His Holiness The Dalai Lama

APRIL 2009 Dear Friends, Welcome to our April newsletter, as we edge our way closer to His Holiness visit in December. His Holiness has three main commitments in his life; Firstly - on the level of a human being, His Holiness' first commitment is the promotion of human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. All human beings are the same. We all want happiness and do not want suffering. Even people who do not believe in religion recognize the importance of these human values in making their life happier. His Holiness refers to these human values as secular ethics. He remains committed to talk about the importance of these human values and share them with everyone he meets. Secondly - on the level of a religious practitioner, His Holiness second commitment is the promotion of religious harmony and understanding among the world's major religious traditions. Despite philosophical differences, all major world religions have the same potential to create good human beings. It is therefore important for all religious traditions to respect one another and recognize the value of each other's respective traditions. As far as one truth - one religion is concerned; this is relevant on an individual level. However, for the community at large, several truths, several religions are necessary. Thirdly - His Holiness is a Tibetan and carries the name of the Dalai Lama. Tibetans place their trust in him. Therefore, his third commitment is to the Tibetan issue. His Holiness has a responsibility to act as the free spokesperson of the Tibetans in their struggle for justice. As far as this third commitment is concerned, it will cease to exist once a mutually beneficial solution is reached between the Tibetans and Chinese. During his visit this year, His Holiness will be speaking on the importance of universal responsibility - a message that ties in very closely with his three main commitments in this life. Sydney Venue It is with much pleasure that we are now able to announce our venue for the Teachings and Public Talk in Sydney. The Sydney Entertainment Centre is one of Australia's most popular and versatile indoor venues and is located in the heart of Sydney's entertainment district, only minutes away from major transportation links and the central business district. For those who are not familiar with Sydney, the Centre is located at the southern end of the Darling Harbour precinct and is conveniently located near Chinatown and Central Station. Both the two days of Teachings and the Sydney Public Talk; Our Future, Who is Responsible?, will be held at the centre and once again we will have screens in place to ensure there are excellent sight lines from all seats. Further information regarding the centre, transport options and disabled access, will be posted on our website. The Teachings - Awakening the Mind Tuesday 1st & Wednesday 2nd December, 2009 Morning Sessions 9:30am to 11:30am Afternoon Sessions 2pm to 4pm Developing a kind heart and awakening the mind is not just a sentimental or religious goal. It is for everyone, irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation. It is for anybody who considers themselves a member of the human family. His Holiness the Dalai Lama feels that different religious traditions have a great responsibility to provide peace of mind and a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among humanity. Nagarjuna's Commentary on Bodhicitta, touches on the two aspects of the awakening mind - the twin qualities of wisdom and compassion, which are necessary for anyone who aspires to be a better person and implement change in their lives. The instructions for cultivating them within each of us are explained in this Teaching, so that we too may follow in the footsteps of the Buddha. Recognised as one of the most accomplished Buddhist Masters, His Holiness will deliver these teachings based on his own profound and authentic experience of compassion, loving kindness and inner peace. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu recently has stated, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not simply a holy man. He is recognized throughout the world as one of our few true moral authorities. He is a teacher who has shown us all how to live our lives with compassion, non violence and love." Exclusive Members Internet Pre-sale As a thank you to our friends and supporters, Dalai Lama in Australia will be making tickets available to the Teachings, for an exclusive members internet presale period from Wednesday 27th May to Tuesday 2nd June. Take advantage of this offer to get the best available seating to the Teachings and ensure you do not miss this wonderful opportunity to receive the words of Nagarjuna from such a highly realized teacher and listen and connect with His Holiness once more. Once again tickets will be available direct from our website and Dalai Lama in Australia has endeavored to make available several ticket types to enable people with varying budgets the opportunity to attend the Teachings. All ticket prices are for the full two days of Teachings. Type of Ticket Internet Pre-Sale Price Platinum $ 525.00 A Reserve $ 262.00 B Reserve $ 175.00 C Reserve $ 105.00 Buddhists and non Buddhists alike, will come away profoundly moved and motivated to take responsibility and create positive changes in their lives. Tell your friends to register so they too can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Sydney Public Talk - Our Future, Who is Responsible? Thursday 3rd December, 2009 - 2pm to 4pm In a world that confronts us each and every day with difficult and often upsetting situations, the wisdom of the Dalai Lama challenges us and invites us to seek alternatives which not only achieve our own well being but which also contribute to the good of all. His Holiness advocates for individual