The addition of iodised salt to Australian bread from tomorrow (October 9) will help address the re-emergence of iodine deficiency across most of the population, the nation’s food regulatory body advised today. Dr Paul Brent, Chief Scientist for Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), said this initiative will address this important public health issue. “Iodine is essential for the healthy function of the thyroid gland to help it produce hormones that regulate metabolism, including... ...Read more »

From Sunday 13 September 2009, bread-making flour in Australia must have folic acid, a form of the B vitamin folate, added to it to reduce the risk of babies being born with birth defects such as spina bifida. Australia has decided to stick with the plan despite New Zealand backing out after concerns were raised about the health ramifications. New Zealand will instead proceed with a targeted voluntary programme. The regulatory body originally made the move as folic acid is known to prevent neural... ...Read more »

Mandatory fortification of folic acid in bread will be deferred until May 2012 in New Zealand, with the focus now on introducing a targeted voluntary programme, NZ Minister for Food Safety Kate Wilkinson announced this week. Australia and New Zealand were due to make folic acid fortification mandatory as of September 13, but New Zealand has backed away from the plan after concerns were raised about the health ramifications. At this stage, Australia is still pushing ahead with the plan. The regulatory... ...Read more »

New Zealand could pull out of a trans-Tasman move to fortify bread with folic acid as opposition mounts against the plan. As of September 13, the flour used to make bread will be required to be fortified with folic acid after a 2007 decision by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. The regulatory body made the move as folic acid is known to prevent neural tube defects in babies. The impact on the population at large is now under question, however, after studies have discovered a possible link between... ...Read more »

The federal workplace watchdog has launched a prosecution against a Newcastle bakery, alleging it failed to keep proper time-and-wages records for four former employees who claimed they had been underpaid.Under workplace law, employers must maintain time-and-wages records relating to employees and former employees and provide the records to workplace inspectors on request. In documents lodged in the Chief Industrial Magistrate’s Court in Sydney, the Fair Work Ombudsman alleges that Newcastle... ...Read more »

Australian bakers were reminded today that they need to replace the salt that they currently use in bread making with iodised salt by 9 October 2009. When launching the Australian User Guide for Mandatory Iodine Fortification today, Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s Chief Executive Officer, Steve McCutcheon, said that the baking industry needs to be aware of the changes that become mandatory next October. “Iodine is essential for good health and mild iodine deficiency has re-emerged... ...Read more »

Butchers and bakers are the latest target of a campaign to stamp out exploitation of workers in South Australia.The Federal Workplace Ombudsman has written to almost 500 businesses alerting them to a crackdown on the food services industry. Up to 100 employers will be randomly selected for audit by workplace inspectors to ensure staff are being properly paid. Executive Director Michael Campbell said the decision to closely scrutinise butchers and bakers follows an increase in complaints. “One... ...Read more »

A couple has been fined $42,000 for causing the worst food poisoning outbreak in NSW – which lead to 319 people falling ill in 2007.Long and Linda Fou, former owners of the Homebush French Golden Hot Bakery, each pleaded guilty to four charges of handling and selling unsafe food in March 2007. “This case is a wake-up call to all food businesses – especially those who cut corners, ignore food safety laws and put consumers’ health at risk,” NSW Primary Industries Minister... ...Read more »

The Workplace Ombudsman has today released a new list of businesses it will target in the lead-up to Christmas to ensure workers are properly paid.The workplace watchdog’s latest “hit-list” includes bakeries, butchers, dairy producers, coffee shops and take-away food outlets. Also in the sights of inspectors will be grocers, smallgoods stores and both retail and wholesale suppliers of poultry and seafood. Federal Workplace Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson advised that the national food... ...Read more »

Noble Rise has created a new range of five fresh bread flavours, now hitting shelves in supermarkets and convenience stores Australia-wide as they launch a national promotional campaign to end boring lunches. The flavours are designed to appeal to the modern Australian palate, with the range of options coinciding with the launch of their new campaign – ‘Take A Stand Against Bland’. The new flavours, released Australia-wide last week, included: * Noble Rise Honey & Wholemeal... ...Read more »