FSANZ Calls for Call on a New Type of Glazing Agent for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an Application to extend the use of an already approved additive as a glazing agent for fruit and vegetables.   Source: Glazing agent

Dept. Agriculture Announces Changes to the Inspection and Testing of some Imported Food

Food Standards Australia New Zealand provides advice on whether imported ​foods present a potential medium or high risk to public health. This advice is then used to classify food in the Imported Food Control Order and apply an appropriate inspection and testing regime through the Imported Food Inspection Scheme. This announcement is to advise importers and brokers that amendments to the Imported Food Control Order 2019 will change the way that some imported foods are inspected and tested.    Source: Food tests and inspection

Pure- and High-Caffeine Ban in Oceania Will Stay Despite New Public Review

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has confirmed that the existing ban implemented on pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products will not be removed even with a new proposal underway to assess caffeine governance in the food supply.    Source: (Copyright) Pearly Neo, FoodNavigator-Asia High dose caffeine

Failing Food Reports – July 2020

These latest reports detail food that was found to fail under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme during the month of July. Among the usual pathogens detected in these imported foods are such organisms as Salmonella (found in Indian chili powder), Listeria monocytogenes  (found in Polish smoked salmon, Portuguese cheese, and Chinese cooked crawfish tails), and assorted toxins such as Hydrocyanic Acid (found in Indian tapioca chips), histamine (found in many varying dried seafoods), and the illegal addition of vitamins to many foods including Japanese cocoa powder, Italian cornflakes and Korean snack foods.      Source: Food fails July 2020  

FSANZ Notifications –

Applications A1184, A1185 – Glucoamylase from GM Aspergillus niger (enzyme).    Source: GM enzyme 1 ; GM enzyme 2 

Application A1192 – Food derived from herbicide-tolerant corn line MON87429.   Source: Glyphosate tolerance

Application A1194 – Glucoamylase from GM Trichoderma reesei as PA (enzyme).   Source: GM enzyme 4 

Application A1195 – Alpha-amylase as a processing aid (enzyme).   Source: Alcohol enzyme

Application A1196 – Food derived from nematode-protected and herbicide-tolerant soybean GMB151.   Source: Herbicide tolerance

Application A1199 – Food derived from Innate potato lines V11 & Z6.    Source: GM potato

Application A1210 - Maltogenic alpha amylase enzyme from GM Saccharomyces cerevisiae.   Source: GM enzyme 3

Face Masks and Respirators that are Regulated by the TGA

This advice provides consumers, health professionals, and state and territory government officials with guidance to help determine when a face mask is a medical device and therefore must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Non-sterile face masks (including respirators) that are intended, by their manufacturer, to prevent the transmission of disease between people, or are intended to be used in a healthcare environment, are medical devices and are regulated by the TGA. Face masks which are non-sterile and designed as safety or personal protective equipment (PPE) for use in the home or for recreational or occupational activities, and do not make healthcare claims, are excluded from regulation by the TGA under the Therapeutic Goods (Excluded Goods) Determination 2018.  However, labelling, or other information accompanying a face mask which identifies the mask as 'not for medical use' does not preclude it from being a 'medical device'.   Source: Face-mask regulation   (For a comprehensive review of all Coronavirus (COVID-19) information on medicines and medical devices, the TGA has published this helpful page: https://www.tga.gov.au/collection/covid-19 )

Complaints Handling for the Advertising of Therapeutic Goods to the Australian Public

As the rules related to the advertising of therapeutic goods continues to perplex many sponsors of medicines and medical devices, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has dedicated an extensive summary of supplier’s responsibilities and the reasoning these regulations. To protect the health and safety of Australian consumers, the advertising of therapeutic goods is subject to the 2018 Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. Consumers are also protected from false or misleading advertising of products and services by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, administered by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and associated state and territory laws. The ACCC also prioritises product safety issues which have the potential to cause serious harm to consumers.    Sources: Advertising complaints handling ; Advertising education

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Review of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Framework