and universal responsibility. This is his message, the very basis of his teachings and those of the Buddha. During the Sydney public talk His Holiness will present, demonstrate and discuss our 2009 visit theme, how responsibility for our future lies with each of us. Our Future, Who is Responsible? is about helping people to become aware of their individual responsibility as global citizens for their own actions, the world in which they live and for all other living beings they share it with. The Dalai Lama makes no claim to be anything other than a 'simple Buddhist monk' but his practical advice for living and working in these current times, is highly sought after and universal. Do not miss the opportunity to hear one of the most respected and thoughtful figures of our time. Reconsider what is important to you and how you can make a difference to Our Future. Ticket Release Tickets for the Sydney Public Talk can be purchased by either visiting www.ticketmaster.com.au or via the link on our website. Tickets to the Public Talk will also be available for an exclusive members internet presale period from Wednesday 27th May to Tuesday 2nd June purchase for our supporters and friends from the 27th May. Type of Ticket Final Cost Platinum $ 100.00 A Reserve $ 65.00 B Reserve $ 45.00 C Reserve - restricted viewing $ 25.00 Soldiers of Peace - Special Film Screening To coincide with the release of tickets for His Holiness Our Future, Who is Responsible? 2009 visit, Dalai Lama in Australia will be hosting a special screening of the international award winning film, Soldiers of Peace. Narrated by Michael Douglas, actor and United Nations Messenger for Peace, and featuring a who's who of international luminaries, the Australian documentary Soldiers of Peace delivers a powerful and moving message on the vital importance of peace to world sustainability. Featuring interviews with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Sir Bob Geldof, Sir Richard Branson, Dr Hans Blix, and Australians' Tim Flannery and London-7/7-bombing victim Gill Hicks, Soldiers of Peace aims to put peace back on the world agenda and to illustrate the connection between individual acts of enterprise and heroism and the systemic changes needed for our planet's survival in the 21st Century. You will meet some amazing people and see what they are accomplishing around the world in the way of peace and reconciliation. They are taking responsibility for their future into their own hands. "Soldiers of Peace tells the story of the many unsung heroes of the world who have dedicated, and regularly risk, their lives in pursuit of peace," explains Mr Steve Killelea, the films Executive Producer. "Through this film, we also wanted to bring to people's attention the little-recognised fact that the number of wars across the world is in fact dropping; that the world is actually in the grip of an outbreak of peace," he added. "If there is more peace in the world, then government leaders will have more time, and most importantly resources, to tackle the global threats facing humanity, such as climate change, which require collective international responsibility, co-operation and action," Mr Killelea concluded. Soldiers of Peace has been directed and filmed by award-winning director and war correspondent, Tim Wise, who has travelled to some of the world's most dangerous countries in pursuit of 'hard access' news stories. "The remarkable and humbling experience of making this film was meeting the many individuals from countries from Nigeria to Columbia who were taking amazing steps to force peace out of trouble and violence," said Mr Wise. "Hearing their stories and witnessing their courage has given us faith and confidence in our world's future." http://www.soldiersofpeacemovie.com/movie-trailer/movie.php This special screening will be held to coincide with our public ticket release on Thursday 4th June, at the Chauvel Cinema Paddington, Sydney. Further information regarding tickets will be available on our website early May. And screenings in other capital cities will follow shortly. Happiness & Its Causes Have you noticed that everyone is talking about happiness? How to improve the happiness and overall quality of life is today's no. 1 issue. And it is not just an individual quest for happiness. Now is a time of intense focus on how to improve the happiness of others in care, within families and in the workplace. One of Dalai Lama in Australia's key supporters is the annual Happiness and Its Causes annual conference which is in its fourth year. The 2009 conference will bring together 50+ inspiring speakers for a thrilling exploration of the science, psychology and philosophy of human happiness. Being held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre and held over two action packed days, the world class speakers will debate the underlying causes of happiness. Thursday 14th & Friday 15th May are the conference days with post conference workshops being held on Saturday 16th. Visit www.happinessanditscauses.com.au to book your place at this outstanding conference. The team at Happiness are seeking volunteers to assist in the staging of the conference. Do you need to gain event management experience or just want to volunteer at one of Sydney's most successful conferences? They have a variety of volunteer positions available and would love to have you join them. For more information contact Helen on 02 8916 7414. What's On We have added a new section to our website. WHAT'S ON is an area where various Buddhist centers and groups share what's happening. Visit our website regularly to ensure you don't miss any of these fabulous opportunities to engage with the Dharma - attend teachings and participate in events. Many blessings until next month. Dalai Lama in Australia Ltd Board of Directors and General Manager, Lynn Bain

