Importing Food Program - Testing Guidelines

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  1. Purpose of these guidelines

    The IFP Testing Guidelines provide information for Appointed Analyst laboratories on requirements for analysis of food sampled by AQIS under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.

  2. Scope of this document

    This document will provide:

    • notice of the units of measurement that are required for results reported to AQIS
    • the minimum performance required of any testing methodology (limit of reporting)
    • assistance in meeting requirements for reporting the results of analysis.

    AQIS Imported Food Program does not specify the test methods to be used.

    Appointed Analysts must comply with the requirements specified in the Conditions of Appointment for Appointed Analysts, including requirements for confirmatory testing.

  3. Samples for testing

    AQIS samples foods with the aim of obtaining a representative sample for the lot of food under inspection. As part of this process, one sample generally consists of multiple sub-samples which may at specified times be composited for analysis.

    Samples will be identified with individual ‘IF’ number / barcodes.

  4. Reporting to e-Results

    Test Code / Analytes: use the test code as written in the tables or the analyte name in its entirety when reporting to e-Results. Do not use any other abbreviation or code.

    Composite / No. of results: This indicates where compositing is permitted and the number of results that must be entered into e-Results for each analyte.

    Units: Results must be entered using the units allowed in this column. Laboratories are responsible for conversion of results, where required, prior to reporting.

    Limit of reporting: This is the minimum above which AQIS requires a quantified result. For chemical testing any result less than the LOR is to be reported as ‘<’ the specified figure. For microbiological results examples of reporting are included in this column. NOTE: the LOR is not necessarily the same as the Food Standard for the test.

    Food standard reference: this column provides the references for the relevant standards so the testing laboratory can establish whether a result is likely to be a failing result. Failing results will trigger the requirements in to Conditions of Appointment for confirmatory testing to be undertaken before reporting the result to AQIS.

    Where AQIS officers identify results not being reported in accordance with these requirements, analysts may be requested to re-submit the results. The non-compliance will also be noted and be considered in any review of the appointment of an analyst.

  5. Chemical Analysis

    5.1 Aflatoxins

    Test Code

    Analytes

    Composite/No. of results

    		 Units Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    AFLAT

    Aflatoxin

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg 0.005

    FSC Standard 1.4.1

    Test applied to: nuts, foods containing nuts such as chocolate, mixed foods and sauces such as satay sauce.

    5.2 Cadmium

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results

    Units

    		 Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    CD

    Cadmium

    		 Permitted/1 result

    mg/kg

    		 0.05

    FSC Standard 1.4.1

    Test applied to: leafy, root and tuber vegetables, wheat and grain mixtures including wheat (meslin), rice, peanuts, chocolate and other preparations containing cocoa.

    5.3 Chloramphenicol

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    CAP

    Chloramphenicol

    		 Permitted/1 result mg/kg

    0.0003

    FSC Standard
    1.4.2

    Test applied to: honey

    5.4 Chloropropanols

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    3-MCPD

    3-MCPD

    		 Permitted/1 result mg/kg

    0.2

    FSC Standard 1.4.1

    1,3-DCP

    1,3-DCP

    		 Permitted/1 result mg/kg

    0.005

    FSC Standard 1.4.1

    Test applied to: soy and oyster sauces.

    5.5 Colour screen

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    COLOU

    Allura red (129)

    Permitted / 1 result for each of the chemicals listed

    		 mg/kg
    or
    mg/L

    10
    or
    7

    FSC Standard 1.3.1

    Amaranth (123)

    Azorubine (122)

    Brilliant blue (133)

    Erythrosine (127)

    Green S (142)

    Indigotine (132)

    Ponceau (124)

    Sunset yellow (110)

    Tartrazine (102)

    Test applied to: sugar confectionery that does not contain cocoa.

    5.6 Cyanuric acid

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    CYANACD

    Cyanuric acid

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg

    1

    Advice from FSANZ.
    Detailed in Import
    Food Notice 'Melamine
    testing of food imported
    into Australia

    Test applied to: infant formula.

    5.7 Domoic acid

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    DOMOIC

    Domoic acid

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg

    2

    FSC Standard 1.4.1

    Test applied to: bivalve molluscs (e.g. oysters, mussels, scallops) and marinara mix containing bivalve molluscs.

    Note: compositing not permitted for microbiological tests on bivalve molluscs.

    5.8 Ethylene chlorohydrin

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    ETHYCHL

    Ethylene chlorohydrin

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg

    5

    FSC Standard 1.4.2

    Test applied to: herbs and spices.

