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Food Standards Australia New Zealand Reports 2010-11
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FOOD STANDARDS Australia New ZealandTe Mana Kounga Kai - Ahitereiria me Aotearoa
FOODSTANDARDSAustralia New Zealand Annual Report 2010-2011
© Food Standards Australia New Zealand 2011
ISSN 1329-38950
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced
by any process without prior written permission from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Requests and
inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Information Officer, FSANZ, PO Box 7186,
Canberra BC, ACT 2610.
An electronic version of this work is available on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) website at www.foodstandards.gov.au. This electronic version may be downloaded, displayed, printed and reproduced
in unaltered form only for your personal, non-commercial use or use within your organisation.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Australia New Zealand
PO Box 10559 PO Box 7186 Canberra BC ACT 2610
Australia Tel: 61 2 6271 2222 Fax: 61 2 6271 2278
info@foodstandards.gov.au
The Terrace
Wellington 6036
New Zealand Tel: 64 4 473 9942
Fax: 64 4 473 9855
info@foodstandards.govt.nz
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Letter of Transmittal
Senator the Hon Catherine King MR
Parliamentary Secretary
for Health and Ageing
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Annual Report of Food Standards Australia New Zealand for the year ended
30 June 2011
I am pleased to present to you the Annual Report of Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
This report fulfils the reporting requirements of The Commonwealth Authorities and Companies
Act 1997, including the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies orders for report of
operations.
The report also fulfils the reporting requirements of Section 152 of the Food Standards
Australia New Zealand Act 1991 .
The Annual Report is made in accordance with a resolution of FSANZ Board Members
(Directors). They are responsible for the preparation and content of the report of operations in
accordance with the Finance Minister *s Orders.
Yours sincerely
Philippa Smith AM
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
September 2011
LE T T E R O F T RA NS MI T T A L
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
ii LE T T E R O F T R A N S M I T T A L
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Contents
Letter of Transmittal i
Guide to the Report 1
Compliance index 3
Chief Executive Officer *s Review5
Corporate Overview9
Highlights 2010-11 9
Role and responsibilities of FSANZ 9
Structure and processes 11
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 11
FSANZ *s risk analysis process 11
Summary of financial performance 15
Financial outcomes 15
Four-year financial plan 15
Priorities and Performance 2010-11 17
Outcomes 17
Performance 18
Regulatory Standards 22
Objectives 22
Outcomes 22
Highlights 2010-11 22
Introduction 23
CO NT E NT S iii
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Summary of food regulatory activity _____ ___ ___ 24
Applications and proposals gazetted 1 July 2010-30 June 2011 24
Amendments to the FSANZ Application Handbook 25
Standards Development Work Plan 25
Ministerial Council Reviews 28
ANAO audit 30
Ministerial Council Policy Guidelines 33
Additional Work requested by the Ministerial Council 33
Maximum residue limits 33
Code Interpretation Service 34
Standards development 34
Applications and Proposals 34
Other matters 37
Food labelling 38
Food standards for the primary industries 39
Public health and safety 41_
Public health 41
Food safety 43
Imported foods 44
Food incidents and food recalls 45
Improving our standards development outcomes 50
Legislative audit of the code 50
Consumer and social sciences research 50
Project management 50
Enzymes *review of safety data requirements 50
Novel foods *determining the novelty 51
Monitoring and evaluating hazards _____ 51
Implementation Sub-Committee Coordinated Food Survey Plan 51
Australian Total Diet Study 51
Survey of genetically modified ingredients in soy-based infant formula 52
Survey of chemical contaminants and residues in espresso, instant and ground coffee 52
IV C O N T E N T S
AN N U AL REPOR T 2 010-2011
Survey of iodine levels in beverages enriched with seaweed 52
Survey of iodine in seaweed and seaweed containing products 53
Survey of chemical migration from food contact packaging materials in Australian food 53
Strengthening our evidence base 53
Science evidence base 53
Accessing external expertise 57
Consumer and social sciences 60
Regulatory analysis 61
International networks 62
Relationships in the Asia-Pacific region 64
Stakeholder Relationships 68
Objectives 68
Outcomes 68
Highlights 2010-11 68
