Rules & regulations

Article (7)
  • American fungicide scare raises questions about Australian standards
    The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was alerted to the presence of the fungicide carbendazim in imported Brazilian orange juice concentrate in late December last year. Levels of up to 35 parts per billion were found in the concentrate and, in response, the FDA began testing all imported concentrate in the US. Australia’s reaction to the concerns raises difficult questions about Australian standards, testing procedures and provenance labelling.
  • Three major challenges facing Chinese exporting seafood to the US
    As food imports increase and FDA demands more detailed disclosure and tracking, foreign seafood manufacturers and suppliers will undoubtedly feel the pressure from both government agencies and US importers. Benjamin England discusses the major challenges.
  • Flavour definitions and classifications
    The Flavour and Fragrance Association of Australia and New Zealand is probably the best place to find out more about the latest definitions and classifications of flavours and what claims can be made on labels.
  • EFSA updates risk assessment guidelines of GM plants
    The EFSA has published an updated guidance for the risk assessment of food and feed derived from GM plants.
  • Pathogen-food combinations cost US over $12 billion annually
    Five leading food bugs have been reported by the US to cost $12.7 billion in annual economic loss.
  • So who's responsible for the food industry?
    Is the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry or the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research responsible for the Australian food industry? The answer is, apparently, both.
  • The benefits of halal and kosher certification
    Ethnic and religious considerations are not the only reasons why consumers are choosing kosher- and halal-certified foods. Many perceive the extra supervision implicit in the certified foods assures higher quality and safer food products.
Feature (5)
  • Food labelling law review
    An independent, comprehensive review of food labelling law and policy in Australia and New Zealand is aiming to reduce the regulatory burden in food labelling without compromising public health and safety. Interested individuals and organisations are encouraged to make brief submissions about issues that are within the scope of the Terms of Reference, for consideration by the review panel.
  • Sugar dust explosion risks
    Inadequate equipment design, maintenance and housekeeping led to massive sugar dust explosions that killed 14 in the US last year.
  • Putting the UK on a reducing diet
    In the UK, the Food Standards authority is trying to improve public health by asking manufacturers to reduce portion sizes, reformulate to minimise saturated fats and added sugars, and to focus their marketing on their healthier options.
  • Adulteration and globalisation
    The melamine adulterated milk crisis in China is providing a warning to all companies of the dangers of operating in a global market.
  • Guidelines for the food-medicine interface
    The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently released the set of guidelines they use to clarify whether products fall under food or therapeutic goods regulation.
Product (7)
  • Standards Australia olive oil standard
    Standards Australia has approved a new olive oil standard for both imported and domestic oils. The standard will promote and protect authentic products and put consumers in a much stronger position when it comes to making informed choices.
  • GS1 Recallnet
    GS1 Australia and HP have signed an agreement to develop a cloud-based recall service to remove potentially harmful products from the supply chain.
  • Compliance checklist for FDA-regulated companies
    Worldwide food and drug companies selling to the US market can now obtain a free FDA 21 CFR Part 11 checklist to ensure full regulatory compliance of their environmental monitoring practices.
  • Australian Standard for organic and biodynamic products
    The first ‘Australian Standard for organic and biodynamic products has been published. AS 6000-2009 Organic and biodynamic products outlines the minimum requirements to be met by growers and manufacturers wishing to label products ‘organic’ and ‘biodynamic’. It establishes an agreed set of procedures to be followed for the production, preparation, transportation, marketing and labelling of organic and biodynamic products, including food and processed food.
  • International quality management standard
    The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has released the revised standard ISO 9001:2008, Quality management systems.
  • Booklet explains food labels
    A booklet from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) aims to make understanding the labels on food packaging more meaningful. ‘Understanding food labels’ is free.
  • Food safety management systems on CD
    ISO has launched a CD that contains the ISO 22000 series of standards developed to help operators in the food chain to implement food safety management systems. The CD also includes related standards for conformity assessment professionals involved in the certification of food safety management systems and in the accreditation of bodies carrying out such certification.
News (98)
  • BPA regulations need urgent attention: CPR
    The US Center for Progressive Reform (CPR) has urged US authorities to urgently address Bisphenol A regulations.
  • Draft standards for probiotics
    In response to the increased presence of probiotic food ingredients, the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) will include draft standards intended to ensure quality in these ingredients. The latest FCC Forum will contain the proposed standards, which are available for public review and comment.
