An increase in foodborne illness outbreaks has prompted a review of food safety management in the food service and retails sector by Australia’s food standards watchdog, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
Chief Executive of FSANZ, Mark Booth said the release of a discussion paper was the first stage in a review of the industry’s Food Standards Code.
“In June 2018 The Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation noted the increase of foodborne illness outbreaks in Australia and agreed that there is a need to review food safety management for the food service and closely related retail sectors,” Mr Booth said.
“FSANZ has started a proposal to consider additional food safety management tools for these sectors.”
He said the discussion paper outlined possible ways to manage higher-risk food handling activities in the food service and retail sectors.
“We are seeking comment from industry to help us better understand the gap between current practice and the proposed tools, including the costs and benefits to industry,” Mr Booth said.
“In particular, we would welcome information on the potential impacts (positive and negative) on businesses of mandating these measures, including whether and how these tools, if mandated, will improve food safety outcomes.”
He said foodborne illness cost the Australian economy an estimated $1.75 billion per year, including medical costs and days of work lost.
“About two-thirds of all reported foodborne illness outbreaks in Australia have been linked to food service and closely related retail businesses, including restaurants, takeaways, commercial caterers, camps, cruise/airlines, national franchised fast food restaurants and delicatessens,” Mr Booth said.
The 24-page discussion paper can be accessed at this PS News link with FSANZ accepting submissions until Friday, 20 March.
