Food Standards News 52
December 2004
In this issue...
Meet our new Parliamentary Secretary, the Hon Christopher Pyne
Australian and Canadian food agencies sign arrangements to share food safety emergency information
Now available – The new version of NPC
Australian consumers are advised to avoid hijiki seaweed
New advice for preparation of cassava and bamboo shoots
Fortification Implementation Framework
Reminder to make submissions on time
FSANZ Staff Achievements Awards 2004
From the CEO
Another year has come and gone all too quickly. FSANZ continues to face many challenges and we continue to be alert and responsive to our changing environment.
Some of the issues from 2004 include our responses to the policy guidance passed on by the Ministerial Council, and these include: Health Claims, Fortification and Country of Origin Labelling to name a few. We have also made solid progress with primary production standards - seafood and poultry, in particular. Our work in Codex and other international fora has had its rewards, as has our experience with capacity building and the close relationships we have built with those inside and outside the region. Some of this cooperation has been formalised by Memoranda of Understanding - and MOU's with our Chinese and Canadian counterparts stand out.
We also participated in the inaugural Food Safety Conference on the Gold Coast that attracted more than 300 delegates from all over Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe. The Conference was organised by FSANZ, Safefood Queensland, Dairy Food Safety Victoria and the New South Wales Food Authority. The Conference was a significant milestone in our work and all who attended are looking forward to the next Conference in 2006.
Finally, we have worked hard with our counterparts with the jurisdictions and New Zealand. Relationships and understanding continues to grow and further collaboration looks promising.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all FSANZ staff and FSANZ Board for their untiring efforts, support and high achievements throughout the year. Thank you also to those outside FSANZ who have contributed their energy and ideas in support of our work during the past 12 months.
I'd like to wish you and your families best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Graham Peachey
Meet our new Parliamentary Secretary, The Hon Christopher Pyne MP
Following the October Federal election, the Hon Christopher Pyne was appointed as the new Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing with the responsibility for FSANZ. In 1993, at the age of 25, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the seat of Sturt in South Australia.
Before entering Parliament, Mr Pyne practised as a solicitor and was a senior member of the Liberal Party, serving on both the Federal Executive (1990-91) and State Executive (1988-92). In the 1989 South Australian state election he contested the seat of Ross Smith against then Labor Premier John Bannon.
He was active in student politics and is currently patron of the Liberal Clubs at both Flinders University and the University of South Australia.
He has written for The Adelaide Advertiser,The Adelaide Review, The Australian Financial Review and The Australian newspapers, as well as The Bulletinmagazine. Mr Pyne publishes an issues journal calledOptionsand appears regularly as a political commentator on ABC Lateline.
Christopher is a member of many community, social and sporting groups in his electorate. He is married to Carolyn and is the father of Eleanor, Barnaby and Felix. To relax he enjoys reading Australian and US political history, gardening, following AFL football and spending time with family, friends, and the family Labrador “Buster”.
 | Caption: The Hon Christopher Pyne (left) pictured with FSANZ Board Chairman, The Hon Rob Knowles (right). |
Documents for public comment
You are invited to make written submissions to FSANZ on the following Applications and Proposals. These items reflect information from current Notification Circulars.
INITIAL ASSESSMENTS
Closing date: 24 December 2004
- Proposal P295 - Consideration of mandatory fortification with folic acid
Closing date: 9 February 2005:
- Application A548 – Food from Corn Rootworm-protected & Glyphosate-tolerant Corn MON 88017
- Application A549 – Food derived from High Lysine Corn LY038
- Proposal P279 – Review of Schedule 1, Standard 1.3.1 – Food Additives
Closing date: 23 February 2005
- Proposal P230 – Iodine Fortification
- Proposal P272 – Labelling Requirements for Food for Catering Purposes & Retail Sale
Closing date: 2 March 2005
- Proposal P291 – Review of Novel Food Standard
Closing date: 7 March 2005 ( This was incorrectly notified as closing on 9 February 2005)
- Proposal P296 – Primary Production & Processing Standard for Dairy
DRAFT ASSESSMENTS
Closing date: 9 February 2005 :
- Application A469 – Saccharin in Water-based Flavoured Drinks
- Application A525 – Food derived from Herbicide-tolerant Sugar Beet H7-1
- Application A541 – Maximum Residue Limits (June, July, August 2004).*#
Australian and Canadian food agencies sign arrangement to share food safety emergency information
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to share information about food safety emergency issues that may pose a serious or unacceptable risk or threat to the health of consumers.
