Australia’s food supply confirmed 'safe', says study
The 23rd Australian Total Diet Study (ATDS), which was released by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), also confirmed there were no mycotoxins (toxins produced by fungi) present in any of the foods analysed.
The nationwide study was based on 92 foods and beverages “commonly consumed in the Australian diet.”
Government agencies in each state and territory across Australia were responsible for analysing the products, which were tested at a “table-ready state” – i.e. how they would normally be prepared and eaten by the average consumer.
No real risk to human health and safety
The research, which is conducted every two years, analysed the dietary exposure of the Australian population to 214 agricultural and veterinary chemical residues as well as nine contaminants, 12 mycotoxins and 11 nutrients.
The ATDS determined the concentration of the substance in the samples being tested before multiplying this by the amount of food consumed by various age and gender groups, as reported in the two most recent Australian nutrition studies, to estimate dietary exposure.
The levels of exposure were then checked against either Australian or internationally accepted standards “to determine any potential human health and safety risks.”
According to FSANZ’s key findings some chemicals that are “not approved for use in Australia were detected” in the tests, and some chemicals which have been approved “exceeded the maximum residue limits” established in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. These exceedances included copper, fluoride, selenium and zinc.
Although the agency clarified that “these were not at levels that pose a risk to human health and safety”, it has subsequently sent notice of these “exceedances or possibly non-approved use… to the relevant state or territory for follow up action.”
“Consistent with previous studies”
Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King said that the latest results are “consistent with previous studies.” She added that the ATDS would help to inform future studies, such as national nutrition surveys, “that will investigate and further define nutrient adequacy.”
Furthermore, King stated that plans are already underway for the 24th ATDS which will “look at acrylamide in food” and cover issues such as “chemical migration from food packaging.”
In its conclusions, FSANZ has recommended that future ATDS’ keep up the consistent monitoring of levels of chemicals and contaminants in foods, in order to continue “to provide adequate protection for the Australian population.”
