Attention
Food importers and brokers acting on their behalf.
Purpose
To inform importers and brokers of changes to the tests applied to dried, semi-dried and sundried tomatoes and dried dates.
Key points
- From 26 July 2024, E. coli testing no longer applies to imports of dried, semi-dried and sundried tomatoes and dried dates.
| Food type | What has changed |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes (dried, semi-dried and sundried) | Removal of analytical test for E. coli |
| Dates (dried) | Removal of analytical test for E. coli Note: Chemical residue testing remains unchanged. |
Instructions
- Learn more about food import requirements under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
- Find out what tests apply to fruit and vegetables.
Background
Testing of dried, semi-dried and sundried tomatoes and dried dates for E. coli began in April 2018 in response to a review of testing conducted on surveillance foods. The review identified microbiological risks associated with ready-to-eat fresh and minimally processed fruit and vegetables that are susceptible to microbiological contamination. These foods had been associated with causing illness internationally and domestically.
Since 2018, results of testing for E. coli on dried, semi-dried and sundried tomatoes and dried dates has shown 100% compliance with testing limits.
Removing E. coli testing from these foods allows us to target other foods for compliance with limits in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
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