Sale In Australia Research Articles

The nutritional profile of plant-based meat analogues available for sale in Australia.

To assess the nutritional quality of plant-based meat analogues in Australia, compared to equivalent meat products, and to assess levels of micronutrient fortification in meat analogues. This cross-sectional study used nutrition composition data for products collected in 2021 from major supermarkets in Australia. Nutritional quality was assessed using the Health Star Rating, energy (kJ), protein (g), saturated fat (g), sodium (mg), total sugars (g), and fibre content (g) per 100 g, and level of food processing using the NOVA classification. Proportion of products fortified with iron, vitamin B12 and zinc were reported. Differences in health star rating and nutrients between food categories were assessed using independent t-tests. Seven hundred ninety products (n=132 plant-based and n=658 meat) across eight food categories were analysed. Meat analogues had a higher health star rating (mean 1.2 stars, [95% CI: 1.0-1.4 stars], p < 0.001), lower mean saturated fat (-2.4g/100 g, [-2.9 to -1.8g/100 g], p < 0.001) and sodium content (-132 mg/100 g, [-186 to -79 mg/100 g], p < 0.001), but higher total sugar content (0.7g/100 g, [0.4-1.1g/100 g], p < 0.001). Meat analogues and meat products had a similar proportion of ultra-processed products (84% and 89%, respectively). 12.1% of meat analogues were fortified with iron, vitamin B12 and zinc. Meat analogues generally had a higher health star rating compared with meat equivalents, however, the nutrient content varied. Most meat analogues were also ultra-processed and few are fortified with key micronutrients found in meat. More research is needed to understand the health impact of these foods.

Alcohol brands' use of age-restriction controls on Facebook and Instagram in Australia.

Since 2017, the self-regulatory alcohol advertising system in Australia has required alcohol marketers to activate age-restriction controls on social networking sites to prevent access to children. With no monitoring mechanisms, the level of compliance with this requirement is unknown. We aimed to identify the extent to which the dominant alcohol companies in Australia have activated age-restriction controls on their official brand accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Nonexperimental descriptive study. We identified the brands owned by the top three beer, wine and spirit companies by market share in Australia, and located their official Facebook and Instagram accounts. International accounts were used when Australia-specific accounts did not exist. Two researchers independently attempted to access all accounts on a computer by entering the URL into a web browser that was not logged into either platform. We recorded the accessibility and audience size of each account. For the 195 alcohol brands that were available for sale in Australia through the nine top companies, we identified 153 Facebook accounts (84 Australian, 69 international) and 151 Instagram accounts (77 Australian, 74 international). We found 28% of Instagram and 5% of Facebook accounts did not have age-restriction controls activated. Similar proportions of Australian and international accounts on both platforms were not using controls. Only two companies were compliant across all of their accounts. Compliance with the industry marketing code requirement for age-restriction controls is inconsistent among the largest alcohol companies operating in Australia. The industry-managed regulatory system is not preventing children's access to alcohol content on social networking sites.

777Teaching evidence-based medicine using authentic assessment the Whack-a-mole project

Abstract Introduction Authentic assessments facilitate student’s application of complex problem-solving skills and knowledge to real-world tasks. The whack-a-mole (WAM) project includes key critical thinking, biostatistics and epidemiology skills as well as elements of complexity and creativity skills that are particularly important when teaching evidence-based medicine to health professionals. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) provide the current context as they are widely used in the Australian population making them an important subject amongst primary health care professional and policy makers. Aim To report student perceptions and learning after completion of the real-world authentic assessment WAM. Methods WAM required students to choose, document, investigate, identify, critically appraise and report on a complementary medication for sale in Australia. A total 464 students enrolled in a 3rd Biomedical Science capstone unit completed the WAM project report and video assessments in teams. Data on student perceptions was collected using an online questionnaire and analysed using SPSS 25 and NVIVO 11. Results The average overall mark for the WAM assessment was 52/60 (86%). 116 students (25%) completed the online questionnaire of which 92% of students indicated the whack-a-mole project changed their perceptions of complementary medicine and/or the regulation of goods and services in Australia. The majority of students found no (43%) or insufficient (55%) evidence to support product claims. These findings were supported by qualitative feedback. Conclusion Students applied the principles of EBM to the WAM project and in doing so altered their perceptions of CAM, regulation and scientific evidence. Key messages Authentic assessments play a key role in engaging student in real-world problem solving to advance their critical thinking and evidence-based medicine.