  • Raw milk products reconsidered by FSANZ
    A new proposal by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) could see restrictions on the sale and production of raw milk products in Australia relaxed.
  • New ISO standard means safer radiation
    Food irradiation could be made safer with the introduction of a new ISO standard, ISO 14470:2011.
  • Testing, testing: what’s happening with Australian food safety standards?
    Following the carbendazim scare in the US, Australia has begun testing incoming imported orange juice concentrate. FSANZ’s backflip on testing of orange juice products from foreign sources - and the Australian citrus industry’s reaction to the carbendazim scare - raises some questions about Australian standards and the state of the Australian citrus industry.
  • No need for ruffled feathers, says DAFF
    The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry says there is no need for panic despite avian influenza being detected near Melbourne.
  • Consultation on NZ milk pricing and raw milk regulations
    The New Zealand Government is encouraging submissions for its proposed response to reviews on milk pricing and raw milk regulations.
  • New industry code to reduce food poisoning
    Pest managers have formed a partnership with the food industry to reduce the number of foodborne illnesses suffered by Australians each year.
  • Call for submissions on hemp application report
    Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today called for submissions from government agencies, public health professionals, industry and the community on its assessment report for an application to allow food derived from hemp.
  • Call for submissions on GM corn line application
    FSANZ has called for submissions to change the Food Standards Code to allow food derived from a GM corn line.
  • ISO standard on traceability of finfish products released
    ISO 12875:2011, Traceability of finfish products is a newly released standard that will help improve food safety by supplying stakeholders throughout the supply chain with accurate information about the origin and nature of these products.
  • Fonterra convicted and fined after workplace death
    An unsafe stacking system causes a worker’s death and Fonterra Australia is fined $300,000 and receives a conviction.
  • US FDA to resolve issues before initiating new food import fee
    The US Food and Drug Administration will not initiate new food import re-examination fee program until they resolve issues.
  • Fat tax won’t curb obesity levels in Australia
    The AFGC claims that introducing a tax on saturated fat in foods is regressive and isn’t the answer to addressing obesity levels in Australia.
  • TWE supports wine tax reform
    Treasury Wine Estates, a leading premium wine business, has posted a submission to the Australian Government supporting the wine tax reform, with additional changes.
  • FDA charges fee to US food importers
    During a time of worldwide recession, US food importers, most of them small businesses, will soon find themselves unexpectedly impacted by additional costs caused by FDA’s new fees for ‘re-examining’ imported foods.
  • Returning to work made easier for injured workers
    A new toolkit from WorkSafe Victoria may help industry workers get back to safe work sooner.
  • FSANZ calls for comment on raw milk products proposal and GM soybean product
    Food Standards Australia New Zealand has called for public comment on a report looking at permissions for raw milk products in Australia and an application for food derived from a genetically modified soybean.
  • Aussie olive stakeholders vote ‘yes’ to national levy
    A majority of Australian Olive industry stakeholders voted ‘yes’ to a national levy on R&D.
  • National Food Plan issues paper an important step for food sector
    The government’s National Food Plan issues paper covers food security, affordability and sustainability, and is said to be an important step for the industry.
  • Palm oil deal may affect food and grocery sector
    A palm oil labelling Bill may have significant impacts on Australia's food and grocery sector.
  • New board for new Pork CRC
    The Pork Cooperative Research Centre has announced a new board to ensure Australian pork is a high-integrity meat.
  • Calls for comment on horticulture paper
    FSANZ has released a horticultural paper on what approaches should be taken to ensure food safety and is calling for comment from the industry.
  • Country of origin labelling breaches
    Two of Australia's major retailers have been found by the NSW Food Authority to have falsely described the origin of fruit for sale in two Sydney stores.
  • Safety alert for blast freezers
    WorkCover NSW has published a safety alert to remind employers and those in control of workplaces to ensure the safety and stability of plenums, ceilings and other associated structures.
  • Choice and AFGC call for supermarket ombudsman
    Choice and the AFGC have called for the establishment of a supermarket ombudsman.
  • Manufacturers and AFGC address worries over carbon tax
    Nineteen manufacturers and the AFGC have co-signed a joint industry letter to the Prime Minister raising concerns over the carbon pricing plan.