The Hon Rob Knowles, Chairman of the FSANZ Board, and Robert Carberry, Vice-President of the CFIA, formalised the MOU at the Inaugural Food Safety Conference at the Gold Coast in October.
At the signing ceremony, Mr Knowles said this was a significant occasion for the two agencies. ‘Food safety is now an international issue. Food is no longer grown and consumed locally and a food product manufactured the other side of the world could be on the shelves of our supermarkets in a matter of weeks or even days.
‘A food emergency anywhere in the world can become a matter for concern here in Australia within hours. Food regulators around the world need to continue to work collaboratively to address these food safety issues and this agreement between FSANZ and CFIA is an example of this collaboration.
‘FSANZ recognises the importance of the global economy in the area of food and this is one of the reasons why we are developing agreements with other countries so that we can share interests, have a common purpose and build an infrastructure. Last year we signed a MOU with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology to ensure ongoing collaboration in the important areas of food safety,’ Mr Knowles said.
Mr Carberry said that the MOU built on the already productive relationship between Canada and Australia on food safety matters. ‘This MOU will enable both CFIA and FSANZ to assist with protecting public health and safety by allowing us to share information at the earliest possible time when there is a food emergency that puts the health of consumers at risk. This is a plus for both countries.’
 | Caption: Hon Rob Knowles (left) and Mr Robert Carberry (right) signing the MOU between FSANZ and CFIA. |
Now available - the New Version of the NPC
Regular users of the FSANZ Nutrition Panel Calculator (NPC) will by now be enjoying using the new look NPC.
The NPC is FSANZ’s on-line nutrition labelling tool, which was developed in 2001 to assist food manufacturers and retailers calculate the average nutrient quantities of their food products to compile nutrition information panels for their labels. It can be accessed via our website www.foodstandards.gov.au .
On 22 October 2004, the new, enhanced NPC was launched on the FSANZ website, with the aim of providing users with a better, more efficient service. This new version is available to a wide range of users as it is compatible with Macintosh™ computers and Netscape browsers. In addition, this version complies with the Australian Government OnLine requirements for Website accessibility, providing accessibility to the visually impaired and those with a minimum browser capacity.
To assist users, the NPC’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Screen has been revamped to include answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. In addition, we have provided comprehensive Explanatory Notes as well as a handy Quick Reference Guide, which are available from the website for downloading and printing.
We welcome any feedback you may have on the new, enhanced system. Feedback can be given via the online feedback form or simply by emailing us at npc@foodstandards.gov.au
Australian consumers are advised to avoid hijiki seaweed
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is urging people to avoid eating a type of seaweed called hijiki, which may contain high levels of naturally occurring arsenic.
This advice does not apply to other varieties of edible seaweed, such as arame, nori, kombu and wakame.
FSANZ, together with State and Territory health departments and food regulators, is asking suppliers and retailers – including restaurants - to voluntarily withdraw hijiki seaweed from the marketplace. If they fail to comply, they could face strict penalties.
Hijiki is an uncommon seaweed variety that is not harvested in Australia or New Zealand and grows in the seas mainly off Japan and Korea.
It is almost black and comes in a shredded form and is used mostly as an appetiser or starter in some Japanese restaurants.
Dried hijiki seaweed is also sold for addition to soups, salads and other dishes, but it is not the seaweed used to wrap sushi or to make rice crackers.