The independent review of the advertising framework, led by Ms Rosemary Sinclair AM, has now concluded, with 22 recommendations which have all been accepted by the Australian Federal Government. The recommendations and outcomes are of relevance to all who engage with therapeutic goods advertising, including advertisers (sponsors, retailers, and other advertisers) and consumers. Key outcomes of this review indicate that the TGA will remain as the single complaints-handling body, which will introduce an updated complaints model and performance measures.    Source: Advertising framework review

Applications for New Substances in Listed Medicines

This guidance is for applicants requesting evaluation of a substance for use as an ingredient in listed medicines [AUST L listed medicines and AUST L(A) assessed listed medicines]. All listed medicines may only contain ingredients included in the Therapeutic Goods Permissible Ingredients Determination. Applications for evaluation of a substance to be used in listed medicines are categorised into four application levels (IN1, IN2, IN3 and IN4). Each application category has defined submission requirements. Less supporting information is required and shorter evaluation times apply to lower level applications.     Source: New substance application 

TGA Consultation: Permissible ingredients Changes Focus on Magnesium salts and Andrographis Herb

The purpose of this consultation is to provide an opportunity for consumers, health professionals, industry and other interested parties to comment on these proposed changes which are due to commence on 1 March 2021. Firstly, the TGA is proposing new restrictions for listed medicines, not indicated for laxative use, where those medicines contain higher doses of easily dissociable magnesium salts. Secondly, Andrographis paniculata is a herb commonly used in Indian and Chinese medicine and the TGA has advised that evidence indicates an association between Andrographis paniculata and loss of taste/taste disturbance, which may require further warnings on all labelling.    Source: Permissible ingredient consultation

Notice of Final Decisions to Amend the Current Poisons Standard

Of particular interest to sponsors of herbal products with ingredient herbs containing beta-arbutin (such as Bearberry - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and Turnera diffusa – Damiana), is the introduction of acceptable limits for arbutin in listed medicines. Under the new changes, beta-arbutin has been classified as a Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) medicine and a Schedule 6 Poison EXCEPT when in oral preparations that are herbal preparations containing 500 mg or less beta-arbutin per recommended daily dose. The change in Scheduling will be effective from 1 October 2020.   Source: Pages 14-15 of this PDF Arbutin re-scheduling

TGA and ACCC Continue Crackdown on Companies Seeking to Profit on COVID-19 ‘Therapies’

The TGA and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have been kept busy in recent months as they continue their prosecution of people and companies that use the Coronavirus pandemic in their product advertising:

Companies fined for alleged unlawful importation and advertising of covid-19 infrared thermometers

Australian companies, Beauty Group Pty Ltd and VeraTemp Pty Ltd for the alleged unlawful importation and advertising of medical devices in relation to COVID-19.   Source: COVID19 thermometer fines

A “quantum physics” based medical device that he claims prevents the transmission of the COVID-19 virus

Celebrity publicist Max Markson is under investigation by the health regulator.   Source: Quantum healing

Cleaning company fined for unlawful advertising of a disinfectant product in relation to COVID-19

Melbourne-based company Yarra Valley Cleaning Co Pty has been issued three infringement notices totalling $39,960 for unlawful advertising of a disinfectant product in relation to COVID-19.    Source: Disinfectant

Sydney company fined for unlawful importation of KN95 face masks in relation to COVID-19

Sydney-based company, GenesisCare Clinical CRO Pty Ltd, has been issued an infringement notice for $12,600 for the alleged unlawful importation of KN95 face masks in relation to COVID-19.   Source: Face-masks 1

Brisbane company fined for unlawful importation of medical face masks in relation to COVID-19

Brisbane-based company Cordelia International Pty Ltd has been issued an infringement notice for $13,320 for the alleged unlawful importation of medical face masks in relation to COVID-19.    Source: Face-masks 2

TGA Clarifies the Use of Disinfectants During Coronavirus Pandemic

This page provides guidance for new sponsors in relation to the supply, import, and export of disinfectant products. Some sponsors may be seeking to supply disinfectants for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page answers frequently asked questions for new sponsors in relation to the supply, import, and export of disinfectant products. This page provides consumers with answers to frequently asked questions in relation to disinfectants.