  • FSANZ invites public comment of proposed food code changes
    FSANZ welcomes public comment on two requests for changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, on persimmon irradiation and hemp application.
  • AFGC supports review of anti-dumping laws
    The Australian Food and Grocery Council supports the Coalition's efforts to review Australia's anti-dumping laws, which are affecting Australia's largest manufacturing sector.
  • New dietary guidelines announced
    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius have announced the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
  • Review highlights labelling issues
    The release of the independent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy report illustrates the complex issues surrounding food labelling in Australia, the AFGC said.
  • FSANZ proposes changes to food standards code
    Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released details of proposed changes to the Food Standards Code and invited comment from interested organisations and individuals.
  • Revision of honey food standard
    Work by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA), with input from the honey industry, has seen a revision to a honey food standard that will better manage the risk of anyone suffering from tutin poisoning. Bees collecting honeydew from insects that feed on the tutu plant can contaminate honey with toxic tutin. The Food (Tutin in Honey) Standard 2010 replaces the one issued in 2008 and comes into effect on 1 January 2011. The risk period for tutin in honey is in late summer.
  • US Senate passes the Food Safety Modernisation Act
    The US Senate has passed the Food Safety Modernisation Act of 2010. This bill directly enlarges FDA’s legal and regulatory authority over food in nearly every sector.
  • Food taxes and ad bans may not impact obesity
    A new Productivity Commission report found no evidence to justify introducing taxes on high fat, sugar and salt (HFFS) foods or advertising bans to address childhood obesity levels in Australia, according to the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC).
  • Canada bans Bisphenol A
    Canada has become the first country in the world to ban and declare bisphenol A (BPA) as a toxic substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
  • FSANZ plans two-year extension of tutin limits in honey
    Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released documents for comment on a proposal to extend the existing maximum limits for the toxin tutin in honey and comb honey to 31 March 2013.
  • AGSG formed
    Companies in Australia’s agribusiness sector have joined forces to improve supply chain processes and services, through the adoption of GS1 global standards.
  • New Australian standard olive oil coming
    Work is set during July on a new Australian Standard for the olive oil industry.
  • Primo prosecuted over pork labelling
    Australia’s largest manufacturer of smallgoods, Primo, has been fined $233,325 plus $200,000 costs for labelling imported pork products as Australian.
  • NMI responsible for all trade measurement throughout Australia
    The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is to become the regulatory body responsible for trade measurement throughout Australia.
  • FSANZ considers approving two GM foods and a processing aid
    Food Standards Australia New Zealand is considering applications for foods derived from insect-protected soybean and drought-tolerant corn, respectively, and an engineered enzyme produced from a strain of Aspergillus niger. Public comment is encouraged.
  • Preventing and controlling food safety hazards
    ISO technical specification ISO/TS 22002-1:2009, Prerequisite programmes on food safety - Part 1: Food manufacturing, sets out requirements for prerequisite programs needed to realise safe products and provide food that is safe for human consumption. It is intended to be used in conjunction with, and to support, ISO 22000:2005, which gives requirements for a food safety management system.
  • ISO RFID standard will help trace products in the supply chain
    The new ISO 17367:2009 standard will help manufacturers and distributors to track products and to manage their traceability thanks to standardised RF tags.
  • Independent food auditors to help maintain food safety standards
    The NSW Food Authority’s scheme of accredited independent auditors is on track to deliver more choice for licensed food businesses, while maintaining stringent food safety standards.
  • FSANZ seeks public comment on changes to food standards code
    Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is seeking public comment on an urgent amendment to the Food Standard Code to protect public health and safety regarding traceability and processing requirements of semi-dried tomatoes and ingredients.
  • Public comment invited for proposed changes to food laws
    Food Standards Australia New Zealand has invited individuals and organisations with an interest in the regulation of food to provide information and comment on a number of possible changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The changes under consideration include the approval of genetically modified (GM) maize, cotton and corn, erythrosine as a colouring for icing and a national food safety standard for the production and processing of raw milk products.
  • Australian Standard for organic and biodynamic products published
    The first Australian Standard for organic and biodynamic products has been published. AS 6000-2009 Organic and biodynamic products outlines the minimum requirements to be met by growers and manufacturers wishing to label their products ‘organic’ and ‘biodynamic’.
