Food
Health Alert: Recall of products containing high levels of iodine
On 24 December 2009, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) advised people not to consume BonSoy soy milk. On 16 March 2010, FSANZ advised people not to consume Heng Fei Dried Seaweed. Testing of samples of these products showed unusually high levels of iodine.
Information for Medical Practitioners, Endocrinologists and Chief Health Officers is now available.
This information applies to the potential health effects associated with excessive iodine present in a limited number of food products. It does not negate the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) statement on iodine supplementation for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
PDF printable version of Review of cases with unexplained thyroid dysfunction: Information for Medical Practitioners, Endocrinologists and Chief Health Officers (PDF 76 KB)
PDF printable version of Alert to doctors regarding potential presentation of acquired hypothyroidism in infants due to maternal exposure to high levels of iodine in food (PDF 33 KB)
Further information
For further information, please contact your local public health authority or email the Department of Health and Ageing at OzFoodNet@health.gov.au.Advice for the general public about product recalls and information about iodine are available on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website: http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/
