Australia new zealand food standards code
The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (ANZFS Code) is a joint food safety standard that applies to both Australia and New Zealand. The code sets out the requirements for the production, processing, storage, and sale of food in both countries.
The ANZFS Code is administered by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), an independent statutory agency that is responsible for developing and maintaining the code. The code is based on the principles of the Codex Alimentarius, which is a set of international food safety standards developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
The ANZFS Code covers a wide range of food safety issues, including:
- Food labeling and presentation
- Food additives and processing aids
- Food contaminants and residues
- Food allergens and intolerances
- Food irradiation and pasteurization
- Food handling and storage
- Food recall and withdrawal
- Food import and export
The code is divided into several parts, including:
- Part 1: General Provisions
- Part 2: Food Standards
- Part 3: Food Additives and Processing Aids
- Part 4: Food Contaminants and Residues
- Part 5: Food Allergens and Intolerances
- Part 6: Food Irradiation and Pasteurization
- Part 7: Food Handling and Storage
- Part 8: Food Recall and Withdrawal
- Part 9: Food Import and Export
The ANZFS Code is enforced by both Australian and New Zealand authorities, including state and territory governments in Australia and regional councils in New Zealand. The code is also used as a basis for food safety regulations in other countries that import food from Australia and New Zealand.
Some of the key provisions of the ANZFS Code include:
- The requirement for food businesses to implement a food safety program that includes hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP)
- The prohibition on the use of certain food additives and processing aids
- The requirement for food businesses to label food with accurate and clear information
- The prohibition on the sale of food that is contaminated or spoiled
- The requirement for food businesses to recall food that is contaminated or spoiled
Overall, the ANZFS Code is an important tool for ensuring the safety and quality of food in Australia and New Zealand, and for protecting public health.