Compliance checklist for FDA-regulated companies
03 March, 2010Worldwide 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.
Preventing and controlling food safety hazards
17 February, 2010ISO 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
17 February, 2010The new ISO 17367:2009 standard will help manufacturers and distributors to track products and to manage their traceability thanks to standardised RF tags.
FSANZ seeks public comment on changes to food standards code
22 January, 2010Food 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.
Independent food auditors to help maintain food safety standards
21 January, 2010The 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.
Public comment invited for proposed changes to food laws
18 December, 2009Food 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.
The benefits of halal and kosher certification
02 December, 2009Ethnic 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.
Food labelling law review
11 November, 2009An 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.
Australian Standard for organic and biodynamic products
22 October, 2009 byThe 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.
Australian Standard for organic and biodynamic products published
09 October, 2009The 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’.
Sugar dust explosion risks
29 September, 2009Inadequate equipment design, maintenance and housekeeping led to massive sugar dust explosions that killed 14 in the US last year.
Folic acid now mandatory in bread-making flour in Australia
11 September, 2009From 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
08 September, 2009GS1 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
02 September, 2009Is Australia’s food and grocery sector ready to proactively face the challenges outlined in the federal government’s National Preventative Health Taskforce Strategy?
Putting the UK on a reducing diet
10 August, 2009In 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.
