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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…

Published 22 June 2016

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 14 July 2023

Melamine

Melamine (June 2012) Melamine is used in plastics and other products. There can be trace amounts of melamine in foods due to leaching from food contact materials, however these trace amounts don't present a health concern. In 2008 Chinese health officials advised that melamine had been found in a baby formula product and, later, in other dairy products. Following this advice FSANZ, together to state and territory authorities, conducted a survey in which foods manufactured in China and available in Australia were tested for melamine. As a result of that survey a number of products were withdrawn by importers and one product was recalled. Australia does not import infant formula products from China due to quarantine restrictions. Maximum melamine levels in food FSANZ conducted a…

Published 20 November 2018

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…

Risk assessment and referral levels for dairy foods and foods containing dairy-based ingredients adulterated with melamine

Risk assessment and referral levels for dairy foods and foods containing dairy-based ingredients adulterated with melamine (14 October 2008) In September 2008 FSANZ became aware of media reports which indicated that m ore than 50 000 infants and young children in China had sought treatment for renal tube blockages and kidney stones following consumption of infant formula adulterated with melamine. The deliberate addition of melamine to food or infant formula is not approved anywhere in the world. Four deaths have now been reported and many thousands have been hospitalized with kidney problems. It is understood that melamine was added to infant formula to boost its apparent protein content. Melamine has been commercially used for many years to produce melamine resins which are then used…

Published 29 November 2013

Mercury in fish

Mercury in fish (Last reviewed December 2020) Fish is an excellent source of protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, important vitamins and is low in saturated fat. Although mercury is present at low levels in most fish, there is no need for anyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) to stop eating fish altogether. Mercury occurs naturally in the environment and builds up in fish over time. All fish contain some mercury with most fish having low levels. Only a few species have higher amounts. The amount of mercury depends on the age of a fish, the environment in which it lives and what it eats. Big fish that have long lifespans and predatory fish such as swordfish and shark/flake tend to have higher levels of mercury than other smaller, younger fish. Most people only eat moderate amounts of…

Published 13 December 2020

Aluminium

Aluminium (June 2019) Aluminium is the most abundant metallic element found in the Earth's crust and occurs naturally in soil, water and air. Occurrence in foods can occur naturally, for example, through uptake from soils or water, or from aluminium-containing food additives. Food additives containing aluminium are commonly used in baked products as leavening agents and also as emulsifiers and anti-caking agents. Standard 1.3.1 of the Food Standards Code lists the additives and levels permitted for use in Australia and New Zealand. Health effects The Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) established a health based guidance…

Published 25 June 2019

Chemicals in food

Chemicals in food In this section

Ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide What is ethylene oxide? Ethylene oxide is a man-made chemical that exists as a gas above 10°C. It does not persist for long in the environment due to its instability. What is ethylene oxide used for? The primary use of ethylene oxide is as an intermediate ingredient in the further manufacture of industrial products (e.g. polyester). Ethylene oxide also has applications as a sterilising agent in healthcare and as a fumigant pesticide in agriculture. Historically, ethylene oxide was used as a fumigant pesticide to treat foodstuffs sold in Australia. Because of its volatility, ethylene oxide residue in food post-treatment can fully dissipate with time. However, the use of ethylene oxide on foods is being phased out worldwide, due to health concerns associated with residues that may…

Published 20 July 2021