Food regulator joins social network

Consumers can now get the latest information about food recalls and other food regulation information through the use of Facebook and Twitter, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King has announced.

King said it was important consumers were given every opportunity to be fully informed on food standards and regulation matters and the use of social media will ensure this is the case.

“As we return to work or study and get back to our busy lives, we need a simple way to get important information to help us make healthy and safer choices for ourselves and our families about the food we eat,” King said.

“Now consumers can get the latest food information from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) via Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, RSS feeds and an electronic email subscription.

“Food affects every part of our daily life. We may need to know about the latest food recall or someone in our family may have a life-threatening food allergy.

“We may be interested in learning how to read food labels to make healthier eating choices or knowing the latest food safety information about how to avoid being one of the estimated 5.4 million cases of food poisoning each year in Australia.”

King said that, importantly, FSANZ's move to using social network media would also help consumers find out about how they can have their say on developing new food standards or changing existing ones.

“These social media tools are also useful for students and educational institutions, especially those involved in subjects like food and technology, health and human development and hospitality,” King said.

FSANZ can be found on Twitter and Facebook by searching for Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Other services are available through the website at www.foodstandards.gov.au.