Not Meeting Honey Rules Costs Auckland Businessman

An Auckland businessman has been fined more than NZ$26,000 for offences related to making false therapeutic claims about honey and failing to ensure he was a registered exporter. Jonathan Paul Towers, 43, has been sentenced in the Auckland District Court and fined $26,300 after earlier pleading guilty to one charge under the Food Act and one charge under the Animal Products Act. A Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigation found that Towers exported honey worth approximately $30,000 while not being registered between March 2014 and November 2016.   Source: NZ honey fine

Honey Investigation Concludes Due to Testing Uncertainty

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission has concluded its investigation into allegations Capilano Honey Limited (Capilano) breached the Australian Consumer Law in relation to representations about its ‘Allowrie’ honey and other products. The investigation followed allegations in the media that a number of honey products including Capilano’s ‘Allowrie’ honey, labelled ‘pure’ and ‘100% honey’ were adulterated with sugar syrup. The allegations were based on results arising from a testing process known as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) testing. NMR testing can be used for a variety of applications, but has only recently emerged as a testing method for honey adulteration. The ACCC is advised NMR testing is not yet reliable enough to determine whether honey is adulterated and therefore should not be used as a basis to support legal action. This is consistent with the approach of regulators in the UK, US and the EU.   Source: Honey is now OK ; See also Nutra Ingredients-Asia, Honey investigation loses sting

Food Regulation: Getting Your Claims Right

The Australian and New Zealand joint food regulation system is based on scientific evidence and expertise that protects the health and safety of consumers. It is a complex system that involves all levels of the Australian and New Zealand governments. Different roles are met by local, state and national government, and international obligations are respected. Here is a guide to complying with the Nutrition, Health and Related Claims Standard of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). This guide was developed by the Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation (ISFR) to provide advice on how to comply with the Nutrition, Health and Related Claims Standard (Standard 1.2.7) in the Code.   Source: Food regulations guide

FSANZ Notifications—

Application A1129 – Monk Fruit Extract as a Food Additive: The purpose of the Application is to permit monk fruit extract as a food additive, specifically as an intense sweetener.   Source:  Monk fruit

Application A1156 – Food derived from Super High Oleic Safflower Lines 26 and 40: The purpose of this Application is to seek approval for food derived from SHO safflower lines 26 and 40, genetically modified to produce high levels of oleic acid in the seed.   Source: GM safflower

Application A1157 – Enzymatic production of Rebaudioside M: The purpose of this Application is to seek approval for a new specification for rebaudioside M produced by an enzymatic biosynthesis method.   Source: Rebaudioside M

Application A1158 – Rosemary extract as a food additive: The purpose of this Application is to seek approval to permit the use of rosemary extract as a food additive (antioxidant).   Source: Rosemary antioxidant

Application A1162–Triacylglycerol lipase preparation from Trichoderma reesei as a Processing Aid (Enzyme): The purpose of this Application is to seek approval to permit the use of the enzyme Triacylglycerol lipase from Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid in the manufacturing of cereal-based products.   Source: Trichoderma enzyme 1

Application A1165 – Lysophospholipase from Trichoderma reesei as a Processing Aid (Enzyme): ​The purpose of the Application is to permit the use of lysophospholipase enzyme from Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid for use in starch processing.   Source: Trichoderma enzyme 2

Application A1172 – Enzymatic production of Rebaudioside D: The purpose of this Application is to seek approval for a new specification for rebaudioside D produced by an enzymatic conversion method.   Source: Rebuadioside

Application A1173 – Minimum protein in follow-on formula: The purpose of the Application is to seek approval to vary the minimum protein requirement in follow-on formula.    Source: Infant formula

Proposal P1050 – Pregnancy warning labels on alcoholic beverages: The purpose of the proposal is to consider a mandatory labelling standard for pregnancy warning labels on packaged alcoholic beverages.   Source: Alcohol in prgnancy

Hemp Seed Can be Sold as Food in New Zealand

Amendments to regulations to allow the sale of hemp seeds as food came into affect on 12^th November 2018. Head of New Zealand Food Safety, Bryan Wilson, says there was wide support for changes to introduce hemp seed into the New Zealand food supply. "Hemp seeds are safe to eat and nutritious. They don't produce a psychoactive or therapeutic effect. "Earlier this year, New Zealand Food Safety and the Ministry of Health jointly consulted on proposed changes to the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006 and the Food Regulations 2015 to allow the sale of hemp seed as food. Sixty-four submissions were received from industry groups, growers, businesses, and consumers, with the majority of respondents strongly in favour of changes to allow hemp seed and hemp seed products to be sold as food. Submitters also requested more guidance surrounding the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006.     Source: NZ hemp seeds