Introduction 69
Stakeholders and regulatory partners 70
Citizen involvement70
Partnerships with other national agencies 73
Communication 76
Information for the community 76
Publications 77
Industry and consumer advice 78
Public awareness campaigns 78
People and Organisational Capability 80
Objectives 80
Outcome 80
Highlights 2010-11 80
CO NT E NT S v
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Introduction _ 81
Staff Forum 82
Organisational capability and capacity 82
Information and communication technology (ICT) 82
Attraction, development and retention of a skilled workforce 83
Encouraging a rewarding environment 86
Employment environment 86
Rewards and recognition 88
Organisational structure 88
Senior management 89
Accountability 92
Objectives _ _ _ _ ________________ ______ 92
Outcomes 92
Highlights 2010-11 92
Introduction 93
Our role and priorities 94
Stakeholders and regulatory partners 95
Corporate governance a r r a n g e m e n ts ____________________________ 96
Government and Parliament 96
FSANZ perform ance ____________________ 96
FSANZ Board 98
Business planning and management _______________ 7 00
vi CO NT E NT S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Appendixes _____________
Appendix 1 - Gazetted amendments to the Australia New Zealand
Food Standards Code from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 103
Appendix 2 - Applications received and Proposals prepared at 30 June 2011 106
Appendix 3 - FSANZ procedures for assessing Applications _______ 116
Appendix 4 - External FSANZ committee m e m b e rs ______________________121
Appendix 5 - Financial Statements __________________________________132
Appendix 6 - Functions and powers 164
Appendix 7 - Current publications 167
Appendix 8 - Categories of documents held 173
Appendix 9 - Consultants _________________ 176
Appendix 10 - FSANZ representation 179
Appendix 11 - FSANZ Board members, attendance, qualifications and experience 188
Food Standards Australia New Zealand Board expertise and experience (2010-2011) 189
Appendix 12 - FSANZ Strategy Map 2009-12 194
Acronyms and Abbreviations 195
Index 198
CO NT E NT S vii
viii
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
CO NT E NT S
Guide to the Report
In preparing this report we have followed the requirements of the Commonwealth Authorities
and Companies Act 1997 and Section 152 of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Act 1991.
The Chief Executive Officer *s review provides a perspective on the past year and an outlook
for the year ahead.
The Corporate overview provides a snapshot of our role and functions, how we are
organised and the processes involved in our decision making. It also refers to our key
outcomes and provides a summary of our financial performance.
Under Priorities and performance, we summarise the year *s activities against the key
strategic imperatives and performance measures identified in the FSANZ Corporate Plan
2009-12.
The main text of the report details outputs and outcomes in 2010-11 under the four strategic
imperatives of our Corporate Plan *regulatory standards, stakeholder relationships, people
and organisational capability, and accountability.
Regulatory standards describes the outputs associated with the development of new, or
variations to existing, food standards. It also provides details of other activities that support
regulatory measures for the sale of food in Australia and New Zealand.
Stakeholder relationships documents our community consultation and communication
processes, including our engagement with stakeholders.
People and organisational capability reports on the ability of the agency to meet
stakeholder expectations and on initiatives for fostering and encouraging a rewarding work
environment.
Accountability refers to our corporate governance arrangements and initiatives.
Appendixes to the report contain detailed information on a number of mandatory reporting
requirements and other areas of interest.
G UI DE T O T HE RE P O RT
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Additional information
You can obtain information on the projects and activities described in this report from the
Communication Manager, Lorraine Belanger, on +61 2 6271 2147 or
lorraine.belanger@foodstandards.gov.au. For information on the FSANZ Annual Report
2010-11 , please contact the managing editor, Dr Michael Dack, on +61 2 6271 2239 or
michael.dack@foodstandards.gov.au. An electronic version of this report and other FSANZ
publications can be accessed from the FSANZ website www.foodstandards.gov.au.
2 G UI DE T O T HE RE P O RT
Compliance index
The checklist below, based on the Report of Operations Schedule of the Commonwealth
Authorities and Companies (Report of Operations) Orders 2008, summarises FSANZ *s
compliance with essential reporting requirements in this annual report.
