Science and data play a critical role in keeping food safe across Australia and New Zealand.
This World Food Safety Day, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is highlighting how we use scientific evidence, data and consumer insights to identify risks and develop food standards that protect public health.
FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said this evidence-based approach underpins the work of FSANZ, drawing on the latest science here and internationally.
“By combining our scientific expertise with research, data and food supply monitoring, we can identify emerging risks and ensure food standards continue to protect people across Australia and New Zealand,” Dr Cuthbert said.
“Science and data are at the heart of our work, underpinning every decision we make when developing new or updated standards.”
This evidence-based approach to standards development extends to projects, studies and surveys FSANZ conducts to better understand and respond to food safety risks and trends, including:
- The Australian Total Diet Study monitors the levels of chemicals, nutrients and other substances in a range of foods typical to the Australian diet. We use these data to estimate Australian consumers' exposure through food to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Australia’s largest survey of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in raw retail meat, providing a national benchmark and supporting future monitoring and surveillance activities.
- The annual Consumer Insights Tracker survey, which collects valuable data on how people use and interpret food labels, as well as consumers’ food safety behaviours and knowledge, helping support more effective food standards and trust in the food system.
World Food Safety Day is held on 7 June each year to raise awareness of the importance of safe food and the role everyone plays in preventing foodborne illness.