    5.9 Erucic acid

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    ERUCIC

    Erucic acid

    Permitted/1 result

    		 g/kg

    2

    FSC Standard 1.4.1

    Test applied to: rapeseed, canola and mustard oil.

    5.10 Fluoroquinolones

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    FLUORO

    Ciprofloxacin

    Permitted / 1 result
    for each of the
    chemicals listed.

    		 mg/kg

    0.002

    FSC Standard 1.4.2

    Enrofloxacin

    Gatifloxacin

    Levofloxacin

    Moxifloxacin

    Norfloxacin

    Ofloxacin

    Sarafloxacin

    Test applied to: fish and crustaceans that have undergone minimal processing.

    5.11 Histamine

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    HISTA

    Histamine

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg

    20

    FSC Standard 2.2.3

    Test applied to: fish and fish products.

    5.12 Hydrocyanic acid

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    HCN

    Hydrocyanic
    acid

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg

    1

    FSC Standard 1.4.1

    Test applied to: cassava chips.

    5.13 Inorganic arsenic

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    INORG

    Inorganic arsenic

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg

    0.1

    FSC Standard 1.4.1

    Test applied to: seaweed.

    5.14 Iodine

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    IODINE

    Iodine

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg
    dry weight

    0.1

    Advice from FSANZ. Detailed
    in Imported Food Notice
    'Tests applied to risk
    category foods'

    Test applied to: seaweed.

    5.15 Lead

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    LEAD

    Lead

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg

    0.1

    FSC Standard 1.4.1

    Test applied to: dates and sultanas.

    5.16 Malachite green

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    MALAG

    Malachite green

    Permitted/1 result
    for each of the
    chemicals listed

    		 mg/kg

    0.002

    FSC Standard 1.4.2
    Leuco-malachite green

    Test applied to: fish and fish products that have undergone minimal processing.

    5.17 Melamine

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    MELAM

    Melamine

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg
    or
    mg/L

    1
    or
    1

    Advice from FSANZ. Detailed
    in Imported Food Notice
    'Melamine testing of food
    imported into Australia

    Test applied to: infant formula, infants foods and foods for young children containing dairy.

    5.18 Nitrofurans

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    NITROFU

    Furazolidone (AOZ)

    Permitted /
    1 result for
    each of the
    chemicals listed.

    		 mg/kg

    0.001

    FSC Standard 1.4.2

    Furaltadone (AMOZ)

    		 mg/kg

    0.001

    Nitrofurantoine (AHD)

    		 mg/kg

    0.001

    Nitrofurazone (SEM)

    		 mg/kg

    0.001

    Test applied to: honey and crustaceans.

    5.19 Paralytic shellfish poison

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    PSP

    Paralytic shellfish poison

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg

    0.8

    FSC Standard 1.4.1

    Test applied to: bivalve molluscs and marinara mix containing bivalve molluscs.

    Note: compositing not permitted for microbiological tests.

    5.20 Pesticides screen

    Test Code

    Analytes to be reported

    		 Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    PESTICID

    Acephate

    		 mg/kg

    0.1

    FSC Standard 1.4.2

    Aldrin

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Azinphos-methyl

    		 mg/kg

    0.2

    Benalaxyl

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Captan

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Carbaryl

    		 mg/kg

    0.1

    Chlorpyrifos

    		 mg/kg

    0.01

    Clorfenvinphos (cis, trans)

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    DDD (2,4 and 4,4)

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    DDE (2,4 and 4,4)

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    DDT (2,4 and 4,4)

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Deltamethrin (cis, trans)

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Diazinon

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Dichlorvos

    		 mg/kg

    0.1

    Dicofol

    		 mg/kg

    0.1

    Dieldrin

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Difenoconazole

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Dimethoate

    		 mg/kg

    0.15

    Disulfoton

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Endosulfan (a, b & sulfate)

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Endrin

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Ethoprofos

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Fenamiphos

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Fenarimol

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Fenitrothion

    		 mg/kg

    0.01

    Fenoxycarb

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Fenthion

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Fipronil

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Heptachlor epoxide

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Imazalil

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Malathion

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Metalaxyl

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Methidathion

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Mevinphos

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Monocrotophos

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Omethoate

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Oxyfluorfen

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Parathion-ethyl

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Parathion-methyl

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Permethrin (cis, trans)

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Phorate

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Phosmet

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Piperonyl butoxide

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Pirimicarb

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Pirimiphos-methyl

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Procymidone

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Prothiophos

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Tebufenpyrad

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Triadimefon

    		 mg/kg

    0.05

    Test applied to: fresh and processed fruits, vegetables, meats (fat component only), mixed foods

    Compositing: permitted / Report 1 result for each of the chemicals listed

    5.21 pH

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    PH

    pH

    Permitted/1 result

    		 pH

    0.5

    FSC Standard 2.5.3

    Test applied to: fermented milk products.