To p ic R e q u ir e m e n t
m e t
C o m m e n t
Preliminaries
Director *s sign-off Yes Letter of Transmittal
Subsidiaries included n/a
Operations
Legislation/objectives/functions Yes Corporate Overview; Our roles and priorities (p.9); Appendices 1,2 and 6
Name of Minister in financial year Yes Corporate Overview
Organisational structure and
locations
Yes Corporate Overview; Organisational structure (p.13)
Review of Operations and Future Prospects
Performance against targets in
Portfolio Budget Statements
Yes Priorities and performance; Standards Development
Work Plan (p.25); Appendices 1 and 2
Risks, opportunities and
strategies
Yes Science Strategy (p.53); Citizen involvement (p.70);
Corporate risk management (p.70)
Significant changes during
2010-11
Yes Regulatory Standards
Financial results Yes Appendix 5; Corporate overview
Developments since 30 June
2010
Yes Throughout this annual report
Reviews
Judicial decisions and administrative tribunals
Nil
C O M P L I A N C E I N D E X 3
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
To p ic R e q u ir e m e n t
m e t
C o m m e n t
Reports-Auditor-General,
Parliamentary Committee,
Ombudsman
Nil ANAO report (p.30, 102)
Ministerial directions Yes Ministerial Council Reviews (p.28); Work requested by
the Ministerial Council (p.33)
Government policies Yes COAG Review of Food Labelling Policy and Law
(P-38)
Corporate Governance
Directors: names/meetings/
attendances
Yes Appendix 11
Corporate governance practices Yes Corporate Overview (p.14; p.96)
Board committees (including Yes Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee
Audit) and attendance (P-99)
Indemnities and insurances Yes
Financial statements Yes Appendix 5
Miscellaneous
Other matters in legislation Yes FSANZ Act (Corporate Overview); FOI Act (p.95);
OH&S Act (p.86); Public Service Act (Corporate
Overview)
National Disability Strategy Yes National Disability Strategy (p.87)
4 C O M P L I A N C E I NDE X
Chief Executive Officer *s Review
In the context of food regulation, 1991 was an auspicious year for two reasons: the
establishment of the National Food Authority to develop food standards for the whole of
Australia and the creation of the World Wide Web.
Since then, food regulation in Australia (and New Zealand) and the internet - as we now know
this communication technology - have developed in some predictable, but many unexpected,
ways, the latter providing novel opportunities for a government agency like FSANZ.
The Australian Government, through its Gov 2.0 approaches, has been quick to recognise
the benefits of the internet and related technologies to respond to citizens * needs, both in
service delivery and in the exchange of information. Departments and agencies throughout
the Australian Public Service have risen to the challenge of testing the value of the new
technologies in helping them meet organisational goals.
While not an early adopter, FSANZ was one of the first small agencies to set up a website in
the late 1990s. Today, our website acts as the hub of our information programs. It contains
factual information on our programs, including details of applications to change the Food
Standards Code, submissions and assessment reports. It also contains consumer information
on matters relating to the Code in food safety, nutrition and general awareness about FSANZ
and its work.
From this information hub, we have built communication spokes to our various audiences,
using Facebook, Twitter and other communication channels in the social media. These
channels have not only strengthened our ability to disseminate information to a wider range
of audiences, but also stimulated real-time feedback on issues of the day. For example, in
response to a spate of undeclared allergens in food products, we began issuing Allergy Alerts
as well as food recall announcements.
The Japan nuclear incident is another case in point. Our social media links allowed us to
contact journalists, consumers and food businesses as soon as the incident occurred
to reassure them that the government had put processes in place to assess the risk to
consumers of Japanese food imports and to regularly provide updates. Our Facebook and
Twitter sites are now an integral part of our communication strategies for all food incidents.
These recent developments in communication technology have arrived just in time. The food
supply is more complex than ever, thanks to an innovative food industry. Consumer eating
habits have changed significantly over the past 20 years. And consumer expectations about
CHI E F E X E CUT I V E O F F I C E R * S RE V I E W 5
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
absolute safety in food and the government *s ability to protect and inform them have also
escalated.