Russell’s Corrected Page Proofs of &lt;em&gt;Principia Mathematica&lt;/em&gt;

We report here on the set of complete proofs of Volumes I and II of Whitehead and Russell’s Principia Mathematica newly acquired by the Bertrand Russell Archives. These proof sheets, marked with a number of corrections, were likely bound for Russell by Cambridge University Press, though not exactly the same as the first edition. We assess the information to be gained from the texts and the corrections, most significantly around *110 in Vol. II and the lost dot of the empty relation in Vol. I. All are in Russell’s hand and described in an appendix. We also note several revisions in the first edition that were made after these proofs. We discuss the provenance of the volumes, and Russell’s correspondence about proofs of PM with M. H. Dziewicki, but we find that there is insufficient evidence to determine the chain of possession from Russell to their discovery for sale in Australia in recent years.

Russell’s Corrected Page Proofs of Principia Mathematica

We report here on the set of complete proofs of Volumes 1 and 11 of Whitehead and Russell’s Principia Mathematica newly acquired by the Bertrand Russell Archives. These proof sheets, marked with a number of corrections, were likely bound for Russell by Cambridge University Press, though not exactly the same as the first edition. We assess the information to be gained from the texts and the corrections, most significantly around *110 in Vol. 11 and the lost dot of the empty relation Λ in Vol. 1. All are in Russell’s hand and described in an appendix. We also note several revisions in the first edition that were made after these proofs. We discuss the provenance of the volumes, and Russell’s correspondence about proofs of PM with M. H. Dziewicki, but we find that there is insufficient evidence to determine the chain of possession from Russell to their discovery for sale in Australia in recent years.

Governing with Ignorance: Understanding the Australian Food Regulator’s Response to Nano Food

This paper examines regulatory responses to the presence of previously undetected and unlabelled nanoparticles in the Australian food system. Until 2015, the Australian regulatory body Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) denied that nanoparticles were present in Australian food. However, and despite repeated claims from Australia’s food regulator, research commissioned by civil society group Friends of the Earth has demonstrated that nanoparticles are deliberately included as ingredients in an array of food available for sale in Australia. This paper critically examines how nanoparticles have come to be integrated into Australia’s food system under the radar of Australia’s food regulator. Our case study of FSANZ—including its responses to the civil society-led science that determined the existence of nanoparticles in Australian food—raises a number of important questions about the governance of risk in relation to emerging technologies such as nanotechnology. In this paper, we argue that FSANZ’ response to the presence of nanotechnology in Australia’s food system is an example of ‘governing with ignorance’. This is demonstrated via the denial and dismissal of science claims as a basis for limited regulatory intervention. FSANZ’ response intersects with the centrality of commercial interests in shaping science research and commercialisation, alongside the ‘hands off’ approach to regulation that is characteristic of neoliberal governance approaches. We conclude by arguing that in the current food governance framework, and alongside a paucity of impact science, civil society plays a vital role in attempts to democratise the Australian food system.

Volume marker inaccuracies: A cross-sectional survey of infant feeding bottles.

A cross-sectional examination of the accuracy of volume markers on infant feeding bottles available for sale in Australia between December 2013 and February 2014 was carried out. Ninety-one bottles representing 28 different brands were examined. Eighty-eight bottles were hard sided. Volumes in these bottles were marked in a combination of milliliters and ounces. Thirty-six (41%) bottles claimed compliance with the European standard EN14350, five (6%) with non-existent Australian standards, and forty-seven (54%) bottles had no standard claim. Nineteen bottles (22%) had at least one measured marking outside the tolerance of EN14350. Bottles claiming compliance with EN14350 were not less likely to have inaccurate markings than those that made no claim. More expensive bottles did not have fewer inaccurate markings. Three bottles were disposable liner systems and had particularly large volume inaccuracies (up to 43% outside the marked volume). Inaccurate volume markers on infant feeding bottles are a previously neglected but potentially important source of error in the reconstitution of infant formula. Over-concentrated and under-concentrated infant formula can cause serious illness or malnutrition. Over-concentrated infant formula may contribute to obesity. Bottles with inaccurate volume markers are unfit for purpose; disposable liner bottles are particularly poor in this regard and should be prohibited from having volume markers on the bottle casing. To avoid individual or public harms, well-enforced standards are needed. Guidance for parents, carers, and health professionals is needed to ensure that infant formula is accurately reconstituted.

