Australian Food Safety Week

Published

Food Safety Week runs from 8-15 November, shining a spotlight on the simple steps we can all take to reduce foodborne illness at home. 

This year’s theme - Don’t swallow the myth – Food safety myth-busting - encourages everybody to separate fact from fiction when it comes to safe food handling. 

Each year, foodborne illness costs the Australian economy around $3 billion. Many cases can be prevented by following evidence-based advice such as refrigerate leftovers within two hours, cook food thoroughly, prevent cross-contamination and check labels for storage and use-by information. 

Food safety is based on science, not assumptions. This Food Safety Week, take a moment to check the facts and keep your food safe.

Read our food safety basics at Food safety basics | Food Standards Australia New Zealand.

Page last updated: 5 November 2025