Allied to this, information and communication systems - known as ICT - have improved
efficiencies in the way we do our business and how we, as a bi-national agency, interact with
our colleagues in New Zealand. It has reduced the costs of maintaining relationships with our
regulatory partners overseas. It has enabled us to at least maintain our productivity with finite
resources.
So, the convergence of a national food agency in Australia and the internet and its off-shoots
is a case of serendipity - a *happy accident *.
Just as it is virtually impossible to predict where the internet will be in ten years, it is difficult to
imagine the challenges that will confront FSANZ in 2020, except the certainty that they will be
complex and involve community debate.
We learned a long time ago that communication should not be simply bolted onto the end
of our projects. It should permeate all our processes and should be a true two-way process.
For this reason, the internet and its products will continue to be a powerful weapon in our
communication armoury.
Significant events of the year
Two events received a great deal of media and community attention in 2010-11 *the
release of the Labelling Logic report following the Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy
and the agency *s contribution to a whole-of-Australian Government response to the nuclear
incident in Japan.
Many of the recommendations in Labelling Logic have implications for FSANZ *s work. Some
important projects, such as nutrition and health claims and pregnancy advisory statements
on alcohol products, have been delayed until the government *s response is known. We are
working with other agencies to help the government develop this response.
On the matter of the safety of food imported from Japan, we provided advice to the
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service on the potential risk associated with foods
originating from a number of prefectures in Japan. We assessed that the risk of Australian
consumers being exposed to higher than internationally acceptable levels of radionuclides
was negligible. We sought technical assistance on this from the Australian Radiation
Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority, and had timely access to test results from Japan,
Singapore and Flong Kong through our extensive bilateral relationships.
6 CHI E F E X E CUT I V E O F F I C E R * S RE V I E W
AN N U AL REPOR T 2 0 10-2011
Other events of note included a request by the COAG for FSANZ to establish a Code
Interpretation Service, on a cost-recovered basis, to provide users with interpretations
of Chapters 1 and 2 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This service
commenced on 1 July 2011.
The Board has recently taken a special interest in identifying an appropriate role for FSANZ
in the public health arena. FSANZ established contacts with the Chair of the new Australian
National Preventive Health Agency during the year and set up a Consumer and Public Health
Dialogue to provide strategic advice on relevant public health issues. We also welcomed
the Australian Government *s Food and Health Dialogue, which will enhance collaboration
between the food industry and government on nutrition and public health.
We implemented new arrangements for maximum residue limits (MRLs) in 2011, whereby
legislative amendments to the FSANZ Act empower the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary
Medicines Authority (APVMA) to vary certain MRLs in the Food Standards Code. FSANZ
retains responsibility for the dietary exposure component of the risk assessment.
FSANZ also increased its engagement with the public by becoming a participant in social
media. This allows us to share information with individuals and to receive immediate
feedback on our approaches and regulatory decisions.
Regulatory highlights
FSANZ made significant progress on a number of food safety standards for the primary
industries during 2010-11. A primary production and processing standard for eggs and egg
products was gazetted. Standards for seed sprouts and meat products were put on hold to
allow associated work to catch up.
In developing a standard for raw (unpasteurised) milk products, we determined that category
3 products *including raw drinking milk *presented too high a risk for us to recommend
their sale in Australia. We instead recommended approving category 1 products (those that
do not support pathogen growth) for sale and commencing a closer examination of the risks
of category 2 products (those that may support pathogen growth).
We continued to assess the safety of foods requiring pre-market approval by FSANZ (that is,
GM foods,â‘food additives, processing aids and irradiated foods). We also continued to refer
foods to our Advisory Committee on Novel Foods to determine the extent of novelty in the
foods. No applications were made for us to assess foods produced using nanotechnology
during the year.
CHI E F E X E CUT I V E O F F I CE R' S RE V I E W 7
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
One of FSANZ *s responsibilities is to conduct surveys of the safety of food with our
regulatory partners. We released survey reports on the level of iodine in seaweed, chemical
contaminants in coffee and packaging materials, and GM substances in infant formula. We
also commenced the 24th Australian Total Diet Study *a survey measuring the levels of
acrylamide, aluminium, sodium/salt, bisphenol A and other compounds in foods.
