Introduction
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) in an independent statutory authority responsible for ensuring a safe food by developing, varying and reviewing food standards for Australia and New Zealand. The standards are complied into the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Code (the Code). These standards encompass labelling, food composition, contaminants and codes of conduct for industry. FSANZ also develops food safety standards for Australia only, which include maximum residue limits, primary production and processing, as well as a number of other functions relating to the maintenance of a safe food supply. FSANZ is not responsible for enforcing the Code or any compliance action relating to it. These are issues for the various States and Territories and the New Zealand Government.
FSANZ is an integral part of a strong food regulatory system operating between the Commonwealth, the State and Territory Governments within Australia and the New Zealand Government. Food standards are developed with advice from other government agencies, including food regulatory policies endorsed by the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council and input from a wide range of stakeholders. FSANZ decisions are open and transparent and are based on rigorous risk analysis relying on the best scientific evidence available.
FSANZ decision making processes are based on scientific evidence, which often incorporates input from the wider research community. In 2003 a Student Project Initiative was launched by FSANZ. This initiative is intended to be a mutually beneficial relationship between academia and FSANZ by encouraging students to undertake projects of relevance to FSANZ and food regulation. This initiative is highlighted in theFood Standards Australia New Zealand’s (FSANZ) Science Strategy 2006-09.
This document contains project ideas, currently of interest to FSANZ, which students may like to consider. Students are not limited to the project ideas described in this document, and are encouraged to contact FSANZ to discuss other potential project ideas. Students may select projects outside their study discipline; however consideration must be given to the skill sets required to complete such projects, and approval must be obtained from their relevant university supervisor. This list is updated annually to reflect emerging topical issues within the food industry.
FSANZ is able to contribute up to a maximum of $500 in seed funding to facilitate the completion of these projects. Further information on Seed Funding can be obtained by contacting the Strategic Science Officer, Ewan McKague by email at ewan.mckague@foodstandards.gov.au or by phone on (02) 6271 2629.
Initial contact should be made with the nominated FSANZ contact person directly, to discuss any of the project ideas. Once a clear project aim is developed, aRequest for Seed Funding application (attachment 1) should be completed and signed by the supervisor and applicant. This application is available in word format. You may post or fax the application to FSANZ.
If the request is approved, aSeed Funding Agreement(attachment 2) will be produced. You should familiarise yourself with the terms of the agreement prior to making application for funding. It is a requirement that:
1. regular contact with the nominated FSANZ scientist is maintained throughout the course of the project;
2. a graded final report be supplied to FSANZ, which FSANZ may use as part of its reporting or assessment work, with appropriate reference to the authors; and
3. a seminar be presented to FSANZ staff in Canberra (if requested and at the cost of FSANZ);
4. intellectual property in the final report will vest in the University except in so far as pre-exiting material is used by the Applicant. The Applicant will grant to FSANZ a permanent, irrevocable, royalty-free world-wide, non-exclusive licence to use, reproduce and exploit all material; and
5. the Applicant agrees to consult with FSANZ prior to publication of any material and to seek prior written approval.
The funds will be issued to the university once the Seed Funding Agreement is signed by both parties and one copy is returned to FSANZ.