robert-forbes.com.au - Robert Forbes and Associates - Regulatory and technical advice to suppliers and manufacturers of complementary medicines, dietary supplements, OTC medicines, cosmetics, personal care products and foods.

Calls for Warning Labels on Caffeinated Energy Drinks

16 January 2012 - A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia detailing a number of cases of poisoning that have led to hospital admission has led to calls for stricter regulation and warning statements on all caffeinated beverages. Over a period of 7 years in the State of NSW alone, there were 297 reported overdoses with 128 people needing hospitalisation. Symptoms included hallucinations, seizures, cardiac ischaemia, heart palpitations, agitation, tremors and gastrointestinal upset. 25 per cent of calls to the poisons hotline related to a combination of alcohol and energy drinks and another 30 per cent involved stimulants such as amphetamines. Red Bull and V accounted for around two-thirds of the reported cases.

Consumer Guide to Food Labelling Released

11 January 2012 - This gives information on the general labelling requirements for foods and is now available on the FSANZ website. The information applies both to food for retail sale and to food for catering purposes.

Application to have Low-THC Hemp Permitted in Foods

11 January 2012 - FSANZ is assessing an application for approval to use the seed and seed products of Cannabis sativa, with low levels of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as food. Currently any form of Cannabis is prohibited from being added to food or supplied as a food in both Australia and New Zealand. The applicant is Dr Andrew Katelaris, a medical doctor who has long been an advocate of medical use of cannabis.

Genetically Modified Corn

11 January 2012 - FSANZ has received an application for approval for food derived from corn line 5307, which has been genetically modified for protection against insect pests.