Adelaide Woman Fined $5,040 for Alleged Unlawful Importation of Cosmetic Injectables

The TGA, has issued two infringement notices totalling $5,040 to an Adelaide woman for the alleged unlawful importation of cosmetic injectables. As part of a TGA compliance initiative, the Australian Border Force detected and intercepted two separate deliveries of imported cosmetic medical devices. The woman allegedly imported medical devices that were not, at the time of the relevant importation, included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and those goods were neither exempt nor excluded from the operation of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). Unless a specific exemption, approval or authority applies, therapeutic goods must be entered in the ARTG before they can be lawfully imported and supplied in Australia.    Source: Cosmetic import fine    (See also related background information regarding TGA penalties and how they are calculated and administered: TGA infringement notices )

Product Recall - BioCeuticals Vitamin D3 Drops Forte Liquid 20mL

Consumers and health professionals are advised that FIT-BioCeuticals, in consultation with the TGA, is undertaking a recall of one batch of BioCeuticals Vitamin D3 Drops Forte Liquid 20 mL due to inconsistent mixing of the medicine. A manufacturing issue led to some samples from the batch being insufficiently mixed and separating into its component liquids. The variation in Vitamin D3 content across the batch may affect consumers who rely on the correct dose for treating health conditions. The affected batch number is 002918 and it was manufactured in November 2019. No other batches are affected by this issue.    Source: FIT product 'unfit'

American Botanical Council Warns Consumers about High Toxicity of Oleander

The non-profit American Botanical Council (ABC) recently warned the public about the substantial toxicity associated with all parts of the oleander (Nerium oleander) plant. ABC warns consumer not to ingest any parts of the plant, or capsules, tablets, teas, or extract preparations made from leaves or other parts of the oleander plant because it contains chemicals that can cause serious effects to the human heart, including death. The ABC warning came as a result of recent media reports that USA President Trump may be considering asking (or may have asked) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve the drug product called oleandrin as a potential treatment for COVID-19.     Source: Oleander toxicity

USA Brands Top List of Problematic Supplements in South Korea’s Online Market Inspection

An inspection and review conducted by South Korea’s authorities found that most of the supplements of questionable quality being sold were from USA brands.   Source: (Copyright) Tingmin Koe, FoodNavigator-Asia USA brands fail

Robert Forbes Acknowledged in CANI Lifetime Achievement Awards

The Consultants Association for the Natural Products Industry (CANI) in the USA, recently announced Lifetime Achievement award honours for four of its members. Robert Forbes, managing director and founder of RFA Regulatory Affairs and the publisher of this newsletter, was one of the recipients of this prestigious award.    Sources: Wholefoods Magazine Robert Forbes honour ; &, Nutraceuticals World CANI awards

AICIS Updates Guidance on Cosmetics with Sunscreens

People often ask, “Who is responsible for regulating the introduction of cosmetics that contain sunscreen in Australia”. The answer depends on whether the product meets the legal definition of a ‘therapeutic’ or a ‘cosmetic’. The TGA is the responsible regulator for all primary sunscreens (products used primarily for protection from UV radiation that have a rated sun protection factor (SPF) of 4 or more); some secondary sunscreens - such as moisturisers that contain sunscreen with an SPF greater than 15; sunscreens with an SPF of 4 or more that contain an insect repellent; and, sunscreens with specific ingredients listed in Schedule 5 of the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990. AICIS (previously NICNAS) is the responsible regulator for products applied to the lips (such as lipsticks and lip balms) that contain sunscreen with an SPF of 4 or more; tinted bases and foundations (including liquids, pastes and powders) that contain sunscreen with an SPF of 4 or more; moisturising skin-care products that contain sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or less, that are in a pack size no larger than 300 ml or 300 g; and, sunbathing skin-care products with sunscreen that contain an SPF between 4 and 15, and are in a pack size no larger than 300 ml or 300 g.    Source: Cosmetic sunscreens