[Related content: Cannabis Cosmetics Crusader Celebrates Year on From Aussie Hemp Food Legalisation - Almost exactly a year ago, changes to the Australian Food Standards Code finally permitted the sale of low-psychoactive hemp seed as a food, after years of lobbying by producers and industry groups. Hemp skincare’s popularity has trickled down from last November’s food legalisation buzz.   Source: J. Whitehead, Cosmetic Designs-Asia Oz hemp regulation ]

History Spot: Dr Harvey Washington Wiley & his ‘Poison Squad' who Pioneered USA Food Safety

In major US cities in the late 19th century, dairy producers looking to cut costs would dilute milk using pond water, plaster dust and some yellow lead to give a golden hue. Once the manufacturer was satisfied with the aesthetic of the product, the toxic chemical formaldehyde could be added to give the so-called "embalmed milk" a longer shelf life. Milk was only one of a long list of commonly adulterated foods that included lead in cheese, brick dust in cinnamon, sawdust in ground coffee, and brown sugar spiked with crushed insects. Unchecked by government regulation, basic safety or even labelling requirements, food manufacturers put profit before the health of their customers. After briefly serving in the Civil War, Harvey Washington Wiley became a chemistry professor, and in 1883 was named the Department of Agriculture's chief chemist. The department, traditionally concerned with agribusiness, became the vehicle for Wiley’s 30-year campaign for safe food and proper labelling. Eventually, the government legislated and the Meat Inspection Act was passed, followed a week later by the Pure Food and Drug Act. Commonly known as 'the Wiley Act', it required that a drug's active ingredients be written on its packaging, and meant unsafe products could be outlawed. Gradually food safety standards were expanded and exported internationally and by mid-century became the rule rather than the exception throughout the developed world. Consumers today, who value their breakfast free of borax, have Wiley to thank.   Source: ABC News History: The Wiley Act

October 2018 Failing Food Report

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources targets and monitors food determined to pose a high or medium risk to public health. Risk food is targeted at the rate of 100 per cent until a history of food safety compliance is established. When an emerging human health and safety hazard is identified in food, the department may temporarily increase monitoring and testing. This latest report details food that was found to fail under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme during the month of August. Among the pathogenic organisms detected in these imported foods were, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio cholera, & Salmonella, as well as the toxins Aflatoxin, Lead, Dimethoate and more.   Source: Latest failed foods

A Product Registry in USA Would Go a Long Way Toward Weeding Out Bad Actors

The low barriers to entry in the dietary supplement industry create the risk that the good deeds of the many will be besmirched by the transgressions of the few. Fortunately, there is something that can be done about it, given enough collective will.     Source: Hank Schultz, Nutraingredients-USA USA supplements regs

(Editor’s note: Compare and contrast the situation in the USA, where dietary supplements are regulated as foods; and there is no pre-market registration requirements, with Australia. Down under, these types of products are regulated as ‘complementary medicines’ and as such, are regulated as medicines requiring strict manufacturing standards. Therapeutic claims, or indications for use, must be based on scientific or traditional evidence).

What is the Difference Between Public Liability Insurance & Professional Indemnity Insurance?

It is often asked “isn’t Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance the same thing?” The short answer is ‘no’ they are not. Find out more here… Insurance Made Easy

Quote for the month:

“Honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake from turning into a failure”.   James Altucher

Why You Should Always Buy Australian Made Sunscreen

Sunscreen experts are pleading with Australian consumers to steer clear of so-called "sunscreen pills" and buy Australian-made products over imported ones. In a crackdown on the burgeoning sun protection industry, the US Food and Drug Administration earlier this year warned four companies to stop claiming their dietary supplements could protect people from sun damage. Australia produces the most effective sunscreens in the world and consumers should opt for local products over highly marketed ones from overseas. A TGA spokeswoman said sunscreen pill products were not approved for sale in Australia and sun-screening claims can only be made for products applied to the skin, meet the official standard and have been registered.   Source: Sunscreen pills

National Transport Commission (NTC) Removes Aerosols from Personal Care Products in Consumer Packaging Exemption Clause

