Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
Closing Date:
Contact: Australia New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation
Have your say
A comprehensive review has begun of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991.
As part of the review, a scoping paper has been released for public comment across New Zealand and Australia. The paper seeks views on the observed issues and tensions within the food regulation system and some possible ideas for reform.
Feedback on the paper is open for 6 weeks between 5 October and 16 November 2020. This is an opportunity for New Zealanders to give their views on a key area of reform within the joint food regulation system.
The scoping paper, more details about the review, and how to give feedback are on the Australian Government’s Department of Health’s website.
Food standards review – Australian Department of Health
Background to the review
New Zealand and Australia have a unique shared regulatory system that sees us jointly developing our food composition and labelling policy and standards. This is based on the 1995 Food Treaty we have with Australia and has led to joint initiatives, such as our Health Star Rating System.
In November 2019, the Australia New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation endorsed an ambitious plan to reform the bi-national food regulation system to ensure it remains strong, robust, and agile into the future. A key element underpinning the reform agenda is a comprehensive review of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991.
The review’s terms of reference – Food Regulation Australia [PDF, 188KB]
Next steps
Further updates on future consultation will be posted on the Australian Government’s Food Regulation website.
Food Regulation – Australian Government
Who to contact
If you have any questions about giving feedback on the scoping paper, the broader reform agenda, or to subscribe to updates, email FoodRegulationModernisation@health.gov.au
If you have any questions on New Zealand’s role in the joint system, email transtasman@mpi.govt.nz
Find out more
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Australia-New Zealand cooperation and the Food Treaty
Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 – Federal Register of Legislation (Australia)
