Background
In 2019 FSANZ undertook a small analytical program to update and expand our food composition data holdings for selected game meats. Four meats were selected for analysis of nutrients for which we hold no data, or the data we do hold is out-dated and may no longer reflect the products available for consumption. We would like to acknowledge and thank Dr Lucinda Black of Curtin University for making these samples available to us for analysis.
Nutrients were selected for analysis depending on what data was available, the quality of the data, and whether the nutrient was likely to be present in the food.
Sampling
Samples of a range of meat cuts were ordered from a specialty meat supplier in Victoria and delivered to the National Measurement Institute (NMI). FSANZ selected a number of the meats and cuts available and developed composites for analysis as detailed in Table 1. See the nutrients analysed below.
Table 1 Foods analysed in the 2019 Game meats analytical program
| Foods | Cuts included |
|---|---|
| Camel, steak, as purchased, raw | Fillet and diced |
| Crocodile, steak, as purchased, new | Strip loin and tail fillet |
| Emu, steak, as purchased, raw | Fan fillet and flat fillet |
| Kangaroo, steak, as purchased, raw | Fillet and rump |
Preparation and analysis
Stored samples were prepared by NMI according to the sample preparation procedures provided by FSANZ. NMI conducted the analyses at their Melbourne laboratories. Methods of analysis used have been accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities. Nutrients analysed in this program are listed below.
Nutrients analysed in the 2019 Game meats analytical program
| Proximates | Vitamins | Minerals | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
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Results
FSANZ validated the results using our existing analytical data and data from international food composition databases for similar foods. Results were generally consistent with previous findings.
For the complete set of results generated from this program refer to:
Conclusion
The results of this analytical program have filled some important data gaps and given FSANZ an improved level of confidence about the composition of these foods which contribute to population nutrient intakes. The results will also feed into future releases of FSANZ published databases, including the Australian Food Composition Database (formerly called NUTTAB).