Even though the level of naturally occurring arsenic found in hijiki is above regulatory limits, it is unlikely that past consumption of small amounts daily or occasional larger portions would have caused harm.
FSANZ’s safety analysis shows that occasional or light consumption of hijiki seaweed is not a problem.
Regulatory agencies are taking action because the level of arsenic in this seaweed is well above the regulatory limits set in the Food Standards Code for seaweed. This being so, hijiki seaweed is a “non-complying” food and it must be removed from the food supply.
It should not be supplied or sold.
Border inspection regimes in Australia and New Zealand have been tightened to target all consignments of hijiki seaweed.
Australian consumers wishing to continue eating hijiki seaweed for cultural reasons will need to pursue the option of “personal imports”.
Australia’s food safety laws allow people to import food for their own personal use, however, limits do apply. Further information on quarantine and food safety requirements for private importations can be found on the website of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) www.aqis.gov.au or by emailing foodimp@aqis.gov.au or by phoning 02 6272 4934.
New advice for the preparation of raw cassava and bamboo shoots
Food Standards Australia New Zealand had issued new advice for the preparation of raw cassava and fresh bamboo shoots prior to consumption.
Australians and New Zealanders are eating more exotic foods and need to be aware that some must be carefully prepared before use. There is the potential for cassava and bamboo shoots to cause harm if the food is not prepared properly.
FSANZ has identified the need for additional information to ensure the safe preparation and use of cassava and help reduce the health risk. The concern is that if cassava or bamboo shoots are incorrectly prepared the it can lead to exposure to naturally occurring hydrogen cyanide.
In Australia and New Zealand, cassava is eaten primarily by individuals of Pacific Island descent. Bamboo shoots are used commonly in Asian cuisine and their popularity is growing with the popularity of Asian cuisine.
The consumption of both cassava and bamboo shoots in Australia and New Zealand is thought to be relatively small.
Cassava is a tropical root crop similar to taro and yam. It is grown as a food source in Pacific Island countries and Africa. Cassava is imported into Australia and New Zealand from Pacific Island countries. Cassava is safe to eat providing that the raw cassava is properly prepared by first peeling and slicing the cassava and then cooking by baking, boiling or roasting.
Processed cassava, such as tapioca, cassava chips or cassava flour present little or no health risk as the processing removes the toxins.
Bamboo shoots are also a traditional component of Asian cuisine. There are many species of bamboo, of which only a small number are viable as food and currently only low cyanide varieties are available in Australia and New Zealand.
The correct preparation of fresh bamboo shoots involves cutting the shoots in half lengthways, removing any outer leaves and fibrous tissue at the base, then thinly slicing the shoots into strips and boiling them for eight to ten minutes in lightly salted water.
More information on the new advice for the preparation of raw cassava and bamboo shoots can be found on the FSANZ website http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/mediareleasespublications/factsheets/factsheets2004/newadvicefortheprepa2795.cfm
Fortification Implementation Framework
Closing date: 6 pm (Canberra time) 12 January 2005
FSANZ has prepared a draft Fortification Implementation Framework (the Framework) outlining FSANZ’s approach to regulatory decision making on the addition of vitamins and minerals to food.
FSANZ invites and encourages comment from interested individuals and organisations on the Framework, which will primarily underpin FSANZ’s future decision-making on applications and proposals relating to the fortification of food.
Submissions must be in writing and should be clearly marked “Fortification Framework Submission” . Submissions may be sent to one of the following addresses or may be submitted on-line http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/forms/index.cfm?fuseaction=Submission noting that for the mandatory field 1, insert ‘Fortification Framework Submission’.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
| Australia | New Zealand |
| PO Box 7186 | PO Box 10559 |
| Canberra BC ACT 2619 | The Terrace Wellington 6036 |
| Australia | New Zealand |
| Tel: +61 2 6271 2222 | Tel: +64 4 473 9942 |
Submissions need to be received by FSANZ by 6pm (Canberra time) 12 January 2005. Submissions received after this deadline will NOT be considered.