In a September update of the ‘Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail’, edition 7.6 (ADG 7.6) by the NTC ‘aerosols’ were excluded from the “Personal Care Products in Consumer Packaging” exemption clause (section 3.4.12). The original version of the ADG 7.6 published on the NTC website exempted all personal care products in consumer packaging from the requirement to mark and label packages, and from documentation requirements if they were correctly classified and packed. This permitted personal care aerosols to be transported by road and rail as “general freight”. An additional new clause has now been added by the NTC to remove aerosols from this exemption.   Source:  Aerosol transport

Event: Accord Cosmetic & Personal Care Conference, Sydney 6^th December 2018

Accord is the national industry association representing manufacturers and suppliers of hygiene, cosmetic and specialty products, their raw material suppliers and service providers. RFA Regulatory Affairs is a proud sponsor and we look forward to meeting you at the upcoming conference. Bring your ideas and enthusiasm and we will show you how to get your cosmetic products to market.   Source: Accord conference

TGA Revamps Complaints Handling for the Advertising of Therapeutic Goods

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is responsible for ensuring that therapeutic goods available for supply and use in Australia are safe and fit for their intended purpose. This includes complementary medicines such as vitamins, herbal and traditional medicines. Advertisers of therapeutic goods should note that the current 2015 Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code expires at the end of this year and that the new 2018 Code will commence on 1 January 2019. Complaints received by the TGA will get classified as low, medium, high or critical, with corresponding actions taken by the TGA depending on the classification.   Source: Advertising complaints 2018 code

TGA Changes Advertising Code 2018 Following Public Consultation During April 2018

Advertising to the public for therapeutic goods must comply with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (the Code). The Code ensures that the marketing and advertising of therapeutic goods is conducted in a manner that promotes the quality use of the product, is ethical and does not mislead or deceive the consumer. A draft version of changes to the Code was sent for public consultation in April 2018, with the updated version taking effect from 1 January 2019. The definitional references to 'complementary medicine' and 'listed' have been deleted and a number of new definitions have been included or amended, among several other changes.   Source: Advertisng code changes

Negative Advertising Outcome for Gumby Gumby Capsules

Suppliers of Gumby Gumby capsules have been found guilty of illegally promoting their product as a cure for cancer. They promoted their product by way of testimonials claiming not only benefit to cancer sufferers but also to people with arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or skin diseases. Gumby Gumby capsules have never been registered on the Australian Register of Thereapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is a mandatory requirement for all medicines supplied in Australia. Note that ‘advertising’ refers not only to print media but also to all e-media including websites and social media of all sorts.   Source:  Gumby gumby fail

Pre-Market Evaluation of Herbal Component Names Discontinued

Where a herbal ingredient comprises of chemical constituents, these chemical constituents are referred to as "herbal components". A Herbal Component Name (HCN) for use in listed medicines is a name for a herbal component of its parent herbal ingredient. HCNs are not standalone active ingredients for use in listed medicines. Certain herbal components are mandatory to declare in listed medicine applications. These mandatory herbal components are identified in the Therapeutic Goods (Permissible Ingredients) Determination, and are mandated by the Poisons Standard or for safety reasons. Sponsors will no longer be able to submit new HCN applications for pre-market evaluation effective immediately. After 1 October 2018, sponsors will not be able to select HCNs from the TGA list of approved HCNs for use in new listings. The TGA will continue to work with industry to discontinue pre-market evaluation of HCNs.   Source: HCN FAQs

TGA Details Education Priorities for 2018-19

The Therapeutic Goods Administration is committed to delivering a range of educational materials for sponsors, health professionals and consumers in 2018-19. Many of the priority areas for education relate to reforms implemented following the Expert Panel Review of Medicines and Medical Devices Regulation (MMDR). Information is now available detailing the high priority education programs for 2018-19.  Source: Education 2018-19

TGA Safety Advisories—   Source: https://www.tga.gov.au/current-year-alerts

Mutant YK-11 Capsules: The capsules contain the undeclared substance tadalafil.

Big Penis U.S.A Tablets: The tablets contain the undeclared substances sildenafil & chloramphenicol.

BFB Be Fast Block Capsules: The capsules contain the undeclared substance clenbuterol.

Lanky Genuine Capsules: The capsules contain the undeclared substances sibutramine & phenolphthalein.

Sherb Detox Capsules: The capsules contain the undeclared substance bisacodyl.

You Slim'xs Capsules: The capsules contain the undeclared substance sibutramine.