Another of our roles is to coordinate a national food recall system in Australia. We were
concerned during the year at the proportion of recalls involving undeclared allergens
in products, mostly for imported foods. To provide greater protection for susceptible
consumers, we have put an Allergy Alert notification on our social media sites.
Other regulatory activities described in this report represent our considerable breadth of
work with limited resources. We have maintained our commitment to, and participation in,
the important work of Codex Alimentarius. This is one way of ensuring our scientific staff
maintain professional contacts with counterparts overseas. This has allowed us to remain a
highly competent and progressive agency.
I am indebted, as always, to the dedication of our staff to the goals of food regulation. I am
also grateful for the support of the Board, through its Chair, Ms Philippa Smith. It has been
a pleasure being part of this productive culture for another year *a culture that ensures we
continue to support the core business of the agency in a fully professional, rigorous and
comprehensive way.
During the year, we welcomed Mr Tony Nowell to the Board as a nominee of the
Government of New Zealand. We farewelled Ms Dianne Yates, Associate Professor Peter
Williams and Associate Professor Winsome Parnell *all of whom served on the Board with
distinction for a number of years. The former CEO of the (former) New Zealand Food Safety
Authority, Dr Andrew McKenzie, joined the Board in May as a nominee of the New Zealand
Government.
I commend this annual report to you as an accurate representation of the diversity of work
undertaken by FSANZ in 2010-11 to meet its legislative responsibilities.
STEVE MCCUTCHEON
Chief Executive Officer
8 CHI E F E X E CUT I V E O F F I C E R * S RE V I E W
Corporate Overview
Highlights 2010-11
gazetted 11 amendments to the Australia N e w Ze a la n d Fo o d Sta n d a rd s C o d e arising from applications
and five amendments from proposals, including four GM foods, and a primary production and processing standard for eggs and egg products
assessed the dietary exposure of Australians to radionuclides from food imported from Japan as part of
a whole-of-government response to the nuclear incident in Fukushima
commenced the 24th Australian Total Diet Study, focusing on food additives and nutrients, and launched
NUTTAB 2010 *the latest edition of our reference database on the nutrient content of Australian foods
received and commenced work on applications from 14 countries to have their bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) status assessed, as part of an Australian Government approach to assessing
food safety risks for imported beef and beef products
coordinated four food incidents under the National Food Incident Response Protocol, including the recall of, and consumer information about, a weight loss product containing oleander seed
introduced a fee-for-service Code Interpretation Service for industry under the Intergovernmental Agreement for Food Reforms
established a Consumer and Public Health Dialogue to advise FSANZ on broader public health aspects
of standards setting
commenced publishing applications and submissions to amend the Food Standards Code on our
website under the Australian Government *s Information Publication Scheme
established a FSANZ presence in the social media to optimise community use of information on our
website.
Role and responsibilities of FSANZ
Legislative responsibilities
FSANZ is a statutory authority established by the Australian Parliament to develop and maintain
food standards for Australia and New Zealand. FSANZ has three main objectives for standard
setting under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991. In descending order of
priority they are:
1. Protection of public health and safety.
2. Provision of adequate information to consumers.
3. Prevention of misleading or deceptive conduct.
CO RP O RA T E O V E RV I E W 9
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Other objectives include being mindful of the competitiveness of the Australian food industry and
using the best available science in making our regulatory decisions.
The FSANZ Act requires us to undertake functions in addition to standard setting, including
achieving consistency between domestic and international food standards, coordinating food
monitoring and surveillance activities in Australia and providing information to the public. These
functions are carried out in collaboration with state and territory food agencies and with the New
Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Under a treaty between Australia and New Zealand, food standards in the Australia New Zealand
Food Standards Code, developed by FSANZ, apply to New Zealand, with exceptions. Food
safety provisions in Chapters 3 and 4 of the Code do not apply to New Zealand.
Food regulatory framework
FSANZ operates within an integrated food regulatory system involving all levels of
government. The three elements of the system are policy development, standards setting and
implementation/enforcement.