Reminder to make submissions on time
The FSANZ standards setting process is an open one and usually involves at least 2 rounds of public comment. We appreciate the time stakeholders spend in making submissions to us, in fact we couldn’t develop or amend standards without this important input. We have an increasing workload of applications and proposals and strict deadlines for completing this work. To help us keep on time we remind anyone submitting to us to make sure that we receive your submission by the due date. We usually allow a six week period for public consultation and for major issues, such as the recent health claims one, we allowed 10 weeks. We also often extend submission times if there is a major public holiday period such as Christmas and the New Year.
Please remember that we will no longer be accepting late submissions as part of the normal standard setting process. Submissions received after the due date will not be considered, unless agreement for an extension has been given prior to this closing date. Agreement to an extension of time will only be given if extraordinary circumstances warrant an extension to the submission period, for example recent storms knocked out the phone line of a submitter and they were unable to email or phone us. Any agreed extension will be notified on the FSANZ Website and will apply to all submitters.
While FSANZ accepts submissions in hard copy to our offices, it is more convenient and quicker to receive submissions electronically through the FSANZ website using the Standards Development tab and then through Documents for Public Comment. Questions relating to making submissions or the application process can be directed to the Standards Management Officer at the above address or by emailing slo@foodstandards.gov.au.
If a submission is received after the due date there is a possibility that a relevant new issue, not raised by other submitters, may be mentioned in the assessment report even though the submission is not formally recorded.
The NZFSA 2004 conference
The most effective way to relay the importance of food safety is with messages that are rapid, relevant, reliable – and repeated. That was the advice of visiting food safety expert Dr Doug Powell to delegates from across New Zealand who gathered for the New Zealand Food Safety Authority annual conference in Wellington.
More than 300 food industry representatives attended NZFSA’s second conference held in Wellington on September 29-30.
The theme of the conference was food risks and ways of managing them to ensure the safety and health of consumers of New Zealand food, both here and overseas.
Doug Powell, an associate professor at the University of Guelph in Canada, and scientific director of the Food Safety Network was a keynote speaker at the conference, along with Dr Peter K Ben Embarek, a scientist with the food safety department of the World Health Organisation.
Annette King, Minister for Food Safety, opened the conference, hailing New Zealand’s food sector as a vital, thriving and dynamic part of our economy.
She told the audience: “The regulatory and risk management issues you will consider will make a difference to protecting consumers, facilitating trade and supporting growth for food producers, processors, exporters, retailers and other services over the next few years.
NZFSA’s Executive Director Andrew McKenzie kicked off day one of the conference by presenting an overview of New Zealand’s domestic food regulatory programme and details of the Domestic Food Review, currently underway.
Delegates also had the choice of attending several workshops held over the two days, each covering key areas of NZFSA’s overall programme.These included an interactive workshop on wine, organics and plants, the Animal Products Act, residues and the use of agricultural compounds in food production, food standards and imports.
In closing the conference. NZFSA Executive Director Andrew McKenzie told delegates he had been impressed by the standard and depth of the information relayed in the presentations and thanked invited guests and keynote speakers for their valuable contributions.
Presentations by each of the speakers are available on NZFSA’s website: www.nzfsa.govt.nz .
FSANZ Staff Achievement Awards 2004
The FSANZ’s Staff Achievement Award recognises the role played by staff in meeting FSANZ's corporate objectives. It recognises outstanding contributions made by a staff member of a team in a particular area of expertise, including research, technical development, policy development and public administration, negotiations and stakeholder relations.
Nominations for this year were:
- The Seafood Standard Team - Deon Mahoney, Rob Solomon and Sarah Wilson - who, with limited direction, established contacts with important stakeholders in an industry where FSANZ was unknown. The team also laid down the platform for the scientific evaluation risk within the industry.
- Jenny Hazelton for her contribution to several complex and difficult regulatory issues over the last three years.
