FSANZ invites views on a national food safety standard for eggs and egg products
(January 2007)
This is the third fact sheet reporting on the development of a national Primary Production and Processing Standard for Eggs and Egg Products, which will be included in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
What stage has the development of the standard reached?
FSANZ has produced a discussion paper – an Initial Assessment Report– describing the proposed scope of the work, our current knowledge of egg safety issues and information about the industry and its current regulation in the States and Territories. This report is now available for public comment and input into the assessment process.
Through this feedback we aim to develop a thorough understanding of the current structure of the egg industry, existing production practices and the current requirements for the management of food safety of eggs and egg products at different stages of the production process.
How can I make an input into the proposed egg standard?
The Initial Assessment Report is available from our website at www.foodstandards.gov.au/standardsdevelopment/ . We hope that individuals or organisations with an interest in this project will provide information on issues raised in the paper, respond to questions where appropriate and comment on the proposed work.
The deadline for submissions is 21 February 2007. Details of how to make a submission are given in the report and at the above web address.
Additionally, you can contact FSANZ, or members of the Standard Development Committee, to discuss the development of the new standard. Members of this committee are listed at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/thecode/primaryproductionprocessingstandards/eggstandard/eggandeggproductssta3414.cfm
What will happen with my submission?
We will acknowledge all submissions received. Issues that you raise in your submission will be considered at the next meeting of the Standard Development Committee and relevant issues will be addressed in a subsequent public document, the Draft Assessment Report.
What are the next steps in the standard development process?
We will develop a draft standard which will be published in the Draft Assessment Report towards the end of this year. This report will include the scientific basis for the standard and an assessment of the social and economic impact of those affected by the implementation of the standard.
Where can I obtain further information?
General information about primary production and processing standards is available on the FSANZ website at www.foodstandards.gov.au .
The FSANZ switchboard is (02) 6271 2222.
The Information Officer can be contacted on (02) 6271 2241 or email info@foodstandards.gov.au
Alternatively, contact Liz Dean on (02) 6271 2627; elizabeth.dean@foodstandards.gov.au or Barbara Butow (02) 6271 2283; barbara.butow@foodstandards.gov.au in the Food Safety Section, FSANZ.
FSANZ’s scientific Risk Assessment process was described in Fact Sheet 2 http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/newsroom/factsheets/factsheets2006/updateonthenationalf3413.cfm