The food regulatory system involves the Australian and New Zealand governments, the
states and territories of Australia and local government in both countries. FSANZ works
closely with the policy development programs of the Department of Health and Ageing
and, through an Implementation Sub-Committee (ISC) of the Food Regulation Standing
Committee (FRSC), with jurisdictions to ensure that food standards can be enforced
consistently across the country.
Standards setting FSANZ (consistent with Codex)
Policy
Ministerial Council (States/Territories/Aust/NZ) (health/agriculture portfolios)
Enforcement States/Territories/MAF (NZ) Local Government AQIS (imported foods)
10 C O R P O R A T E O V E R V I E W
AN N U AL REPOR T 2010-
The Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council
provides policy guidance to the food regulatory system. This Ministerial
Council is chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing,
the Hon. Catherine King, MR Ms King also provides government oversight
of FSANZ. FRSC provides policy advice to the Ministerial Council.
Other government guidelines
Broader government policies and guidelines, such as Australian Dietary Guidelines and alcohol
strategies, are also taken into account during standard setting. COAG and the New Zealand
Government are committed to removing unnecessary regulation on businesses. FSANZ liaises
with the Office of Best Practice Regulation to ensure that its food standards are the-minimum
impost necessary to achieve the desired outcomes.
Structure and processes
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
Any organisation or individual can apply to have provisions in the Food Standards Code
amended. Applicants must provide the information set out in the Application Handbook.
FSANZ assesses applications according to the procedure outlined in Appendix 3.
Recommendations to amend the Code, once approved by the FSANZ Board, are notified
to the Food Regulation Ministerial Council, which has 60 days to request a review of the
Board *s decision. If no request is received, the amended or new food standard is gazetted
(published) and attains the status of food law.
FSANZ can also initiate changes to the Code. These are usually matters of public safety (for
example, production and processing requirements for primary industries) or long-term public
health issues. The Ministerial Council usually requests the latter.
FSANZ *s risk analysis process
We have adopted a risk-based approach to assessing applications and proposals to change
the Code. We use a risk analysis process developed by Codex Alimentarius, the international
body responsible for setting guidelines for national food regulatory systems.
CO RP O RA T E O V E RV I E W 11
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND 'â‘â‘â‘â‘.--
There are three components to our risk analysis process:
" risk assessment *determining the likelihood and severity of hazards
" risk management *identifying measures to minimise the risk
" risk communication *ensuring all stakeholders are aware of, and understand, the risk
being addressed and the control measures.
This process allows the public, food businesses and government to provide advice and
views to FSANZ at various stages of standards development.
Organisational structure
FSANZ is a small government agency with 141 people employed in Canberra and
Wellington. There is a six-person executive management team, led by the Chief Executive
Officer, who is also an ex officio member of the 12-person FSANZ Board (see Appendix 11).
The Australian and New Zealand governments nominate Board members.
Staff members are mainly located within one risk assessment branch and two risk
management branches (see Figure 1). The Office of the Chief Scientist is responsible for
coordinating scientific activity in the agency. Supporting this core business are sections
involved in regulatory affairs, communication, legal counsel, economic analysis, social
science, planning, information technology and administration.
