Decided by
Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council
Problem being addressed
While the vast majority of food in Australia is safe, foodborne illness is an ongoing and sometimes serious problem that is largely preventable. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) estimates that up to 3.2 million cases of foodborne illnesses per year are likely linked to the food service and retail sectors. The cost of illness from potentially hazardous foods in these settings is around $1.5 billion per year, including medical costs, productivity losses and pain and suffering. The food service sector is a vital part of our way of life and Australia’s food industry. However, incidences of foodborne illness contribute to economic and reputational risk for these businesses.
Description of proposal
FSANZ has prepared a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) to explain the current regulatory framework and the potential issues that may be arising from it. The Consultation RIS also proposes potential reform options which may help to address these issues. These options include:
- maintaining the status quo such that the current regulatory environment would continue;
- self-regulation, which would involve food businesses putting their own systems that are not subject to regulatory oversight in place to improve food safety; and
- regulated food safety management tools, which would involve amending the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to require a food safety supervisor, food handler training, and evidence to substantiate food safety management, for some but not all business types.
RIS decision
Standard RIS required
Assessed RIS outcome
Compliant
Link to Consultation website
https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/code/proposals/Pages/P1053.aspx