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An amazing woman - unsung hero

The prize doesn't always go to the most deserving!!!!!!!

See below and you will see why:*

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Irena Sendler

There recently was a death of a 98 year-old lady named Irena. During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the WarsawGhetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist. She had an ' ulterior motive ' ... She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews, (being German.) Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids.) She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises. During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants. She was caught, and the Nazi ' s broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family. Most of course had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted.

In 2009 Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize ... She was not selected.

* Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming.

LET'S SEND THIS ONE AROUND THE WORLD!!!!!!!!

GOD BLESS HER May she rest in Peace.

Ringing Cedars DVDs now in store!

You may have heard Aussie attendees RAVING about what they've learned from Dr Sharashkin at the Ringing Cedars Series Workshops. If not - you can read some of their enthusiastic comments here.

Now you can have access to the wisdom and experience of this remarkable young man - on your home screen.

These 4 DVDs offer over 5 hours of fascinating insights, valuable information and practical commonsense advice - delivered with genuine warmth, humility and humour - as Dr Sharashkin, the man who brought the Ringing Cedars Series to the West - takes your understanding of what you've read in the books to a whole new level!

And why is NOW your best time to do so?

We have an introductory offer - so you'll save over $20.00 when you order the set of 4 DVDs while our stocks last - (we only have 100 sets in Australia - so be quick!)

However, saving $20 is not really the big deal.

The BIG DEAL here is the opportunity to get really inspired!

The older we get - the harder it is to escape the ruts we live in. But realizing our highest dreams and living a deeply satisfying life can be just a breath away!

This may be the perfect stimulus to help you kick-start a profoundly satisfying new life.

Listening to this highly educated young man will certainly give you fresh food for thought.

The material on these DVDs has been recorded at seminars and workshops for which people have paid hundreds of dollars to attend - we think you'll get a lot out of them. You've read the books - now take your understanding to a whole new level.

Order Now

• 

  Reconnecting to Nature through Spiritual Permaculture

  DVD 1 - Presentation by Dr Leonid Sharashkin. Ringing Cedars Press 2009.

  Dr Sharashkin shows how Russian families have preserved a unique traditional lifestyle grounded in self-sufficiency and self-reliance - offering a path to a more fulfilling, independent, connected and mortgage-free existence. As millions of people the world over begin to embrace these ideas, humanity may now be entering an age of harmony and peace. This insightful presentation - revealing how we may each play our part - met with a standing ovation at the 2007 Earth Transformation Conference in Hawaii.

  NTSC* - Running Time: 1 hr 12 min - In stock now.
  (*Compatible with most modern DVD players, Macs & PC's. Check your player can play NTSC before purchasing)

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  Ancient Roots, Modern Shoots: Seeing your Natural Environment as an Extension of Your Self

  DVD 2 - Presentation by Dr Leonid Sharashkin. Ringing Cedars Press 2009.

  Ancient wisdom holds that body and psyche are intricately linked to the living environment, and that direct contact with nature is essential for bodily and mental well-being. This inspiring presentation on our connectedness to the living world within and around us provides insights on how to retore this link and practical steps we can take to establish the reciprocal flow of nourishment and energy from humans to our environment and back.

  NTSC* - Running Time: 1 hr 24 min - In stock now.
  (*Compatible with most modern DVD players, Macs & PC's. Check your player can play NTSC before purchasing)

  AU $29.95 Order Here
  
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  Creating Your Space of Love: The Road Home

  DVD 3 - Presentation by Dr Leonid Sharashkin. Ringing Cedars Press 2009.