  • Folic acid now mandatory in bread-making flour in Australia
    From Sunday 13 September 2009, bread-making flour in Australia must have folic acid, a form of the B vitamin folate, added to it to reduce the risk of babies being born with birth defects such as spina bifida.
  • Guide for traceability of fresh fruits and vegetables
    GS1 and the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) have released a Traceability for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Implementation Guide based on the GS1 Global Traceability Standard.
  • Food industry ready for national preventative health challenges
    Is Australia’s food and grocery sector ready to proactively face the challenges outlined in the federal government’s National Preventative Health Taskforce Strategy?
  • New international standards, codes of practice and guidelines
    The Codex Alimentarius Commission has adopted more than 30 new international standards, codes of practice and guidelines to improve worldwide food safety and protect the health of consumers including parameters for the testing and monitoring of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meals.
  • Closer food safety links between NZ and UK
    The New Zealand Food Safety Authority and the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency have signed an arrangement that fosters better links between the two organisations.
  • Food recall rates stable in Australia
    Australian Food and Grocery Council research shows that the number of food-related recalls in Australia has remained stable, with an average number of 52 recalls per year, since 2005.
  • First step for ISO standard on recall of unsafe products
    The first meeting of the ISO project committee that will develop an International Standard providing a code of good practice for establishing, implementing and managing efficient, flexible and responsive consumer product recall programs including corrective actions has taken place.
  • Food ministers progress food labelling
    The thirteenth meeting of the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council considered a number of strategic policy and food standards issues.
  • GS1 global extends GS1 DataBar deadline
    GS1 has extended the deadline by which retailers must be able to scan GS1 DataBar from 2010 to 2014.
  • NZFSA certification standard goes global
    The United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business has released an international electronic certification standard built on work by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. The electronic certification will provide government-to-government assurances about the safety of imported and exported food, replacing the paper certificates traditionally issued to help clear products at borders.
  • ACMA’s 4 W ruling a win for EPC/RFID
    The use of RFID devices up to 4 W of power between the 920 to 926 MHz band has been approved in Australia. This will lead to improved efficiencies and greater ROI for companies wanting to use EPC/RFID systems in their supply chain.
  • Approval sought for cholesterol-lowering food ingredient in fruit juice
    Coca-Cola South Pacific is seeking approval for the use of phytosterols, derived from vegetable oils, in fruit juice and fruit juice drinks. FSANZ has invited public comment with the final date for submissions 11/2/2009.
  • Strengthening food safety in Europe
    A cooperation agreement signed in Brussels will advance scientific cooperation and the development of international standards in the fields of food and feed safety in Europe.
  • Fluoridating bottled water
    The Australian Beverages Council has added its support to a proposal that will permit the voluntary addition of fluoride to bottled water.
  • ISO standard promotes consistency in sensory analysis
    A new ISO standard will reduce the complexity of describing taste, smell and texture so these characteristics can be communicated in a consistent manner.
  • Organic Standard comments
    The very large number of comments on the proposed organic standard reflects the industry and community interest in this area.
  • Food industry pledges to curb junk food ads
    Food and beverage manufacturers will today voluntarily introduce a code of conduct, vowing not to advertise products to children unless they promote a healthy diet and lifestyle.
  • Weights and measures go national
    An Average Quantity System — an internationally recognised system for confirming that pre-packaged items, including food and beverages, contain the stated quantities — is being established in Australia.
  • Public submissions invited on proposed changes to the food code
    FSANZ has invited individuals and organisations to comment on the proposal to permit the sale of food additive preparations containing the colour erythrosine.
  • Examining creeping acquisitions
    The federal government intends to examine creeping acquisition laws in response to concerns about retail competition issues.
  • Ooops - we were wrong
    No change in the maximum weight of boxes of meat is imminent.
  • New rules for raw milk in NZ proposed
    The New Zealand Food Safety Authority is proposing a framework that would allow a wider variety of raw milk products to be sold and produced in New Zealand.
  • GS1 Australia’s 4 W RFID licence extended
    GS1 Australia has been granted an extension to its scientific licence allowing the use of radio frequency devices with up to 4 W of power.
  • Draft organic standard out for public comment
    A draft of the Australian Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products is available for public comment. The Standard will address industry and government needs and consumer uncertainty around marketing and labelling claims on organic products.
