5870
https://themarketgrocer.com/

The following is a media release from Food Standards Australia New Zealand and is included here with permission.

Call for comment on proposed changes to the regulation of electrolyte drinks 

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today released a consultation paper on proposed changes to the regulation of electrolyte drinks.

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Mr Mark Booth invited public comment on the proposed changes to Food Standards Code requirements for the labelling and composition of electrolyte drinks.

“The changes proposed are designed to support better public health outcomes, including by allowing manufacturers to reduce sugar content and making on-pack health claims clearer for consumers.

“We’re proposing to lower the minimum content requirement for carbohydrates in electrolyte drinks, from 50 grams per litre to 20 g/L.

“Our assessment found electrolyte drinks with a carbohydrate content of 2% have a similar effect on rehydration and exercise performance as those currently permitted in the Code.

“We’re also proposing to permit three specific on-pack health claims that provide clear guidance on the effects of appropriate consumption of electrolyte drinks.

“All other health claims, including self-substantiated health claims, will be prohibited, supporting people to make informed decisions about their consumption of electrolyte drinks.

FSANZ’s assessment has had regard to best available scientific evidence, relevant policy advice, stakeholder views, and costs and benefits.

All submissions received in response to public consultation will be considered as a key part of FSANZ’s ongoing assessment of this proposal.

The comment period closes at 6pm (Canberra time) 9 July 2021.

What happens with my feedback?

Submissions will be published to our website as soon as possible after the end of the public comment period.

FSANZ will consider all feedback received through this submission process before making a decision on whether to approve the proposal.

FSANZ’s decision will be notified to ministers responsible for food regulation who can ask for a review or agree that the standard should become law.

More information

• How to make a submission
• Read more about Proposal P1030
• Read the call for submissions paper for Proposal P1030

Media contact:

• 0401 714 265 (Australia)
• +61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand)

media@foodstandards.gov.au

The following recall notice is from Food Standards Australia New Zealand and is included here with permission.

A new Australian consumer level food recall has been published on the FSANZ website:

Pandan Cake DHN Trading Import and Export Pty Ltd  

​Date published: 31 May 2021

Product information

DHN Trading Import and Export Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of Regent Pandan Cake, 20g x 10pc (Expiry: 27NOV2021).

The product has been available for sale at independent grocery stores in NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, SA, NT.

Problem

The recall is due to potential for an increase in moisture which may lead to microbial growth.

Food safety hazard

Food products with microbial growth may cause illness if consumed.

Country of origin

Philippines

What to do​

Consumers should not eat this product and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

For further information please contact:

DHN Trading Import and Export Pty Ltd
03 9041 5209
www.dhntrading.com.au

The following is a media release from Food Standards Australia New Zealand and is included here with permission.

The following is a recent  media release from the NSW Food Authority and is included here with permission.

NSW food businesses and consumers are urged to be aware of their responsibility when it comes to managing the growing incidence of food allergies in our community during Food Allergy Week, 23 to 29 May 2021.

NSW Food Authority CEO, Dr Lisa Szabo, said the Food Authority supports the life-saving Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA) initiative to remind food businesses and consumers of the important role they play when it comes to managing food allergies.

“This year’s A&AA Food Allergy Week theme focuses on eating out with allergies and coincides with the release of an updated Food Authority Be Prepared Be Allergy Aware booklet”, Dr Szabo said.

“Developed for the retail food service sector, it includes new requirements for declaring common food allergens on food labels to help people quickly and easily find the relevant information they need to make informed food safety choices.

“These changes commenced on 25 February 2021 with a transition period, which is outlined in the booklet.

“People living with food allergies are keenly aware of their condition and they need the support of the wider community, both consumers and food businesses alike, in managing it safely.

“Above and beyond caring, it’s also the law for those who sell or manufacture food to provide accurate information and labelling about food allergens that may be contained in their product.

“While food allergies can range from being merely unpleasant and inconvenient, sadly in the worst cases they can be fatal.

“People with food allergy are also responsible for declaring it when eating out and must always carry their EpiPen®, if prescribed.”

Dr Szabo said the NSW Food Authority has programs and initiatives in place to help educate and inform people and businesses about their responsibilities when it comes to food allergies and works to help people safely manage their condition.

“The Food Authority’s website is a great resource for people who live with food allergies, or parents and carers seeking information to help a child diagnosed with food allergies,” she said.

“It includes a dedicated section about food allergies and intolerances which outlines various tips and hints for food shopping or eating out.”

Australia has one of the highest rates of food allergies in the world and statistics show that one in ten babies born in Australia today will develop a food allergy.

More information about food allergies for food service businesses and consumers are available from the NSW Food Authority website www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au or by calling the NSW Food Authority Helpline, 1300 552 406. 406.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has just endorsed it’s new Nutrition Strategy. It sets the nutrition objectives of the FAO for the next five years and so will be the framework for the actions the FAO weill take over that time.

The framework includes the following;

• enhancing access to nutritious foods while reducing food loss and waste
• assessing the impact of COVID-19 on healthy diets
• building healthy diets and resilient agri-food systems through the opportunity provided by the COVID-19 crisis

The aim is to support countries in enabling healthy diets and boosting the agri-food systems across the world in producing and delivering foods which are safe, diverse, culturally safe, affordable and adequate.

An implementation and monitoring framework is included in the Strategy, which makes the FAO hold itself accountable for progress on meeting the objectives. It is not a stand alone strategy as it sits beside and as part of the FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31.

It adopts  a systems approach to nutrition with a focus on  the links which exist between acess to healthy diets and the food environment, the food value chains and agriculture itself. There are significant nutrition challenges in our world, particularly the increase in obesity whilst at the same time there is significant malnutrition, and this Strategy aims to work on these.

The new Strategy can be found at http://www.fao.org/3/ne853en/ne853en.pdf

The following are new recall notices from Food Standards Australia New Zealand and are included here with permissions.

Yummy Snack Foods fruit and nut mixes various sizes  

​Date published: 12 May 2021

Product information

Yummy Snack Foods is conducting a recall of:

Yummy Brand – Pink Berry Bliss 500g; Pink Berry Bliss Large Tub 600g; Pink Berry Bliss Mini Tub 250g; Drake Brand – Strawberry Yoghurt Mix 400g

Yummy Brand – Choc Orange Lounge Mix 500g; Choc Orange Lounge Mix Large Tub 640g; Choc Orange Lounge Mix Mini Tub 300g; Drake Brand – Chocolate Orange Mix 400g

The products have been available for sale at Food retailers, independent grocers including IGAs, fresh food markets, and other retail including liquor stores, Asian grocers and BP service stations in NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA, NT and WA.

Date markings

All Best Before Dates

Problem

The recall is due to the presence of undeclared allergens (soy and wheat).

Food safety hazard

Any consumers who have a soy or wheat allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed.

Country of origin

Australia

What to do​

Consumers who have a soy or wheat allergy or intolerance should not consume this product and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information please contact:

Yummy Snack Foods
08 8346 0417
www.yummysnackco.com.au

Plant Asia Vegan Ribs with Plum Sauce 300g  

Product information

Cale and Daughters Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of Plant Asia Vegan Ribs with Plum Sauce 300g. The product has been available for sale at Woolworths nationally.

Date markings

All dates up to and including Use By 26 JUL 21

Problem

The recall is due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (egg).

Food safety hazard

Any consumers who have an egg allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed.

Country of origin

Australia

What to do​

Consumers who have an egg allergy or intolerance should not consume this product and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further information please contact:

Cale and Daughters Pty Ltd
1300 931 532
enquiries@plantasia.com.au