    5.22 Streptomycin

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    STREP

    Streptomycin

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg

    0.026

    FSC Standard 1.4.2

    Test applied to: honey.

    5.23 Sulphonamides

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    SULPHA

    Sulphonamides

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg

    0.1

    FSC Standard 1.4.2

    Test applied to: honey.

    5.24 Sulphur dioxide

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    SO2

    Sulphur dioxide

    Permitted/1 result

    		 mg/kg

    10

    FSC Standard 1.3.1

    Test applied to: preserved fruit and vegetables, wine and raw prawns.

    5.25 Tetracycline

    Test Code

    Analytes

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    TETRACY

    Chlortetracycline

    Permitted/1 result for
    each of the
    chemicals listed.

    		 mg/kg

    0.025

    FSC Standard 1.4.2
    Doxycycline
    Oxytetracycline
    Tertracycline

    Test applied to: honey

  6. Microbiological Analysis

    6.1 Bacillus cereus - Pasta and tofu

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    BCERE

    Bacillus cereus

    Not permitted/
    5 results

    		 cfu/g

    Enumerate result for each
    sample. Report to at least 100
    Eg: <100, 1300, <100, 3000,
    <100

    User Guide to
    FSC Standard 1.6.1

    Test applied to: pasta, noodles, tofu, bean curd.

    6.2 Coagulase-positive Staphylococci - Seafood and Meat products

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    STAPH

    Coagulase positive Staphylococci

    Not permitted/5 results

    		 cfu/g

    Enumerate result for each
    sample.
    Report to at least 100
    Eg: <100, 1300, <100,
    3000, <100

    FSC Standard 1.6.1
    or
    Advice from
    FSANZ. Detailed in
    Imported Food
    Notice ‘Tests
    applied to risk
    category foods’

    Test applied to: crustacean, prawns, shrimp; marinara mix; cooked or cured/salted meat, uncooked manufactured meat and meat products.

    6.3 E.coli - Bivalve molluscs, marinara mix

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    ECOLI

    E. coli

    Not permitted/5 results

    		 MPN/g

    Enumerate result for each
    sample. Report to at least 2.3
    Eg: <2.3, <2.3, 7.5, 9.3, <2.3

    FSC Standard 1.6.1

    Test applied to: bivalve molluscs (other than scallops), marinara mix

    6.4 E.coli - Cheese

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    ECOLI

    E. coli

     

    		 Not permitted/5 results cfu/g

    Enumerate result for each
    sample. Report to at least 10
    Eg: <10, <10, 10, 120, <10

    FSC Standard 1.6.1
    Not permitted/5 results MPN/g

    Enumerate result for each
    sample. Report to at least 10
    Eg: <10, <10, 10, 120, <10

    Test applied to: cheese - all types.

    6.5 E.coli - Meat products

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    ECOLI

    E. coli

    Not permitted/5 results

    		 MPN/g

    Enumerate result for each
    sample. Report to at least 3.6
    Eg: <3.6, <3.6, 9.2, <3.6, 3.6

    FSC Standard 1.6.1

    Test applied to: cooked or cured/salted meat, uncooked manufactured meat and meat products.

    6.6 E.coli - Packaged water

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    ECOLI

    E. coli

    If not composited/5 results

    		 /100ml

    Detect 'D' or Nil Detect 'ND' in each of the 5 samples. Eg: ND, ND, ND, D, ND

    FSC Standard 1.6.1

     

    If composited/1 result

    		 /500ml

    Detect 'D' or Nil Detect 'ND' in the composite sample. Eg: ND

    Test applied to: mineral or bottled / packaged water and ice.

    6.7 Listeria monocytogenes - Cheese, Bivalve molluscs, Meat products

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    LIST

    Listeria
    monocytogenes

    If not composited/5 results

    		 /25g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect
    ‘ND’ in each of the 5
    samples.
    Eg: ND, ND, ND, D, ND

    Advice from
    FSANZ.
    Detailed in

    Imported Food
    Notice ‘Tests
    applied to risk
    category foods’
    If composited/1 result /125g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect
    ‘ND’ in the composite
    sample.
    Eg: ND

    Test applied to: soft and surface ripened cheese; bivalve molluscs; cooked or cured/salted meat, uncooked manufactured meat and meat products.

