Important Update to FSANZ Code & The Future Of Mushroom Products
You may be aware that the Food Standards Australia & New Zealand has recently updated their ‘Record of views formed by the FSANZ Novel Foods Reference Group or the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods’.
It has been brought to our attention that an update has been made on a number of mushroom related products.
The update now includes Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushroom products and a decision on their safety.
It is great to see that there is beginning to be more regulation around the quality of the products that can be sold in Australia, and the extensive FSANZ list further bolsters the recognition for Australian mushroom growers above the imported products.
What this means
The FSANZ have deemed the mushrooms mentioned below to be a novel food.
Novel foods are typically non-traditional foods that require assessment by FSANZ to establish their safety before they are added to the food supply.
They have further assessed and deemed the below listed mushrooms to have potential adverse effects and/or safety not established as a food.
For D'Cure Australia products, we do not fit the criteria of a food product as deemed by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration). To clarify, as we do not add any flavours/fillings to our products we are not deemed a food, we are a contemporary medicine - not a food product.
What happens from here
It seems recalls are being issued as we speak for the inferior products, and while we are disappointed that the regulator needs to take this action, we are glad that this may assist more Australian brands and growers secure a spot in this exciting wellness space.
As we do not fit any of the criteria listed by the FSANZ we are able to remain in full production and can continue to supply you with all of our products now and into the future.
Below is a link to the most recent update by FSANZ and excerpts from the document.
https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/industry/novel/novelrecs/Documents/Record_of_views_updated_March_2021.pdf
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)
Safety is not established as a food – potential for pharmacological effects based on its use as a traditional medicine. In addition, potential adverse effects have been reported in scientific literature.
Lion’s mane powder (Hericium erinaceus)
Safety not established, requires assessment before it can be sold as a food in Australia and New Zealand. Adverse effects have been reported in the scientific literature.
Siberian chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Potential for adverse effects in humans. Safety is not established as a food – potential for pharmacological effects based on its use as a traditional medicine.
Cordyceps sinensis
No tradition of use of Cordyceps sinensis as a food in Australia and New Zealand. Safety is not established as a food – potential for pharmacological effects based on its use as a traditional medicine. In addition, potential adverse effects have been reported in scientific literature.