2008/729 Risk assessment of sulphites in Australian canned abalone

By Susan Dobson

The permitted level of sulphites/SO2 in canned abalone is 0 ppm in China’s food regulations and 1000 ppm in Australia’s food regulations. China is a major importer of Australian canned abalone, Both directly and via Hong Kong, and enforcement of the 0 ppm sulphites/SO2 in canned abalone has resulted in trade failures. A risk assessment to underpin a maximum level of 1000 ppm in canned abalone had not been undertaken, nor has evidence of the levels of sulphites/SO2 in Australian canned abalone been collated. The purpose of this risk assessment research was to collect information on current industry practices and to estimate the food safety risk of sulphites/ SO2 in Australian canned abalone. This will provided the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) and Australian abalone industry an objective basis for negotiating import requirements for canned abalone into China.