BALDWINS • FoodLegal

Australian Lawyers and Consultants

Food Standards Code

(Updated on 28 February 2003)

On 20 December 2002, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code became the uniform Code governing both countries. The Code came into effect after a two year transition period where food businesses had the choice of complying with either the old regulations or the new Code (but not a mixture of both).

The New Joint Food Standards Code is divided into 4 chapters, and note that Chapters Three and Four only apply in Australia and not in New Zealand.

The Joint Food Standards Code of food safety standards is expected by the Federal Government - via the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Council - to have introduced more uniformity in food safety practices and food standards throughout the Australian States and Territories and throughout New Zealand.

Apart from and in addition to the regulatory food standards set out in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (which have the force of law), there are voluntary industry standards which may be relevant to your requirements (e.g. some labelling or advertising standards and other aspects relevant to food merchandising or food preservation).

Some industry standards relating to food in particular sectors may operate either as voluntary industry compliance schemes or, in some instances, are imposed contractually on food suppliers by major customers of the food supplier, such as the larger Australian supermarket chains and food processors - even as a prerequisite for supplying the retailer or processor. These additional standards may address issues such as food compositional and hygiene specifications, traceability of the food product to each source of supply or transport requirements (such as refrigeration logging of temperatures) or other aspects of food supply and sometimes might include requirements for testing for contamination or residues or other tests.

For queries in relation to requirements and obligations under the Code or regarding safety Standards, please contact Joe Lederman at Baldwins.

Resources

Read articles by Baldwins or access resources associated with the Food Standards Code in our Food Law Library.

Baldwins' Australian Food News and Food Law and Policy Australia websites contain valuable links, resources and information.