The Australian Federal Treasurer today approved SABMiller’s acquisition of Australian brewer Foster’s and the remaining 50% of Pacific Beverages, on recommendation from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). The Treasurer’s approval of the transaction marks the final regulatory condition to be satisfied ahead of the shareholder vote at the upcoming scheme meeting scheduled for 1 December 2011. In a statement released today, SABMiller said the acquisition is expected to be completed... ...Read more »

The latest study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, in the USA, has raised fresh debate over the regulation of Bisphenol A (BpA), a chemical compound often used as protective lining on the inside of cans containing food or beverages. The Harvard study’s findings were published on 22 November 2011, in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The researchers say their study is one of the first to quantify BpA levels in humans after ingestion of canned foods. Exposure... ...Read more »

A new primary production and processing standard for seed sprouts has been approved by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Board. FSANZ said the objective of the standard is to reduce the incidence of food-borne illness associated with seed sprouts by introducing food regulatory measures for sprouts processors. Measures in the standard include requirements for producers to identify potential hazards and implement control measures to address those hazards. Sprout producers must also have evidence... ...Read more »

New Danish research published today in the American Journal of Hypertension claims that, contrary to previous findings, reducing the amount of sodium in one’s diet may not have an overall positive impact on heart health. The findings add to a growing body of evidence that the general recommendation of reducing dietary sodium as a preventative heath measure should be re-evaluated. The study titled ‘Effects of Low-Sodium Diet vs. High-Sodium Diet on Blood Pressure’ was undertaken by researchers... ...Read more »

The Canadian Government has announced it will reform the way it regulates energy drinks in Canada. Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages characterised by the addition of ‘energy enhancing’ ingredients. These may include a number of water-soluble B vitamins, amino acids and other substances, and caffeine. The proposed Canadian legislation includes: A cap on the amount of caffeine that can be included in an energy drink at 180 mg per single serving. In addition to current labels that... ...Read more »

The theme of this year’s Australian Food Safety Week, which began today (7 November 2011), is vulnerable populations which, according to the Food Safety Information Council, are growing rapidly in Australia. Australian Food Safety Week is the major activity of the Food Safety Information Council which aims to address the estimated 5.4 million cases of food borne illness in Australia each year. It will run from today  until 13 November 2011. According to data taken from the Australian Bureau of... ...Read more »

The Australian Government’s main food regulatory standards agency, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), has begun development of a new food production and processing standard for game meat (Proposal P1014). The purpose of the new standard is to achieve a nationally consistent approach to the management of meat safety. Development of this standard will require extensive stakeholder involvement with a minimum two rounds of public consultation. FSANZ has said there will be opportunity to... ...Read more »

  The regulation of Australia’s live export industry will be substantially reformed, following the publication of an independent review late last week. The ‘Farmer review’ was commissioned by the Australian Government in response to broadcasts of shocking video footage of animal cruelty in Indonesia. The regulatory changes recommended by the review will be implemented wholesale, on a domestic and international level, to ensure Australian livestock exported for slaughter are treated... ...Read more »

Australia’s regulatory agency for medical drugs, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today warned health professionals and consumers against topiramate, an anti-epilepsy drug, being used for weight loss programs. In a statement released today, the TGA said it had received a report of a patient who was prescribed topiramate to assist with weight loss. Soon after consuming the product topiramate, the patient was diagnosed with acute closed angle glaucoma. Glaucoma is a serious eye disorder... ...Read more »

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission yesterday announced that it will not oppose the acquisition of the iconic Australian Foster’s Group by SABMiller. According to ACCC chairman Rod Sims “the proposed acquisition is not likely to result in a substantial lessening of competition for the supply of beer”.  Before reaching this conclusion, the ACCC carried out a comprehensive review, involving market inquiries with a range of interested parties in the beer industry. UK company SABMiller... ...Read more »