Published
Overall, Australia has a strong food safety management system in place which ensures a safe food supply. Despite this, foodborne illness continues to be a problem.
Food Ministers identified three priority areas to further strengthen the system. One of these priorities is to reduce foodborne illness particularly related to Campylobacter and Salmonella, with a nationally consistent approach.
FSANZ is reviewing chapters 3 and 4 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to ensure a consistent and current approach to through-chain food safety management in Australia. Requirements in chapters 3 and 4 only apply in Australia.
More information
- As part of the review, an information paper was released in May 2019.
- Proposal P1052 Primary Production and Processing Requirements for Horticulture - berries, leafy vegetables and melons
- The focus of this proposal was to strengthen food safety in horticulture commodities.
- This proposal was agreed to by Food Ministers and three standards (4.2.7, 4.2.8 and 4.2.9) for berries, leafy vegetables and melons took effect from February 2025.
- Proposal P1053 Food Safety Management Tools
- The focus of this proposal was to ensure food handlers in the food service and retail sectors are equipped with appropriate knowledge, skills and enhanced food handling practices to safely prepare and serve food.
- This proposal was agreed to by Food Ministers and Standard 3.2.2A took effect from December 2023.