Many synthetic chemicals found in common foods could have significant health implications according to a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The new UNEP – WHO report highlights research findings that some substances, known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or “hormone-mimicking chemicals” which are commonly found in household products, can cause different cancers, reproductive issues, obesity, and problems with brain... ...Read more »

Companies have been invited to make submissions on a ‘Draft National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern’ published by the Attorney-General’s Department. As part of the Australian government’s anti-terrorism measures, the Draft Code seeks to regulate the usage of eleven particular chemicals. Proposed measures include inventory control measures, theft and diversion procedures, safety control and transportation policies. The Draft Code addresses the following chemicals and notes... ...Read more »

The latest Australia-wide study of chemicals in foods comprised in the Australian diet, released today by Australia’s food regulator Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), has found only low rates of contamination in the foods that are typically consumed by Australians. The Australian Total Diet Study (ATDS), formerly known as the Australian Market Basket Survey, is Australia’s most comprehensive assessment of consumers’ dietary exposure (intake) to a range of food chemicals including... ...Read more »

A recent study from New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has found no health or food safety concerns in chemical residues in fresh, unwashed produce. The study, part of this year’s Food Residue Surveillance Programme (FRSP), which targets locally-produced and imported crops prone to exceeding the maximum residue limit (MRL) for agricultural chemicals, looked at bananas, bok choi (also know as pak choi), broccoli, cucumbers, grapes, nectarines, oranges and wheat. NZFSA principal adviser for... ...Read more »

CHOICE tests on 25 everyday foods packaged in glass jars have found 13 were contaminated with controversial plastic softening chemicals at levels that exceed the safety limits set by the European Union (EU). The tests revealed a pesto sauce which contained plasticisers at levels more than twelve times that permitted in the EU, and one tandoori dip at 230 times over the standard. Australian food regulators do not set limits for these chemicals. One food manufacturer in Australia has now initiated... ...Read more »