Who’s Minding the Store Downunder: Who’s Minding the Store Downunder:

The regulator protecting public health The regulator protecting public health and safety.and safety.

Deon MahoneyFood Standards Australia New Zealand

Seattle University School of LawOffice of Continuing Legal Education 10-11 April 2008

2

Exotic and dangerous wildlife

3

Australia - Primer

1 Commonwealth Government:• 6 States + 2 Territories + 700+ Local Govt Areas

21 million people

Island nation – we don’t have:• Foot and mouth disease

• Exotic zoonoses

• H5N1

Major exporter of agricultural commodities and processed foods

Significant imports of food

4

Australians enjoy access to a very safe and diverse food supply …

5

Food safety issues….

Contaminated food causes approximately 5.4 million cases of gastroenteritis per annum*

1.2 million visits to medical practitioners*

2.1 million days of work lost per annum*

Total cost of foodborne illness in Australia is estimated at $1.249 billion per annum#

Attribution to food vehicles is a major issue* Hall and Kirk, 2005# Australian Government Dept of Health and Ageing, 2006

6

Food Regulation – Who does what

Australia New Zealand Australia New Zealand Food Regulation Food Regulation Ministerial CouncilMinisterial Council

Role - develop domestic food regulation policy

Comprises - Ministers from the Governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the States and Territories. Each jurisdiction brings a "whole of government" view to the Council

Policy Development

Food Standards Food Standards Australia New Zealand Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)(FSANZ)

Role – develop food standards

Policy Guidelines

Standards Setting

State + Territory + New State + Territory + New Zealand AgenciesZealand Agencies

Role – enforce food standards

Implementation

7

FSANZ - Responsibilities

FSANZ sets food standards that: protect the health and safety of food consumers; ensure consumers are informed about the food

they buy; and prevent deceptive and misleading conduct.

FSANZ regulatory measures should also: Be based on risk analysis using the best available

scientific evidence support an innovative food industry; and ensure consistency with international obligations

8

Food Standards Code

Food hygiene

Food Standards Code

Labelling - including claims

Contaminants and residues

Additives and new foods

Composition of food products

Microbiological limits

(Australia only)

Primary production and processing(Australia only)

9

Current Activity

Whole-of-chain Primary Production and Processing Standards• Seafood, Dairy products, egg and egg products,

poultry meat, raw milk products, etc

Fortification• Folate, Iodine, etc

Health claims

Reflects focus on both health protection from Reflects focus on both health protection from acute illness and prevention of chronic acute illness and prevention of chronic disease.disease.

10

Contemporary Issues

Acrylamide Ethyl carbamate Food colours Allergens Nanotechnology Low level contaminants etc

11

Food Imports – Special issues

Mitigating the risk associated with imported food AQIS - Australian Quarantine and Inspection

Service administers the Imported Food Inspection Scheme:• Inspection based on risk category

• Starting to recognise importers food safety management systems through compliance agreements

FSANZ - Provides advice on risk

12

Food Imports – Risk list

Evolved a Decision Making Tool – Determines the level of inspection for imported food

Based on:• History

• Likelihood

• Adverse effects – populations

• Risk mitigation post-importation

High Risk: 100% Inspection and Testing Remainder: 5% Inspection and potential for

testing

13

Summary

Australia is seeking pragmatic solutions to food safety problems

Horizon scanning for new and emerging foodborne hazards

Consumer knowledge, food beliefs and perceptions are important issues

Trend towards outcome based standards, with a focus on prevention rather than end-product testing arrangements

Addressing acute and chronic health issues

14

www.foodstandards.gov.au

15