Phasing out of BPA in Heinz baby food packaging

Heinz is moving to Bisphenol A (BPA) free packaging for all its baby food products with canned baby foods being the first priority. Heinz Nurture infant formula cans and the Heinz Baby Basics Feeding range are already BPA free.

Nutrient Reference Values in the Food Standards Code - Potential Revision

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is seeking consultation on revising the nutrient values in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to bring them in line with the 2006 Nutrient Reference Values  (NRV) for Australia and New Zealand. Current nutrient values are based on the 1991 Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI) for Australians and other data.

Sprinkles to assist in the management of iron deficiency in indigenous children

Heinz, through the Heinz Foundation's Micronutrient Campaign to help prevent iron deficiency in children in developing countries (1), is supplying Sprinkles to the Fred Hollows Foundation and the Northern Territory Department of Health for a 3 year trial program to assist in the management of anaemia in Aborignal children from 6 communities in the Northern Territory.

Sodium in packaged and takeaway foods and targets for breads and cereals

Sodium is in the spotlight again, with the release of Food Standards Australia New Zealand's (FSANZ) recent survey on the sodium levels in packaged and takeaway foods (1) and the Government's announcement that sodium reduction targets for breads and ready to eat breakfast cereals have been set (2).

Food Labelling Review - have your say!

The Australian and New Zealand Governments are undertaking a much needed review of our food labelling laws and policies. You can have your say by attending one of the public meetings they are holding or by putting in a submission before 14th May 2010.

World Salt Awareness Week - February 1-7

This week is World Salt Awareness Week focussing on salt and its effect on our health. Evidence shows that too much salt causes high blood pressure, with its adverse affects on the brain, heart, and kidneys. Too much salt is also linked to osteoporosis, obesity and stomach cancer. The Australian Division of  World Action on Salt and Health (AWASH) is asking the Australian government to set salt target levels for processed and takeaway foods as 75% of the salt we consume comes from processed foods.

What to eat and drink if pregnant or planning a pregnancy

Foods Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released an information pack containing brochures, fact sheets, web videos and a web seminar with the latest advice on what to eat and drink during pregnancy and while planning a pregnancy.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Maternal and Infant Health and Development

The Omega-3 Centre has published a scientific consensus report on  Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Maternal and Infant Health and Development. This report is the outcome of a workshop  convened by the Omega -3 Centre and held in June 2009 involving nine experts.  It provides an excellent overview of the requirements, current intakes and the latest research on omega 3s during pregnancy, breastfeeding and infancy.  Copies of the report are available by contactiing the Omega - 3 Centre at www.omega-3centre.com

Study on iron fortified milk and red meat improving toddler iron status now published

Previously discussed in the October 2009 newswire, Iron fortified milk and red meat improves toddler iron status, this study has now been published in the December 2009  issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/90/6/1541. This New Zealand study showed that iron fortified toddler milk has an important role in increasing toddlers iron stores, protecting them from iron deficiency.

Appointment of Heinz Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Dr Seema Mihrshahi has been appointed as the Heinz Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Public Health at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The H.J. Heinz Company Australia Limited is providing sponorship for this position for 4 years to support research in early childhood feeding at QUT, including the Nourish Study.