- Robyn Rowntree for her contribution to the overall success of the new Standards Management Unit, assistance with the testing, implementation and training for the Standards Management System (SMS) and exceptional customer service.
The 2004 FSANZ Staff Achievement Award went to Robyn Rowntree. Congratulations Robyn!
 | Caption: Hon Rob Knowles, FSANZ Board Chairman presents the award to this year’s Staff Achievement winner Robyn Rowntree |
News in brief…….
Dairy Primary Production and Processing Standard
Look out for the Initial Assessment Report for the Dairy Standard which is being considered at the FSANZ Board meeting in December and should be advertised for public comment on 15 December 2004. The Dairy Standards Advisory Committee met on 15 October on Melbourne and they are due to meet again early in 2005.
Round of public comment
As well as the Dairy Initial Assessment Report, there will be a round of public comment on a number of standards matters coming out on 15 December 2004. Look out for them on our website or subscribe to our information service by logging on to http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/mediareleasespublications/informationservice.cfm . As usual, we will be allowing a slightly longer period to make public submissions to allow for the holiday break.
Health Claims
A special thank you to the 147 submitters to the Nutrition, Health and Related Claims Initial Assessment Report. Qualitative research on consumer attitudes has commenced and quantitative research will be carried out early next year. The next phase of the work has commenced, which includes the development of a draft standard, substantiation of some high level claims with cost-benefit work to commence next year.
Poultry Primary Production and Processing Standard
The Poultry Standards Development Advisory Committee has also met recently and plans another meeting in January 2005. The Draft Assessment Report for this standard is due to be considered by the FSANZ Board in the first half of 2005.
Food Safety Week 2005
Food Safety Week was held from 8 to 13 November this year stressing the risk to vulnerable groups such as the very young the immuno-compromised and the elderly. There are new fact sheets available on advice for food safety and small children and for the elderly on the Food Safety Information Council website www.foodsafety.asn.au. Watch out for Christmas food safety tips in the week before Christmas.
Changes to fees for the public register
Part of the FSANZ process involves being open and we have always given access to our public register of files on food standards matters. We charge for this to cover the costs of photocopying and paper or copying to CD. We have just increased the charge for this to cover increasing costs. In the new year we will be placing non-commercial in confidence applications on our website when an assessment report goes out for public comment which will make them more accessible. We also plan to publish submissions on the website when we have expanded our standards management system.
FSANZ 2003-04 Annual Report now available
The FSANZ 2003-04 Annual Report was tabled in the Australian Parliament on 1 November 2004 and is now available on our website at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/mediareleasespublications/publications/annualreport/fsanzannualreport20032004/index.cfm .
The year at a glance:
- FSANZ was restructured around four branches - with a Food Standards Branch in both Canberra and Wellington largely responsible for risk management in relation to standards in Chapters 1 and 2 of the Food Standards Code.
- The Wellington Office has an expanded role with responsibility for labelling standards.
- Our science function has been strengthened with the establishment of a Scientific Risk Assessment and Evaluation Branch with responsibility for scientific risk assessment. The new arrangements provide an enhanced role for the Chief Scientist and increased line management responsibility for science functions within the organisation.
- The Food Safety and Services Branch manages our increased responsibilities for the development of primary production standards and the food safety standards.
- We recognise that the food regulation reforms have had a significant impact on our core business, on our consultative arrangements, our decision-making powers and our relationships with a more extensive group of stakeholders.
- We have revised our arrangements for the delivery of training and consultancy services in the Asia-Pacific region, and changed our operational arrangements to manage the risk assessment, risk management and risk communication interface more effectively.
- Our maintenance of strong international networks and engagement in international food regulatory activities ensures that FSANZ’s food standards reflect world best practice.
- A key priority of our international collaboration throughout the year was our continued support for Australia’s involvement in the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World Health Organization and other international agencies.
- The leadership we have provided in the Asia-Pacific region through training initiatives in food regulatory matters has been significant.
