FSANZ calls for public comment on new Food Safety Management Tools Proposal impacting food services and retail sectors

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for public comments relating to proposed changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). The Proposal has been established to consider whether additional regulatory measures should be mandated to manage food safety risks in foodservice and related retail sectors.

The changes to the Code aim to reduce or prevent cases of foodborne illness. FSANZ estimates that up to 3.2 million cases of foodborne illness a year are likely linked to the foodservice and retail sectors. The cost of illness from potentially hazardous food (PHF) consumed in these settings is said to be around 1.5 billion per year. (1). 

There are three consultation documents associated with the proposal. These supporting documents are: 

Consultation Regulation Impact Statement – P1053 Food Safety Management Tools. This explains the options being considered and seeks input from stakeholders. 

Risk profile for Australian food service and related food retail businesses. This assesses current risks and reviews how they are classified and categorised.

Draft implementation Guidance. The guidance explains how, if approved, standards will be implemented around the country.

If your food business might be affected by the proposal, it is strongly advised that you read these and the Call for submissions documents.

More information on Proposal P1053, along with links to all documents (in both PDF and Word), can be found here.

How to submit feedback

If you want to submit feedback, procedures and requirements can be found here. If you’re going to make a submission or wish to ask about submissions, you can send an email to: submissions@foodstandards.gov.au

Hard copies can be sent to:

Food Standards Australia New Zealand,

PO Box 5423,

KINGSTON ACT 2604,

AUSTRALIA

Tel +61 2 6271 2222

Please note that all submissions will be published on the FSANZ website.

The deadline for submissions is 6 pm (Canberra time) 11^th April 2022.

(1)  https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/code/proposals/Documents/P1053 CFS SD1_CRIS.pdf