    6.8 Listeria monocytogenes - Ready to eat finfish

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    LIST

    Listeria
    monocytogenes

    Not permitted/5 results

    		 /25g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in each of the 5 samples.
    Enumerate where presence
    detected.
    Eg: ND, ND, ND, D 200, ND

    		 FSC Standard 1.6.1

    Test applied to: ready to eat finfish, cooked, smoked, dried, pickled salted, fermented etc.

    6.9 Salmonella - Cheese

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    SALM

    Salmonella

    If not composited/5 results

    		 /25g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in each of the 5 samples.
    Eg: ND, ND, ND, D, ND

    FSC Standard 1.6.1
    If composited/1 result /125g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in the composite sample.
    Eg: ND

    Test applied to: soft and surface ripened cheeses.

    6.10 Salmonella - Coconut

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    SALM

    Salmonella

    If not composited/10 results

    		 /25g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in each of the 5 samples.
    Eg: ND, ND, ND, D, ND, ND,
    D, ND, ND, D

    FSC Standard 1.6.1
    If composited/1 result /250g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in the composite sample.
    Eg: ND

    Test applied to: dried coconut.

    6.11 Salmonella - Crustacea and marinara mix

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    SALM

    Salmonella

    If not composited/5 results

    		 /25g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in each of the 5 samples.
    Eg: ND, ND, ND, D, ND

    FSC Standard
    1.6.1
    OR

    Imported Food
    Notice ‘Tests
    applied to risk
    category foods’
    foods’
    If composited/1 result /125g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in the composite sample.
    Eg: ND

    Test applied to: crustacea, prawns, shrimp, marinara mix.

    6.12 Salmonella - Meat products

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    SALM

    Salmonella

    If not composited/5 results

    		 /25g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in each of the 5 samples.
    Eg: ND, ND, ND, D, ND

    FSC Standard
    1.6.1
    or

    Advice from
    FSANZ. Detailed
    in Imported Food
    Notice ‘Tests
    applied to risk
    category foods’’
    If composited/1 result /125g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in the composite sample.
    Eg: ND

    Test applied to: cooked or cured/salted meat, uncooked manufactured meat and meat products, pate.

    6.13 Salmonella - Pepper, spices, dairy products, egg products, vegetable sprouts, confectionery

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    SALM

    Salmonella

    If not composited/5 results

    		 /25g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in each of the 5 samples.
    Eg: ND, ND, ND, D, ND

    FSC Standard
    1.6.1
    If composited/1 result /125g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in the composite sample.
    Eg: ND

    Test applied to: dried pepper/paprika/chilli/capsicum; dried milks and dairy products, infant formula, ice cream; egg and egg products albumin and albumin derivatives; vegetable sprouts; cinnamon; confectionery, chocolate, cocoa.

    6.14 Salmonella - Sesame seeds and products containing sesame

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    SALM

    Salmonella

    If not composited/5 results

    		 /25g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in each of the 5 samples.
    Eg: ND, ND, ND, D, ND

    Imported Food
    Notice ‘Tests
    applied to risk
    category foods’
    If composited/1 result /125g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in the composite sample.
    Eg: ND

    Test applied to: sesame seed and products containing sesame.

    6.15 Standard plate count - Crustacea

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    SPC

    Standard Plate Count

    Not permitted/5 results

    		 cfu/g

    Enumerate result for each
    sample. Report to at least
    1000
    Eg: <1000, <1000, 25000,
    <1000, 120000

    FSC Standard
    1.6.1

    Test applied to: crustacea, prawns, shrimp.

    6.16 Vibrio cholerae - Crustacea

    Test Code

    Analyte

    		 Composite/No. of results Units

    Limit of reporting

    Food standard reference

    VCHOL

    Vibrio cholerae

    If not composited/5 results

    		 /25g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in each of the 5 samples.
    Eg: ND, ND, ND, D, ND

    User Guide to
    FSC Standard
    1.6.1

     
    If composited/1 result /125g

    Detect ‘D’ or Nil Detect ‘ND’
    in the composite sample.
    Eg: ND

    Test applied to: cooked crustacean, prawns and shrimp.

Last reviewed:
31 Oct 2011
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