  Kick-start your new life and discover how to achieve in your own lifetime what formerly took generations to manifest! Inspiring, practical advice on creating your own living space, establishing a family domain and planning an eco-village. Learn where to start and the pitfalls to avoid - from the man who brought the Ringing Cedars Series to the West. Based on his own in-depth study of homesteading, organic agriculture, intimate knowledge of the RCS and his real-life experience of living in and creating an eco-village.

  NTSC* - Running Time: 1 hr 30 min - In stock now.
  (*Compatible with most modern DVD players, Macs & PC's. Check your player can play NTSC before purchasing)

  AU $29.95 Order Here
  
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  The Return of Anastasia

  DVD 4 - Presentation by Dr Leonid Sharashkin. Ringing Cedars Press 2009.

  Anastasia (Greek: “resurrection”) was at the core of our ancestors' understanding of Life. They saw in the Universal cycle of birth, growth, maturity, death and re-birth a reflection of the Divine Thought. Until recently, their joyous culture had been hidden from our consciousness! But Anastasia is returning, restoring to the Earth its former splendor, and bringing in her footsteps the blossoming of Spring. Listen to the sounds of her approach…

  NTSC* - Running Time: 1 hr 12 min - In stock now.
  (*Compatible with most modern DVD players, Macs & PC's. Check your player can play NTSC before purchasing)

  AU $29.95 Order Here
  
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  The Complete Set of 4 DVD's

  DVD's 1 to 4 - Presentations by Dr Leonid Sharashkin. Ringing Cedars Press 2009.

  This set contains the four DVDs listed above delivered at a discounted price.

  NTSC* - Running Time: Over 5.5hrs of inspiring video - In stock now.
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[ATC] Stop the Executions - Send an urgent email to Stephen Smith

By now you will have heard the disturbing news of two Tibetans being sentenced to death in connection with the events of 14 March last year. Trials of Tibetans have been conducted in secrecy and in the absence of even the most basic level of legal oversight and due process.

Last week we asked you to send a letter to China's Minister of Justice, Ms Wu Aiying, calling for an immediate stay of execution.

Please now join our urgent email campaign to the Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, urging him to raise these cases with the Chinese leadership. Read more and send the email

International Figures Appeal To China
On 15 April, six highly respected international figures - Vaclav Havel, Prince Hassan Bin Talal, Desmond Tutu, Vartan Gregorian, Andre Glucksmann and Yohei Sasakawa - appealed to the Chinese Government to "overturn the decision to execute two more Tibetan protesters and open its courts to international scrutiny".

Australia Tibet Council is approaching eminent and influential Australians, including politicians, laureates and academics, requesting they add their names as supporters of the appeal. If you know someone appropriate and can supply us with their direct contact details, please reply to this email.

Kind regards,

Paul

---------------------

Paul Bourke

Executive Officer

Australia Tibet Council

Be a Voice for Tibet - www.atc.org.au/voice

Stop The Executions

By now you will have heard the disturbing news of two Tibetans being sentenced to death in connection with the events of 14 March last year. Trials of Tibetans have been conducted in secrecy and in the absence of even the most basic level of legal oversight and due process.

Last week we asked you to send a letter to China's Minister of Justice, Ms Wu Aiying, calling for an immediate stay of execution.

Please now join our urgent email campaign to the Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, urging him to raise these cases with the Chinese leadership. Read more and send the email
International Figures Appeal To China
On 15 April, six highly respected international figures - Vaclav Havel, Prince Hassan Bin Talal, Desmond Tutu, Vartan Gregorian, Andre Glucksmann and Yohei Sasakawa - appealed to the Chinese Government to "overturn the decision to execute two more Tibetan protesters and open its courts to international scrutiny".

Australia Tibet Council is approaching eminent and influential Australians, including politicians, laureates and academics, requesting they add their names as supporters of the appeal. If you know someone appropriate and can supply us with their direct contact details, please reply to this email.

Kind regards,
Paul
---------------------
Paul Bourke
Executive Officer
Australia Tibet Council
Be a Voice for Tibet - www.atc.org.au/voice

SAFETY HAZARDS: Children's Play Area

Please take heed, for our children's sakes,they are far too precious to loose.

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW!!!!!!!!!

SAFETY HAZARDS: Children's play area

THIS IS UNREAL .. MAKE SURE YOU READ TO THE VERY END OF THE PAGE!!!
This is a real eye opener.......

