Import and labelling of kava. Import permit required, mandatory label warnings. Source: Dept Agriculture, water and Environment

Australian Food Composition Database: an easy to search database of the nutrient content of Australian foods. Updated data for bread, fruits, cereals, yoghurts, and poultry, plus foods not previously included such as nut based beverages, and plant based meat alternatives.    Source: FSANZ

Energy labelling of alcoholic beverages: results of an evidence assessment and consumer literature review. Options include on-label energy content information and a shortened nutrition information panel, containing average energy content only (preferred by most stakeholders)    Source: FSANZ

General information on labelling of alcoholic beverages published by FSANZ.

FSANZ approvals, general procedures, variations and notifications:

A1240 – Polygalacturonase from GM Aspergillus oryzae

​A1246 – Phospholipase A1 from Aspergillus oryzae​

​A1248 – Glucoamylase from GM Aspergillus niger

A1226 – Food derived from insect-protected corn line MON95379​​

A1219 – Alpha-amylase from GM Bacillus licheniformis: ​To permit the use of Alpha-amylase from GM Bacillus licheniformis as an enzyme processing aid for use in brewed beverages, potable alcohol production and starch processing.

A1249 – Addition of phytosterols, phytostanols or their esters to plant-based milk alternatives: To seek approval for the addition of phytosterols, phytostanols or their esters as a novel food to plant-based milk alternatives.

The following application has been withdrawn by the applicant: Enzymatic production of rebaudioside I: To seek approval for a new specification for the steviol glycoside, rebaudioside I, produced by enzymatic bioconversion of stevia leaf extract.

Food Recalls

Tohato Caramel Corn Original Flavour 80g - presence of an undeclared allergen (tree nut [almond])    Source: FSANZ

Bondi Protein - Vegan Protein Bar Peanut Butter - undeclared allergen (tree nut [cashew]).    Source: FSANZ

L'Artisan Organic Marcel - due to microbial (E.coli) contamination.    Source: FSANZ

EleCare, Similac and Alimentum infant formula products - due to potential microbial contamination (Cronobacter and Salmonella).     Source: FSANZ

Bestow Powdered Drink Products - due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (gluten).    Source: NSW Food Authority

Failing imported food reports for November 2021

Risk food test results – similar problems found as last month.    Source: Dept Agriculture, water and Environment

Surveillance food tests – non-permitted ingredients including vitamins and minerals, and caffeine.    Source: Dept Agriculture, water and Environment

“Use by” and “Best before” – do consumers understand the difference? Interesting article on food waste published in the local press.     Source: News.com.au.