Senator Grant Tambling

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Aged Care

Monday, 30 November 1998

Important Food Information Goes Online

The Federal Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon. Grant Tambling, today launched the Australia New Zealand Food Authority's (ANZFA) Internet site http://www.anzfa.gov.au

'Food is something that is of interest to everyone. This new Internet site gives ready access to a wide range of information from ANZFA, Australia and New Zealand's food regulatory body.

'The Site has information for consumers on food safety; advice to industry on how to conduct an emergency food recall; all of ANZFA's latest media releases, speeches and publications; and details on how food regulation in Australia and New Zealand works,' Senator Tambling said today.

'There are a great number of important issues about food currently happening. These include the need to address the increasing rate of food poisoning and its resulting human and financial costs through the proposed food safety standards. There is also the introduction of genetically modified food and the updating of the food standards that were introduced decades ago. This new Internet site will provide up to date information on all these issues which are of interest to consumers, students, professionals. the media and food businesses,' Senator Tambling said.

'The changes facing ANZFA at present are challenging and can only be achieved with good communication. I am pleased to see the establishment of this Internet site as one aspect of this improved communication,' Senator Tambling concluded.

The site links with other agencies in Australia and New Zealand and around the world.