McDonalds, Burger king, Time Zone etc... All places with ball pits in the children's play area. One of my sons lost his watch, and was very upset We dug and dug in those balls, trying to find his watch. Instead, we found vomit, food, faeces, and other stuff I do not want to discuss. I went to the manager and raised hell only to find out, the ball pit is only cleaned out once a month. I have doubts that it is even done that often. My kids will never play in another ball pit. Some of you might not be parents, but you may have nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or friends with children. This will pertain to you too. As I read the following, my heart sank. I urge each and every one of you to pass this on to as many people as you can. I cannot stress how important this is! Hi. My name is Lauren Archer, my son Kevin and I lived in Melbourne , Australia . On October 2nd, 1999 I took my only son to McDonald's for his 3rd birthday. After he finished lunch, I allowed him to play in the ball pit. When he started whining later on, I asked him what was wrong, he pointed to the back of his pull-up and simply said 'Mommy, it hurts.' I couldn't find anything wrong with him at that time. I bathed him when we got home, and it was at that point when I found a welt on his left buttock. Upon investigating, it seemed as if there was something like a splinter under the welt. I made an appointment to see the doctor the next day, but soon he started vomiting and shaking, then his eyes rolled back into his head.. From there, we went to the emergency room. He died later that night. It turned out that the welt on his buttock was the tip of a hypodermic needle that had broken off inside. The autopsy revealed that Kevin had died from a heroine overdose. The next week, the police removed the balls from the ball pit. There was rotten food, several hypodermic needles: some full, some used; knives, half-eaten candy, diapers, faeces, and the stench of urine. Don't think it's just McDonald's either. A little boy had been playing in a ball pit @ a Burger King & started complaining of his legs hurting. He later died too. He was found to have snake bites all over his legs & buttocks. When they cleaned the ball pit they found that there was a snake's nest in the ball pit. He had suffered numerous bites from a very poisonous snake. Re-post this if it scares you!!! Re-post this if you care about kids!!! Please forward this to all loving mothers, fathers and anyone who loves and cares for children!!! What has this world come to??? If a child is not safe in a child's play area then where???

Food Additives and Chemical Enhancers

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

The main feature of oppositional defiance is irritability

• oppositional defiance generally develops between the ages of 1-3 years

• the child's behaviour depends on interaction - when life is good the child is good but the child can overreact when asked to do something he or she doesn't like

• children with oppositional defiance like to say 'no'

• children with oppositional defiance display a pattern of negative, hostile and defiant behaviour lasting at least six months and including at least four of the features listed below

Symptoms of oppositional defiance

• losing temper

• arguing with adults

• refusing adult requests or defying rules

• deliberately annoying other people

• blaming others for own mistakes

• touchy or easily annoyed

• angry and resentful

Oppositional defiance can exist with or without ADHD

• oppositional defiance runs in families

• your child doesn't have to be diagnosed with ODD to have features of oppositional defiance that will respond to diet

• adults can be oppositionally defiant too

The bad news

Medications for ADHD can make these children worse because they are better able to focus on being defiant.

Behaviour management is hard to do and doesn't always work

• avoid confrontations

• avoid arguments

• avoid smacking

• never back these children into a corner

• offer options

• be calm and positive

If untreated, oppositional defiance may progress to Conduct Disorder which includes lawbreaking.

The good news

Oppositional defiance can be well controlled by changing what the child or adult eats. You can see this with your own eyes in the dramatic video of the Shipley Project in which eight extremely oppositional chronic juvenile offenders literally change under our eyes as they follow an elimination diet for three weeks.

Most parents have never noticed an effect of food

A few children 'go ballistic' soon after eating food colours but for most families, the effects of food chemicals creep up, unnoticed. What most people see is this:

* food chemicals can build up gradually, resulting in good days and bad days with no obvious cause

When a child eats fast food or spaghetti, he or she might be irritable or have a bad day at school the next day or the day after.

Not everyone reacts to the same food chemicals.

Some natural "healthy" foods can be a problem.

Some families are more sensitive than others.

Some other effects of food chemicals

* eczema * migraines * tinnitus * irritable bowel * bedwetting * sneaky poos * difficulty falling asleep * restless legs * asthma * arthritis * impairment of memory or concentration * anxiety * depression * panic attacks * unexplained tiredness

These symptoms may appear in other members of the family.