  • New head for FSANZ board
    A former Commonwealth Ombudsman, Philippa Smith AM, has been appointed as chair of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) board.
  • Searchable Australian patent database
    IP Australia has created a searchable database of the Australian patents lodged and granted since 1979.
  • Australian to advise world on standards
    An Australian has been elected president of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), as it becomes increasingly involved in major global issues like climate change, security and social responsibility.
  • Food Control Plans delayed
    Delays in the drafting of the new Food Bill will see Food Control Plans introduced only on a voluntary basis for some sectors of the food industry by mid-2008.
  • Australian fish names standardised
    The Australian fish names standard (recently approved by Standards Australia as an official Australian Standard: AS SSA5300 — 2007) will be launched in Hobart tomorrow, Tuesday 30 October, by Federal Fisheries Minister, Eric Abetz.
  • NSW to ‘name and shame’ more food outlets
    The NSW government is amending the legislation to allow the NSW Food Authority to publish on its website details of food businesses that receive penalty notices for food law breaches.
  • US to consider regulations for nanotech industry
    Nanotechnology was incorporated into more than US$50 billion in manufactured goods last year and the market is expected to grow to US$2.6 trillion by 2014, according to a report by Lux Research, yet no nanospecific regulation exists anywhere in the world.
  • New questionnaire to collect allergen info
    Food companies will find it easier to collect required information to meet the legal obligations surrounding the sale of food with a new product information form, launched recently.
  • ISO standards guide for food safety management systems
    ISO has launched a new CD that contains the ISO 22000 series of standards, developed to help operators in the food chain to implement food safety management systems.
  • EFSA’s panel to split
    EFSA’s scientific panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC Panel) will soon branch into two separate panels, in order to increase further EFSA’s pool of expertise and to accelerate processes in a field where output is particularly high. EFSA expects the new panels to begin operating by mid 2008.
  • NZ clarifies poultry processing regulations
    New Zealand Food Safety Authority and the New Zealand Poultry Industry Association have developed a new code of practice (COP) specifically for poultry processing.
  • FSANZ seeks public comment on food code changes
    Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has announced it is considering changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code - regulations that govern the sale of food sold in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Aussie producers praise food labelling plan
    A European labelling proposal has been welcomed by the peak body of Australian food producers, the Australian Food and Grocery Council. This labelling includes placing nutritional information on the front of packs to give consumers clearer information to help them with their dietary choices.
  • An Australian standard for organic produce
    By: Keiran Jones
  • New head for food regulators
    The food regulatory authority Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) will have a new chief executive officer, Stephen McCutcheon, commencing on 29 October 2007.
  • IFST insists that food safety is not only for the big players
    There is a proposed an amendment to that EC Food Hygiene Regulation (EC) 852/2004 which would exempt food businesses with fewer than ten employees from the requirement for food safety management procedures based on HACCP principles.
  • FSANZ invites comment on food standards
    Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today invited comment on proposed changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
  • New website helps food industry manage allergens
    The Allergen Bureau has targeted the food industry with the launch of a website that aims to facilitate the improvement of food allergen management in Australian and New Zealand industry.
  • NZFSA releases plan of action for new regulations
    The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has announced how it plans to initiate the new Food Act.
  • Supplement regulation change
    The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) is proposing to update decades-old regulations for food-type dietary supplements.
  • NZ toughens imported food tests
    The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has announced it will be testing more imported foods to ensure that food vendors meet their legal responsibilities to ensure their produce is safe.
  • ISO standard for food safety measures
    Recent food safety incidents, the significant consequences on health and the recall of certain food products from the market are all pertinent reasons for countries to strengthen their food safety systems and to be more vigilant with food producers and traders.
  • FSANZ considers changes to food laws
    Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today released its latest batch of proposed changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
  • Comment on possible changes to food standards code sought
    Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has invited individuals and organisations with an interest in the regulation of food to provide information and comment on two applications and a proposal to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
  • Industry queries government decision
    The food and beverage industry has questioned the objectives of the South Australian Government in light of its decision to double the container deposit levy on beverage containers from 5 to 10 cents.
  • Australia answers WHO call to lower salt
    A five-year salt reduction campaign will launch in Australia in response to a World Health Organisation (WHO) call for countries to adopt national approaches to reduce the salt content of food.
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