Assessment of arsenic in Australian grown and imported rice varieties on sale in Australia and potential links with irrigation practises and soil geochemistry

Chronic dietary exposure to arsenic, particularly the inorganic forms (defined as elemental arsenic, predominantly As3+ and As5+, and all its inorganic compounds except arsine), is a matter of concern for human health. Ingestion of arsenic usually occurs via contaminated water but recent studies show there is also a risk of exposure from food, particularly Asian rice (Oryza sativa). Australia is a rice growing country, contributing around 2% of the world rice trade, and a large proportion of the population consumes rice regularly. In the present study we investigated concentrations of arsenic in both Australian grown and imported rice on sale in Australia and examined the potential links with irrigation practises and soil geochemistry. The results indicated a wide spread of arsenic levels of 0.09–0.33mgkg−1, with Australian grown Arborio and sushi varieties of O. sativa containing the highest mean value of ∼0.22mgkg−1. Arsenic levels in all samples were below the 1mgkg−1 limit set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand.

Stable isotope and trace metal compositions of Australian prawns as a guide to authenticity and wholesomeness

This research has explored the potential of stable isotope and trace metal profiles to distinguish Australian prawns from prawns imported from neighbouring Asian countries. Australian prawns were collected mostly from the Brisbane area. Strong differences in Australian vs. imported prawns were evident from both the isotope and trace element data, with the differences most likely occurring because imported prawns are typically reared in aquaculture facilities and frozen prior to sale in Australia. The aquaculture origins are characterised by comparatively; low δHVSMOW, δ13CVPDB values, low concentrations of arsenic, zinc and potassium, and high water contents (>80%). Relatively high arsenic and cadmium contents were found within Australian prawns, but the concentrations did not exceed local human health guidelines.

Arsenic speciation in Australian-grown and imported rice on sale in Australia: implications for human health risk.

Rice is an important route of arsenic (As) exposure to humans, especially populations with rice-based diets. Human health risk of As varies greatly with rice variety and country of origin. The purpose of the present study was to determine total and speciated As in Australian-grown and imported rice on sale in Australia to assess their health risk to consumers. The total As (tAs) concentrations in Australian-grown organic brown, medium grain brown, and organic white rice were 438±23, 287±03, and 283±18 μg kg(-1) dry weight (d wt), respectively. In Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, and Thai rice imported and on sale in Australia, tAs concentrations were 56±05, 92±10, 82±06 and 172±24 μg kg(-1), respectively. Asian rice contained mainly inorganic As (iAs; 86-99%), whereas 18-26% of the tAs in Australian-grown rice was dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). Relatively higher concentrations of tAs in Australian-grown rice than that in imported rice of Asian origin suggest that Australian-grown rice may be a health risk for the consumers. It was estimated that Australian-grown organic brown rice can contribute up to 98% of the FAO/WHO recommended maximum tolerable daily intake limit of iAs (2.1 μg kg(-1) body wt day(-1)) for Asian immigrants. However, other Australian consumers including European immigrants are unlikely to be at risk to As from rice diets due to their lower rice consumption rates than that of Asian immigrants. The risk assessment showed that imported rice on sale in Australia was likely to pose a lower health risk to consumers than Australian-grown rice.

