Food Safety Legislation
Food safety regulation in Queensland
Each state and territory manages food safety in its own way.
In Queensland, a shared approach is used where three government agencies work together to regulate food safety:
- Safe Food Production Queensland
- Queensland Health
- Department of Primary Industries.
This is known as a shared food safety agency model.
Role of Safe Food
Safe Food is responsible for the day-to-day regulation of:
- Primary production
- Food processing.
This includes industries such as:
- Meat
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Seafood
- Horticulture.
The Food Production (Safety) Act 2000 focuses on managing food safety risks in these sectors. It also provides a framework to respond to new and emerging food safety issues.
Food safety regulation nationally
Australia has high standards for food safety. The system is designed to:
- Protect consumers
- Encourage good food safety practices.
A range of government agencies work together to make sure the food Australians eat is safe.
Food safety regulation operates at national, state, and local levels and focuses on achieving clear, measurable food safety outcomes.
Role of FSANZ
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) works with Australian governments, industry, and consumer groups to develop standards for primary production and processing.
This is done through Standard Development Committees for each sector.
Food Standards Code
The goal of Australia’s food safety system is to give consumers confidence that the food they eat is safe, while minimising the regulatory burden on food businesses. This is achieved through the Food Standards Code.
Food safety focuses on preventing hazards at points in the supply chain rather than trying to fix problems at the end. This through-chain approach helps to:
- Protect public health
- Build consumer confidence
- Safeguard international trade
- Improve food safety outcomes for everyone.
The Food Standards Code includes:
Chapter 4, Primary Production Standards, includes:
- Standard 4.2.1 Primary production and processing standard for seafood
- Standard 4.2.2 Primary production and processing standard for poultry meat
- Standard 4.2.3 Primary production and processing standard for meat
- Standard 4.2.4 Primary production and processing standard for dairy products
- Standard 4.2.5 Primary production and processing standard for eggs and egg product
- Standard 4.2.6 Production and processing standard for seed sprouts
- Standard 4.2.7 Primary production and processing standard for berries
- Standard 4.2.8 Primary production and processing standard for leafy vegetables
- Standard 4.2.9 Primary production and processing standard for melons