Countdown for labels
go before meeting the new rules on food labels, warned the Food
Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today.
The twelve month extension of the requirement for food labelled on the premises ends this Saturday, 20 December, precisely one year after the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation ministerial council gave a twelve month exemption from the requirements of the full labelling provisions for foods labelled on the premises for retail sale.
A round of cheese bought by a supermarket delicatessen, portioned, wrapped and put into a chilled display case for sale is an example of the type of food to be affected by the rules.
Any food labelled on the premises for retail sale from which it is sold is required to comply, from the 20 December 2003 with the labelling provisions in Standards 1.2.1 through to Standard 1.2.10 (except where specific exemptions apply).
Food manufacturers and retailers have had since December 2000 to make these changes and the extension last year was granted as some retailers were unable to make the December 2002 deadline.
Also today, FSANZ released the final report of its 'strategic review' carried out by an independent consultant Alan Bansemer that set out to 'better align the organisation within the new food regulatory system'.
'The report focuses on a new environment, new constituents, an ongoing need for emphasis on our scientific and technical capacity, and the challenges associated with a 'paddock to plate' approach in Australia,' said Knowles.
The report also highlighted the need for a greater presence in New Zealand, possibly overshadowed by its larger neighbour.
'We are also enhancing our capacity for service delivery in New Zealand through a larger staff base in Wellington and delivery of key standards functions from New Zealand,' added Knowles.
Included in the long list of changes is a continued effort to forge closer relationship with Asia.
'We need to reposition ourselves in relation to Asia where we already work closely with food regulators in the region.
In late October 2003, FSANZ signed a memorandum of understanding with China to provide food safety training and assistance. I believe that this is recognition of widespread international respect for the food safety system in Australia and New Zealand,' said the FSANZ chairman.