- We currently have 84 applications and proposals in our workplan and the number in Group 1 (health and safety issues being progressed as a priority) has trebled from 6 in 2000-01 to 23 in 2003-04.
- Delays in commencing Group 2 applications on the 3 year rolling workplan have increased from 6 to 9 months in 2002 to 18 months at present.
- Major progress was made on the development of a Primary Production and Processing Standard for Seafood and the Poultry Meat Standard. The Ministerial Council guidelines on Nutrition, Health and Related Claims and Country of Origin Labelling enabled us to commence the development of appropriate standards.
- We have a staff of 90 highly qualified scientists plus other professionals, 43% of our staff have Bachelor degrees and 29% hold post graduate qualifications including 15% of staff with PhDs.
- There was a slight increase in food recalls this year (77) over the previous year (75) mainly due to incorrect allergen labelling (up 3) but also microbiological contamination (up 4), other reasons were down.
Summing up Food Safety Conference 2004: Future Directions
More than 300 delegates from Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe attended the inaugural Food Safety Conference 2004: Future Directions, held on the Gold Coast in October.
An Aboriginal dance group led the delegates into the main auditorium where a Nunukul Kunjeil elder, Graham Dillon gave the traditional “ Welcome to Country” speech to start the proceedings for the conference.
The conference examined future directions for food safety from both a global and national perspective. A number of international and local speakers outlined recent trends and experiences in managing food safety. There was a consensus for a broad-based approach to food safety to ensure public health outcomes are achieved, while catering for consumer expectations and encouraging industry innovation.
Doug Powell (Associate Professor, University of Guelph, Canada) shared his views on Future Foods, Future Problems? His key note address highlighted that while fa rmers, food processors, retailers and consumers often have clear regulations, helpful hints, and / or best practices models in place, there are studies that identify and reveal the lack of compliance, even though many are aware of what they are supposed to do.
New technologies, changing demographics, and a culture of imperviousness to risk continues to challenge those who promote the safe production, processing and consumption of food. Professor Powell outlined strategies to engage all those in the farm-to-fork food safety system to proactively mitigate food safety risks and to ultimately achieve the public health goal of reducing the burden of food-borne illness.
Our second keynote speaker, Geoffrey Podger, head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), discussed the need for increased global co-operation over food safety challenges. He indicated practical activities that the EFSA is undertaking to forge new and more effective international partnerships.
Mr Podger also reviewed the range of scientific activities in which EFSA is currently engaged which are of global significance, and the communication of food safety issues in an era of global news media and the need to intensify international co-operation.
The plenary sessions offered further opportunity for delegates to learn more about the international trends and the maintaining of an optimal balance between market driven incentives and government intervention.
Robert Carberry, Vice-President Canadian Food Inspection Agency Canada, presented us with the Canadian Experience in relation to food safety regulation. He noted how Canada has developed a comprehensive, science-based food safety system designed to protect consumers and still be responsive to the challenges in food technology, globalisation of trade and shifting consumer expectations. The Agency also established a more integrated approach to food inspection providing for seamless delivery of food, animal and plant inspection and quarantine services that address food safety issues from agricultural inputs through to distribution. The continuum approach strongly contributing to the effective management of food safety issues, including BSE.
Andrew McKenzie, Executive Director, New Zealand Food Safety Authority presented an overview of New Zealand’s domestic food regulatory programme and details of the Domestic Food Review, currently underway. The review aims to put in place a food regulatory program across all sectors of the domestic food industry to promote and deliver safe and suitable food for New Zealand. The key objectives being to reduce significantly the incidence of food-borne illness, and to provide a coherent food regulatory program that smoothes interfaces among various pieces of food legislation.
The Hon Rob Knowles, Chairman of FSANZ, presented the Australian perspective and the major challenges facing FSANZ in balancing regulations that enable industry innovation, consumer demands for new/novel food types - especially health related products, and the protection of public health.
