GFSI AusNZ forms to elevate food safety and consumer trust

Woolworths Group, The Coca-Cola Company, Coles Supermarkets, Kerry, Campbell Arnotts, Fonterra, McDonalds and Goodman Fielder, along with 50 other retailers, manufacturers and food service companies, have formed the steering committee of the newly formed GFSI AusNZ.

A part of its regional outreach model, the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is encouraging the formation of Local Groups with the Australia and New Zealand group joining existing groups in Japan, China, Europe, US-Canada, Mexico and South Latam.

The creation of this group results from a desire to better leverage GFSI in the region at a time when the industry is experiencing pivotal change. The food industry in Australia and New Zealand has a strong agricultural base and a ‘clean and green’ reputation. In recent years, concerns linked to foodborne pathogens, contamination and food defence have received attention while the food supply has come under increased observation.

The region is following a global trend to focus increasingly on preventive measures and leverage industry-led initiatives such as GFSI to complement regulatory oversight. The industry has a long association with GFSI through Technical Working Groups and the GFSI Conferences. The formation of the GFSI AusNZ Local Group will formalise that relationship and assist in establishing GFSI initiatives across the local industry while addressing local issues.

The GFSI Board created the regional network to support GFSI’s efforts in different parts of the world and to promote a harmonised approach to managing and improving food safety across geographies.

The GFSI AusNZ Local Group will initially focus on three strategic priorities:

• Developing awareness of GFSI and harmonising certification programs.
• Building capability in companies who want to put in place or improve their food safety systems by leveraging the Global Markets Programme as a pathway to certification.
• Engaging state and federal food safety authorities in a dialog around GFSI to promote public-private partnerships.
   

To learn more, visit GFSI AusNZ at www.myGFSI.com.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/alotofpeople