Heavy metals in Australian grown and imported rice and vegetables on sale in Australia: Health hazard

Dietary exposure to heavy metals is a matter of concern for human health risk through the consumption of rice, vegetables and other major foodstuffs. In the present study, we investigated concentrations of cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in Australian grown and imported rice and vegetables on sale in Australia. The mean concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in Australian grown rice were 7.5µgkg−1, 21µgkg−1, 144µgkg−1, 2.9mgkg−1, 24.4mgkg−1, 166µgkg−1, 375µgkg−1, and 17.1mgkg−1 dry weight (d. wt.), respectively. Except Cd, heavy metal concentrations in Australian grown rice were higher than Bangladeshi rice on sale in Australia. However, the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni in Indian rice on sale in Australia were higher than Australian grown rice. The concentrations of Cu and Ni in Vietnamese rice, and that of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb in Thai rice on sale in Australia were also higher than Australian grown rice. Heavy metal concentrations in Pakistani rice on sale in Australia were substantially lower than that in Australian grown rice. In Australian grown rice varieties, the concentrations of heavy metals were considerably higher in brown rice varieties than white rice varieties, indicating Australian brown rice as a potential source of dietary heavy metals for Australian consumers. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in Australian grown and Bangladeshi vegetables on sale in Australia were also determined. Some of the Australian grown and Bangladeshi vegetables contained heavy metals higher than Australian standard maximum limits indicating them as potential sources of dietary heavy metals for Australian consumers. Further investigation is required to estimate health risks of heavy metals from rice and vegetables consumption for Australian consumers.

Outcome based regulations and innovative food processes: An Australian perspective

Many influences drive food companies to remain competitive globally by delivering to the consumer food that is safe, healthy and nutritious. Innovative food processes such as high pressure, pulsed electric field, ultrasonics, cool plasma and other emerging technologies are possible mechanisms to provide a company with a market edge. Such processes and the products produced also must comply with food regulations. Indeed, increased scrutiny on conformance, adoption of international standards by national governments, and regulatory reform that shifts the focus from prescriptive measures to an outcome base has manifested in many countries to assist in facilitating global trade while ensuring public safety. In Australia, for example, a cooperative arrangement exists between Australia, New Zealand and the Australian States and mainland Territories to develop and implement uniform food standards with the aim to protect public health and safety. These are embodied in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The Code is not overly prescriptive; it strives for performance and outcome based regulation. Areas requiring pre-market approval are specifically identified as are the procedures for seeking amendment to the Code. For areas outside of these, the onus is on the industry to produce food that is safe and suitable and on governments to regulate on a risk basis to ensure that the industry has mechanisms in place to produce safe and suitable food. Taken together, this represents a co-regulatory approach based on a partnership between consumers, industry and government to achieve food safety outcomes and at the same time enable the industry to expand, innovate and evolve. All food offered for sale in Australia (imported or locally manufactured) must comply with the requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Current requirements minimise prescriptive measures and have moved toward a preventative, through-chain system focussed on achieving food safety outcomes. In this manuscript we provide an insight into Australia's experience with an outcome based regulatory approach and how this can facilitate the food industry to innovate while ensuring public safety.

An overview of the Australian import regime for copyright material

Under Australian copyright law prior to 1991, copyright owners generally had the exclusive right to import copyright material for commercial purposes. Accordingly, permission was usually required from Australian copyright holders before copyright material such as films, software and books could be imported for sale in Australia. Over the past decade, however, the Australian government has progressively eased these restrictions for the main purposes of stimulating competition in particular markets or ensuring consumer access to certain goods. One of the main changes to the Copyright Act has been to permit, in certain circumstances, “parallel importation” which is the legal importation of non-pirated copyright subject matter for commercial use without the permission of the Australian copyright holder. Because legislative change has come in stages, the current import regime is an amalgam of different rules for different products. Importers accordingly need to be careful that they are aware of the different rules and seek permission where required. This article sets out a brief guide to the Australian copyright import regime for a range of common product groups.

REVIEW

The Dyirbal Language of North Queensland. By R. M. W. Dixon. Cambridge University Press, Melbourne and London, 1972. Pp. 1–420, 2 maps, 4 plates. Paperback version for sale in Australia only. Price $27.30 (cloth), $12.65 (paper).

REVIEWS

The Work of the Gods in Tikopia, Volume I. By Raymond Firth. London School of Economics Monographs on Social Anthropology, No. 1. Percy Lund, Humphreys &amp; Co., London, 1940. Pp. 188, with diagrams and plates. Price in England 7/6. (The Australian National Research Council has a limited number of copies for sale in Australia, price 6/‐.)