Mr Knowles highlighted how Australia and New Zealand has a well-deserved reputation for safe food and how essential it is that our reputation is preserved, not just for the health and safety of our population but also to maintain our export markets. He also spoke of the importance of the Australian food industry as it contributes an estimated $80 billion to the economy - 46% of total Australian retail spending on food and liquor but also supporting a workforce of approx 187,000 people.
Mr Knowles stressed that food safety is an international issue and food regulators around the world need to continue to work collaboratively. A food emergency in North America or Europe, with electronic communication, becomes a matter for concern here in matters of hours - as we have seen with Mad Cow Disease or BSE outbreaks in the UK, Europe, Canada and the US.
Each of the speakers set the scene for a lively panel discussion that provided insights for industry, consumers and governments alike on the issues confronting food regulators, food producers and consumers in the future and the transparent dialogue in meeting these challenges.
The conference was organised by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), Safefood Queensland, Dairy Food Safety Victoria, and the NSW Food Authority.
For further information on all the speakers and the presentations from the Food Safety Conference 2004: Future Directions, please visit www.foodstandards.gov.au/events/foodsafetyconference2004
| Caption: Welcome to Country ceremony performed by Kalwun Aboriginal Dance Group |
| Caption: Ass Prof Doug Powell, our key note speaker for day one being interviewed on the Nine Network’s Today Show. |
Collage of images taken at Food Safety conference 2004: Future Directions [ pdf format 625 kb ]
10 years on
One of the questions asked the panel at the conference was ‘From the perspective of our own areas what would we like to see different in food regulation 10 years out from now’? Here are some of the answers.
Marion Healy
Chief Scientist, Food Standards Australia New Zealand‘A strong evidence base of local information to support our regulatory measures. In my ideal world I would like a series of rolling and integrated surveys that collect information on food contamination, food composition, nutrient status and food composition. I would particularly like to see national nutrition surveys to measure food consumption patterns, established on an ongoing basis.’
Tom McMeekin
Co-Director, Australian Centre for Excellence on Food Safety‘An obvious aspiration for the food safety science community is that food regulation is based on rigorous science. The big question for me, at the moment, is who will pay for the research needed to fill the critical data gaps. Risk assessment has been passed down from Codex and widely embraced at the national level as the means to assess the hygienic performance of food safety systems but RA outcomes are often compromised by uncertainty and variability arising from lack of knowledge. This is a dangerous situation, in the short term, for industry sectors and companies whose future may be threatened by inappropriate conclusions and, in the longer term, for standards setting agencies and regulatory authorities if the RA process becomes discredited as an effective mechanism to judge equivalence and compliance.’
Barbara Wilson
Chief Executive Officer, Safefood Queensland‘A single Australian system in place from the paddock to the plate. This future directions conference would be a forum for discussing implementation issues with 'through chain' representation including consumers.’
George Davey
Director General, NSW Food Authority‘Ten years is a very long way ahead and it is difficult to predict precisely what food regulation will apply or be appropriate. However we can expect significant advances in food processing technologies and changes in consumer eating habits which will present new and unexpected challenges to food safety. There will be continuing emergence of new food safety hazards that will require different approaches to risk management. In addressing these challenges the Australian jurisdictions and New Zealand will have established through chain agreement on significant food safety risks and implemented consistent risk management measures.’
Steve McCutcheon
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry‘A whole of food chain system in Australia and the Primary Production and Processing Standards adopted into the Food Standards Code.’
Alastair Robertson
Chief Executive Officer, Food Science Australia‘I would like to see consistent regulation both national and international where risk has been assessed based on scientific understanding and evidence and I would also like to see common Safety Management Systems being used in food production and processing where the critical control points are informed, measurable and inexpensive within the time scales of food manufacturing and distribution systems.’
Joan Wright
General Counsel Regulatory Affairs
Fonterra‘I would hope to see the Australian and New Zealand system harmonised and risk based, and harmonised food standards rolled out throughout the Asian region.’
