The Binational Food Industry Dialogue (BFID) provides a forum for ongoing engagement between FSANZ and the food industry. It supports information sharing on common issues of interest, offers industry perspectives on standards development, enhances understanding of FSANZ processes, and facilitates collaboration on matters arising from significant food incidents. BFID membership includes major retailers, peak industry bodies, and several government agencies to provide updates and support conversations.
Member organisations
- Aldi
- Alternative Proteins Council
- Australian Beverages Council
- Australian Dairy Products Federation
- Australian Department of Agriculture, Forest and Fisheries
- Australian Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water
- Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Australian Food and Grocery Council
- Australian Industry Group
- Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST)
- Australian Retail Council
- Coles
- Croplife
- Dairy Australia
- Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ)
- Food and Beverages Importers Association
- Foodstuffs New Zealand
- Freshcare
- Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation
- Independent Food Distributors Australia
- Infant Nutrition Council
- Meat and Livestock Australia
- Metcash
- New Zealand Beverage Council
- New Zealand Food and Grocery Council
- New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries
- New Zealand Ministry of Health
- Restaurant and Catering industry Association
- Woolworths
* Each Peak Body may nominate rotating members to attend meetings as observers.
Committee Highlights
BFID13 Committee Highlights - August
The Binational Food Industry Dialogue (BFID) met on 20 August, chaired by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert. The BFID provides a forum for two-way engagement and information sharing between FSANZ and food industry representatives from Australia and New Zealand.
BFID held its 13th meeting to discuss current and emerging issues across the Australian and New Zealand food regulation system.
The Chair welcomed new members and acknowledged the valuable contributions of departing representatives from CropLife, Food and Beverage Importers Association and Australian Retail Council.
Updates
Members received updates from FSANZ, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries and the Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation. Discussions covered compliance and border control activities and broader food regulation initiatives.
FSANZ provided updates on current and upcoming activities, including progress on the Digital Food Labelling Program encompassing both food labelling and e-commerce initiatives. Discussions focused on upcoming consultations, acknowledging the importance of clear consultation timeframes and keeping stakeholders informed of consultation outcomes.
Industry members shared updates on key industry developments, including non-alcoholic beverage consumption trends and sugar reduction, Freshcare’s Food Safety & Quality Standard and factors shaping the New Zealand food sector, including the biosecurity risks posed by bird flu .
Discussion
Members were briefed on the forthcoming National Food Security Strategy, being developed by DAFF to enhance the productivity, resilience and security of Australia's food system.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics presented findings from the 2023 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. The data provided insights from more than 11,000 Australians on dietary intake, food security and health behaviours.
Collectively, these discussions highlighted challenges and opportunities across the food system, including food affordability, nutrition, food safety and the need for contemporary data to understand changing consumer behaviours and dietary patterns.
Other business
In other business, members discussed recent media coverage of the food regulation system and received an update on outcomes from FSANZ’s recent Board meeting. Members also identified topics of interest for future meeting agendas.
The next BFID meeting is scheduled for 12 November and will be the committee’s final meeting for the year.
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