Sydney Pharmacist Charged Over Illegal Supply of Cancer Drug

A pharmacist on Sydney's lower north shore, and her alleged accomplice, have been charged over allegations that she supplied $500,000 worth of a cervical cancer vaccine to the man, before it was illegally exported for resale in Hong Kong. The Gardasil 9 Human Papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine is used for the prevention of cancers in men and women, including cervical and anal cancers, as well as other diseases caused by human papillomavirus. Gardasil is administered by a course of three injections over six months. Administration of the drug in Australia has been funded through the National Immunisation Program since 2007, which has seen it supplied to girls aged 12-13 years at school.   Source: Lucy Cormack, SMH Cancer vaccine

Botanical Adulterant Program Expands

The American Botanical Council (ABC)-American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP)-National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program is an international consortium of nonprofit professional organizations, analytical laboratories, research centers, industry trade associations, industry members, and other parties with interest in herbs and medicinal plants. The program advises industry, researchers, health professionals, government agencies, the media, and the public about the various challenges related to adulterated botanical ingredients sold in commerce. In its most recent expansion of activities, this consortium’s latest proposal wishes to set up a new program: “Best Practices SOP for the Disposal/Destruction of Irreparably Defective Articles.” If you would like to review and comment on the proposal, please go to http://abc.herbalgram.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=41987.0&dlv_id=96250 ; Related conference (Germany): Adulteration and Fraud of Botanical and Natural Health Ingredients: Issues, Challenges and Prevention Tools for the Industry

Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program Publishes Guidance for Tea Tree Oil

As the previous story explains, the ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) actively works to minimise adulteration of botanical ingredients in the global marketplace. As part of its most recent efforts, the program has released a Laboratory Guidance Document (LGD) on tea tree oil, the essential oil obtained from tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia and M. linariifolia) leaves. Australia is the major producer of tea tree oil, providing an estimated 80% of the global supply. In 2018, Australian tea tree oil exports reached a market value of AU$35 million (roughly US$21 million). “In the past three decades, tea tree oil has become a significant ingredient in many consumer health products, particularly topical products used for their antibacterial, antifungal, and other beneficial health effects,” said Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of ABC and founder and director of BAPP. “The rise in tea tree’s popularity has motivated unscrupulous suppliers to add cheap, sometimes synthetic chemicals to materials that are fraudulently being marketed as ‘tea tree oil’ in international commerce. The Tea Tree Oil Laboratory Guidance Document, when utilized by reputable company laboratories, will enhance the quality control process and help protect responsible companies from being victimized by sellers of fraudulent material.”   Source: Tea tree oil adulteration

FDA Warns of Fraudulent Dietary Supplements

USA Federal regulators continue to warn consumers about tainted, dangerous products that are marketed as dietary supplements. These fraudulent products can cause serious injury or even death. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found nearly 300 fraudulent products—promoted mainly for weight loss, sexual enhancement, and bodybuilding—that contain hidden or deceptively labelled ingredients. Unlike Australia’s TGA (which categorises these products as ‘complementary medicines’), dietary supplements, in general, are not FDA-approved. Under USA law (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994), dietary supplement firms do not need FDA approval prior to marketing their products. It is the company’s responsibility to make sure its products are safe and that any claims are true. Just because consumers see a supplement product on a store shelf does NOT mean it is safe or effective. When safety issues are suspected, FDA must investigate and, when warranted, take steps to have the product removed from the market. However, it is much easier for a firm to get a product on the market than it is for FDA to take a product off the market.   Sources: Fake supplements ; Keep supplements clean

USA: Psychedelic Mushrooms are Closer to Medicinal Use (It’s Not Just Your Imagination)

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have recommended that psilocybin, the active compound in hallucinogenic mushrooms, be reclassified for medical use, potentially paving the way for the psychedelic drug to one day treat depression and anxiety and help people stop smoking. The study comes as many Americans shift their attitudes toward the use of some illegal drugs. The widespread legalization of marijuana (in USA) has helped demystify drug use, with many people now recognizing the medicinal benefits for those with anxiety, arthritis and other physical ailments. Psychedelics, like LSD and psilocybin, are illegal and not approved for medical or recreational use. But in recent years scientists and consumers have begun rethinking their use to combat depression and anxiety.   Source: Laura Holson, NYT Magic mushrooms

Reminder: Changes to Complementary Medicine Claims – TGA Fee Free Period Available

Do you have complementary medicines listed with the TGA? We remind you that you must revise the indications for use (“claims”) to only include those on the permitted indications list by 6 March 2021 or products will be cancelled. Currently  the TGA has a fee free period. Click here for our website and contact details.