These are common problem-causing foods

• additives in soft drinks, cordials, lollies, flavoured snacks, chips and biscuits, takeaways, icecreams and "healthy" foods like bread (preservative 282), yoghurt (colour 160b) or sausages (preservative 223).

• natural chemicals in some fruits, juice, dried fruit and vegetables, especially tomatoes, oranges, sultanas, grapes and broccoli.

• Food chemicals can pass through breastmilk and affect babies.

"Where do I start?"

Some families see an improvement just by cutting down on the worst foods:

• switch to preservative-free bread

• avoid artificial colours in products such as drinks, lollies and icypoles

• water is the best drink – kids drink water better if given their own water bottle

• avoid citrus and tomatoes

If that's not enough, you can do an elimination-and-challenge diet supervised by a dietitian to find out which food chemicals cause problems. Ask for our list of failsafe-friendly dietitians.

When symptoms are severe, dairy foods and wheat or gluten may have to be avoided as well as additives and natural chemicals called salicylates and amines.

What can we eat?

The plain, natural, unprocessed foods that children ate 40 years ago were low in additives. Contrary to public opinion, white sugar does not affect children's behaviour.

Some additive-free alternatives:

eg. Brumby's bread, pure (not softened) butter or Nuttelex margarine, Arnott's Saltine biscuits, Glengarry shortbreads, traditional rolled oats or Rice Bubbles, Kettle plain chips, failsafe sausages, Peters original vanilla icecream, Pascall's white marshmallows, Darryl Lea butterscotch, home-made magic cordial: dissolve 1 cup sugar in 1 cup warm water and add ½-1 tsp citric acid. Dilute to taste.

Additives to avoid

The following additives may cause problems. Some people may also need to avoid natural food chemicals called salicylates, amines and natural MSG.

COLOURS

102, 104, 107, 110, 122-129, 133, 142, 151, 155

160b annatto natural colour (160a betacarotene is safe)

PRESERVATIVES

200-203 Sorbates in processed fruit, veges, cordial, wine

210-213 Benzoates in soft drinks, cordials, juice drinks

220-228 Sulphites in many foods including cordial, dried fruit, sausages, hot chips, wine, these additives are associated with asthma

249-252 Nitrates, nitrites in processed meats like ham, devon, salami

280-283 Propionates in bread, crumpets, hamburger buns, also in fruit juice and cheese. Whey powder in bread is a natural form of these preservatives.

310-312 Antioxidants in vegetable oils, chips, fried food,

319-321 soymilk, biscuits, not always listed. 300-309 are safe

FLAVOUR ENHANCERS

620-635 Glutamates in tasty foods. (HVP is natural MSG, 621 is MSG, 635 can cause rashes)

ADDED FLAVOURS in many foods and children's medicinal syrups

Food Additives: Food Preservatives, Colours, Bleaches, Flavours, Emulsifiers, Stabilisers