Ann Astin
Chief Executive Officer, Dairy Food Safe Victoria‘I would like to see an integrated national food safety system; harmonisation of domestic, export and international food safety standards; consistency in interpretation of food safety standards and regulations; industry recognition that regulatory agencies are providing “real” value for money and consumers are more informed and have a better understanding of risk management. Also I would hope that the current issues such as GMs, health claims and irradiation have been resolved and appropriate regulatory systems are in place.’
Andrew McKenzie
Executive Director, New Zealand Food Safety Authority‘In my view the key to good regulation is in having science (or evidence) based standards that are cognisant of risk and not merely elimination of hazards, and to ensure consistent implementation across the food sector. We have a long way to go to have truly risk based standards and a long way to go to introduce implementation tools that ensure consistent application of those risk based standards.’
Style Police Blitz
Unsuspecting delegates fell victim to the undercover Style Police on patrol at the recent Food Safety Conference 2004. Warning notices were placed strategically around the Conference venue.
The warning notice advised delegates that -
Under Queensland law, the Style Police have the power to impose on the spot fines for breaches of the following Regulations:
s21 (c) (i) Wearing business attire at a Conference held on Queensland’s Gold Coast in the full bloom of Spring
s5 (a) Worst (or best depending on your point of view) Hawaiian shirt
s53 (d) Mobile phones ringing during sessions
The Style Police had a high presence at the conference and on the spot fines were imposed on delegates who failed to comply with the Regulations.
All proceeds did not go to the Policeman’s Ball but to Surf Life Saving Queensland - a worthy cause.
| Caption: The Style Police in action at the Conference |
FSANZ expands its expertise
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has recently announced the appointment of five FSANZ Fellows in a move designed to boost the skills and expertise available to the agency.
FSANZ is a bi-national agency that sets food standards which determine what appears in the food supply, information manufacturers must give consumers on food labels and, in Australia, the hygiene and food safety requirements that must be adopted by food businesses.
The new FSANZ Fellows are:
Professor Julie Byles,
Director, Centre for Research & Education in Ageing,
University of NewcastleProfessor John Cary,
Director
Institute for Sustainability and Innovation ,
Victoria UniversityDr Ann Cowling,
Head, Statistical Consulting Unit, The Graduate School,
Australian National UniversityProfessor Mike Gidley,
Director, Centre of Nutrition and Food Sciences,
University of Queensland
(a joint appointment with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries)Dr Robert Loblay,
Director, Allergy Unit,
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
FSANZ’s Chief Scientist Dr Marion Healy said the new Fellows would complement the scientific skills already available to FSANZ through its staff and its many advisory committees drawn from industry, government and the community.
“FSANZ Fellows are appointed for a period of three years and, as new challenges arise, we replace or appoint additional Fellows to the program,” Dr Healy said.
“They are eminent researchers in their own disciplines, providing FSANZ with advice that is authoritative, objective and at the cutting edge of world knowledge.”
They join current FSANZ Fellows: Professor Jeff Borland (University of Melbourne), Dr Martin Cole (National Center for Food Safety and Technology, US), Dr John Huckerby (New Zealand), Professor Jim Mann (University of Otago), Professor Tom McMeekin (University of Tasmania), Professor John McNeil (Monash University) and Professor Roger Morris (Massey University).
Dr Healy paid tribute to six Fellows, whose appointments have just concluded:
Dr David Hill (Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne), Dr Geoff Marks (University of Queensland), Emeritus Professor Nancy Millis (University of Melbourne), Professor Paul Moughan (Massey University), Dr Chris Reynolds (Flinders University) and Professor Tony Worsley (Deakin University).
“Collectively, they have played a significant role in the life of FSANZ during the past three years. Their contribution has encouraged us to not only maintain the FSANZ Fellows program, but also to cast our net wider, beyond the traditional scientific disciplines,” Dr Healy said.
“To this end, we have appointed a social scientist and a statistics expert – two areas where we feel that we need a greater emphasis in our work.”
The FSANZ Fellows program is now is its fifth year.