ANZFA praises quick response of retailers to clear shelves of European beef products

The Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) today moved to allay the concern expressed by some consumers that the absence of country of origin labelling for all ingredients on food packages could stop them from identifying products which contain beef from Europe.

Earlier this month, ANZFA requested retailers to withdraw beef products from designated European countries, as a precautionary measure, in response to the spread of BSE ('mad cow disease') in cattle in Europe and the associated human disease, variant CJD.

ANZFA's Managing Director, Ian Lindenmayer, said the response to this voluntary withdrawal of products from supermarket shelves had been swift and effective.

'Some 'beef' products remaining on the shelves do not actually contain beef, but artificial beef flavourings', Mr Lindenmayer said.

'Consumers who wish to check for themselves the source of beef in a product should contact the manufacturer or importer. If they have any doubts, they should not buy the product and discard any questionable products from their food cupboards.'

Mr Lindenmayer said the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) had acted quickly and effectively in implementing controls to prevent the importation of beef and beef products from Europe.

We understand that the Ministry of Health in New Zealand has also taken quick action.

The new import control measures make it illegal for any of the affected foods to be imported after 7 January.

ANZFA has commenced a review of regulatory measures to ensure that we have the most effective possible arrangements in place to help maintain our enviable record in relation to the BSE threat', Mr Lindenmayer said.

More information can be found on ANZFA's website www.foodstandards.gov.au or www.foodstandards.govt.nz.