Additives are used in food to keep it lasting longer and to make it taste, look and smell like something that it is not. They enable food to sit on a supermarket shelf, or in our cupboards, for several months without going bad - and then we eat it. It has been estimated that we consume about 5 kilograms of food additives as preservatives, colours, bleaches, flavours, emulsifiers and stabilisers every year in the food we eat. This not only results in extra work for our body to remove them, but frequently trigger asthma attacks; rashes; respiratory disturbances; hyperactivity in children, and in some people, an abnormal sensitivity to prescribed medications, particularly aspirin. Below are some common additives found in refined foods, and well-worth avoiding by those susceptible to their effects.
Number	Food Additive Name	Often used in	Common reactions
102	tartrazine (colour)	drinks, cakes, snacks, ice-cream, confectionery	asthma; hyperactivity; aspirin sensitivity
110	sunset yellow (colour)	drinks, packet soups, dessert, biscuits, confectionery, ice-cream	hyperactivity; allergies; aspirin sensitivity
120	cochineal (colour)	cakes, confectionery, ice-cream	hyperactivity
122	azorubine (colour)	packet soups, sauces, jams, desserts (jellies)	asthma; hyperactivity; asprin sensitivity
132	indigotine (colour)	tablets, capsules, icecream, biscuits	nausea; skin rashes; allergies; high blood pressure
133	brilliant blue (colour)	tinned peas, bacon-flavoured snacks	hyperactivity
150	caramel (colour)	drinks, sauces, soups, cakes, pickles, vinegar	hyperactivity
172	iron oxides (colour)	tinned fish, fish pastes	toxic in high doses
210	benzoic acid (preservative)	confectionery, cheeses, baked goods	asthma; hyperactivity; reacts with 222
220	sulphur dioxide (preservative)	beer, wine, soft drinks, dried fruit, cordials	asthma; hyperactivity
222	sodium bisulphite (preservative)	wine, beer, soft drinks, juices, cordials	asthma; destroys vitamin B1; hyperactivity
250	sodium nitrite (preservative)	cured meats, some cheeses	hyperactivity; adverse reactions in children; potentially carcinogenic
310	propyl gallate (antioxidant)	oils, margarine, salad dressings	gastric and skin irritant
319	tert-butyl hydroquinone (antioxidant)	fats, oils, margarine,packet chips	nausea; delirium
320	Butylated hydroxyanisole (antioxidant)	fried snacks, soft drinks, edible oils, margarine, chewing gum	hyperactivity; asthma; adverse reactions; allergies; increases cholesterol levels
407	carageenan (thickener) (emulsifier)	ice-cream, jellies, cake decorations, cheese, salad dressings	allergies; intolerances
421	mannitol (emulsifier)	icecream, confectionery, low calorie foods	allergies; diarrhoea, nausea
621	monosodium glutamate (MSG) (flavour enhancer)	prepacked meals, snacks, Chinese cooking	hyperactivity; asthma; adverse reactions; allergies; aspirin sensitivity
635	disodium 5' ribonucleotide (flavour enhancer)	flavoured crisps, instant noodles, party pies	skin rashes; not easily broken down by body
951	aspartame (sweetener)	diet drinks, diabetic confectionery, icecream	allergies; headaches; nervous disorders

Response From TAG

This is the response I received by our Australian Government, read between the lines please, they say they monitor all Therapeutic Goods for the safety of the populace. Yeah right!!!!!!!

The Australian Government acknowledges the right of consumers to be able to make informed choices on matters of health care. Consumers also have a right to expect that medicines available in the marketplace are safe and of high quality.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is Australia’s national regulator for therapeutic goods, including medicines and medical devices. The TGA is responsible for administering the provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act) and other related legislation. The regulatory framework for medicines outlined in the Act is designed to ensure that consumers have timely access to medicines that are of acceptable quality, safety and, where appropriate, efficacy.

In Australia, products such as vitamin, mineral and nutritional supplements and herbal, homoeopathic and aromatherapy products that make therapeutic claims are regulated as ‘complementary’ medicines.

Australia has a risk-based system where the level of evaluation and regulatory control of a therapeutic good is based on the relative safety of the product and the seriousness of the condition for which it is intended to be used.

Unless specifically exempt under therapeutic goods legislation, therapeutic goods must be ‘Listed’ (low risk) or ‘Registered’ (high risk) in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before they can be supplied in, or exported from, Australia. Therapeutic goods must be manufactured by TGA-licensed manufacturers in accordance with the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice.

Most, but not all, complementary medicines are considered to be low risk medicines and are Listed in the ARTG. Listed medicines may only contain ingredients that have been approved by the TGA as being of low risk and may only make certain therapeutic claims. They are generally purchased from pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail outlets such as health food stores.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (the Codex) was established in 1963 by two United Nations organisations – the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization. Its main purpose is to protect consumer health and to ensure fair practices in international food trade, through the development of food standards and guidelines.

Codex standards and guidelines, such as the Guidelines for Vitamin and Mineral Food Supplements, specifically state that they only apply in countries where vitamin and mineral supplements are regulated as foods. As these types of products are regulated as medicines in Australia, they are not within the remit of the Codex Guidelines. Rather, they are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in accordance with the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

The Codex Guidelines for Vitamin and Mineral Food Supplements specifically state that they only apply in countries where vitamin and mineral supplements are regulated as foods. As these types of products are regulated as medicines in Australia, they will not be affected by the Codex Guidelines.

The objectives of the regulatory scheme for therapeutic products in Australia are to protect public health and safety by ensuring that consumers have access to safe, high quality products.

I trust that this information is of assistance.