Darrell Lea Removes Controversial Palm Oil Ingredient from Chocolate

The iconic Australian chocolate brand will change the ingredients for over 100 of its products – and is now calling on other companies to do the same. Darrell Lea will change more than 100 of its products to remove palm oil, citing the “major devastation” the controversial ingredient causes. Darrell Lea’s marketing director Tim Stanford said the company had listened to feedback from customers and “wanted to do the right thing”. “There is no doubt that palm oil production causes major devastation to rainforests and endangered animals, such as the orangutan,” he said.    Source: Hannah Paine, News.com.au Palm oil dropped

Changes to Tests Applied to Surveillance Food

The tests applied to surveillance foods change periodically so that compliance against different standards is monitored over time. These changes take into account the results of testing conducted and new or updated risk advice from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Removing lead and tin testing from preserved and canned fruit and vegetables has allowed other foods to be targeted for compliance. Testing of fresh and frozen vegetables for lead is being introduced because vegetables are considered an important contributor to lead dietary exposure. The department will verify imported vegetables are compliant with the limits of lead in the Food Standards Code. Date of effect: 7 September 2020.  Source: Changes to FSC

Pregnancy Warning Labels on Alcoholic Beverages

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has announced the start of a three-year transition period for mandatory pregnancy warning labels on alcohol. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said that the new requirements are now in effect following gazettal in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). “Following a request for review, Minister's responsible for food regulation have agreed to a revised warning label and an extended transition period for industry from two years to three years”.   Source: Pregnancy and alcohol warning label    (Please see also: Downloadable warning labels )

Imported Food Inspection Scheme Data Annual Report (2019) Focuses on Label Non-Compliance

From 1 January to 31 December 2019, the compliance rate for all food inspected under the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) was 98.4%. During this period: 22,635 entries of imported food were referred for inspection or analysis and 132,002 tests (including label and visual checks) were conducted. Non-compliant labelling accounted for most non-compliance (74.1%). There were two main reasons for label non-compliance: 37% of labels lacked or listed either incomplete or incorrect nutritional details, and, 27.8% of labels did not comply with country of origin requirements. A lack of importer details and having a non-compliant ingredient list were the next main reasons for label non-compliance (12.4% and 10.2%, respectively).    Source: Food inspection data

FSANZ Notifications –

Application A1175 – Rapeseed protein isolate as a novel food:   Source: Rapeseed protein

Application A1180 – Natural Glycolipids as a preservative in non-alcoholic beverages: ​​The purpose of this application is to permit the use of long-chain glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia (Natural Glycolipids) as a preservative in non-alcoholic beverages.    Source: Glycolipid preservative

Application A1186 – Soy Leghemoglobin in meat analogue products: The purpose of the application is to allow the use of soy leghemoglobin derived from P.pastoris as a component in meat analogue products.   Source: Vego meat

Application A1194 – Glucoamylase from GM Trichoderma reesei as PA (Enzyme): The purpose of the Application is to permit the use of glucoamylase sourced from GM Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid.    Source: Processing aid

Application A1198 – Food derived from enhanced yield & herbicide-tolerant corn line DP202216: ​The purpose of the Application is to permit the use of corn (maize) line DP202216 as a new food produced using gene technology. The line has enhanced yield potential and glufosinate-tolerance.    Source: GM corn

Application A1206 - Subtilisin from GM Bacillus licheniformis as a processing aid (enzyme): The purpose of this application is to permit the use of subtilisin from a genetically modified strain of Bacillus licheniformis containing the subtilisin gene from Pyrococcus furiosus, as a processing aid in the production of potable alcohol.   Source: GM enzyme

Application A1207 - Rebaudioside M as a Steviol Glycoside from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: The purpose of this application is to permit the use of the steviol glycoside, Rebaudioside M, that is produced by fermentation from a genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae, expressing steviol glycoside biosynthesis pathway genes, as a general purpose sweetening agent.   Source: GM sweetener

Proposal P1054 – Pure and highly concentrated caffeine products: Urgent Proposal P1054 to prohibit the retail sale of pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products.    Source: Concentrated caffeine

Proposal M1018 - Maximum Residue Limits 2020: The purpose of this proposal is to consider varying certain maximum residue limits (MRLs) for residues of specified agricultural and veterinary chemicals that may occur in food commodities.   Source: MRLs 2020