12 C O R P O R A T E O V E R V I E W
AN N U AL REPOR T 2 010-2011
Figure 1: FSANZ organisation chart as at 30 June 2011
Steve McCutcheon Chief Executive Officer
Kerry Messner Corporate Executive Assistant
Paul Brent Chief Scientist
Barbara Butow Food Safety Section
Jason March Regulatory Analysis
Lorraine Belanger Communication
& Stakeholder Engagement
Cathie Humphries Regulatory Affairs & Parliamentary
Vacant
Strategy & Audit
Cain Sibley Office of Legal Counsel
Debra Fletcher Executive Assistant
Andrew Bartholomaeus General Manager
Risk Assessment
Treza Jensen Executive Assistant
Dean Stockwell General Manager
Food Standards (Wellington)
Felicia Nash Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer
Leigh Henderson Product Safety Standards
Peter May General Manager
Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Melanie Fisher Deputy Chief Executive Officer
General Manager
Food Standards (Canberra)
Amanda Hill Principal Advisor Food Safety
Robyn Cleland (A/g) Public Health Nutrition
Standards
Maureen Wempe Executive Assistant
Jenny Hazelton Labelling and Information Standards
Michelle Gosse (A/g) Consumer & Social Sciences
John Astridge Chief Information Officer
Audrey Gormley Chief Finance Officer
Tony Singer Operations
Leanne Laajoki Scientific Strategy, International & Surveilance
Steven Crossley (A/g) Food Composition, Evaluation &
Modelling
Dorothy Mackerras Chief Public Health Nutrition Advisor
Lucinda Stewart Executive Assistant
Utz Mueller Risk Assessment - Chemical Safety
Duncan Craig Risk Assessment - Microbiology
Janine Lewis Risk Assessment - Public Health Nutrition
Scott Crerar Risk Assessment - Production Process
Shelley Corkery Executive Assistant
C O R P O R A T E O V E R V I E W 13
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Core governance framework
Top-level reporting and accountability arrangements for FSANZ are depicted in Figure 2.
The Board and Executive work within this framework to ensure that the agency discharges
its responsibilities effectively. Figure 2 does not show our interactions with other Australian
Government agencies, international regulatory agencies such as Codex and consumer and
public health bodies.
Figure 2: FSANZ *s governance framework
| Minister for Health I Pari Sec Health
Portfolio and Policy Direction
Strategic Direction Ministerial Council Direction
Charters
Policy Informâ ation & Advice
Support Harmonâ isation
Food Risk Assessâ ments
Education Incident Response & Recall Co-ord
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code Codes of Practice Code guidance
Board Reporting
Portfolio Budget Statement
Internal Audit
NZ Government Reporting
Annual Report
Management Reporting
Corporate Plan
Section Plans
Performance Mgt
Policies and Procedures
Business Plan
FSANZ Fellows
New Zealand Government
Ministerial Direction
Australian Government
State& Territory
Governments
Expert Advisory Groups Working Groups
Various Legislation (Constitution, FSANZ Act, CAC Act, PS Act etc)
FSANZ Executive
FSANZ Board (inc sub-committees: FARMC) Statutory Authority
FSANZ Staff
Australian and New Zealand Population
Inter-governmental agreement; COAG
Ministerial Council (inc sub-committees: FRSC, ISC)
Legend. Governance & FSANZ Bodies
Reporting
^ Legislation & Plans
j) Legislated or Policy Driven Accountability Bodies
Outcomes and Outcome Recipients
14 C O R P O R A T E O V E RV I E W
AN N U AL REPOR T 2 010-2011
FSANZ has a well-developed corporate planning process based on the three-year Corporate
Plan 2009-12. The FSANZ Strategy Map 2009-12 in Appendix 12 summarises the main
features of the Corporate Plan. We provide input to the annual Portfolio Budget Statements
and ensure that planning throughout the agency is linked to strategic goals through an annual
business plan.
Summary of financial performance
In 2010-11 we received $19,296 million appropriation funding from the Australian
Government. Of this, $0.05 million was paid to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary
Medicines Authority to reflect functions that were transferred during the year dealing with
MRLs. We also received a further $0.3 million capital injection for the remodelling of dietary
modelling and nutrition databases.
As part of the bilateral partnership agreement with New Zealand, the New Zealand
Government contributed $1.528 million towards the cost of joint activities undertaken for both
countries. We also received $0,464 million from the Australian Bureau of Statistics for work
on the National Nutrition Survey, $0,453 million for fee-for-service activities and $0.12 million
from the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research to fund nanotechnology
activities.
In managing FSANZ *s finances the Board, through its Finance, Audit and Risk Management
Committee, works to a four-year financial plan.
Financial outcomes
During the year, operating revenue *including revenue from the Australian and New Zealand
governments *was $22,434 million and operating expenses were $22,384 million. This
resulted in an operating surplus of $0.05 million.
Four-year financial plan
The four-year plan has a number of assumptions relating to future income, changes in
expenditure and the accrual of liabilities. We have assumed revenue from the Australian
Government is known from the Portfolio Budget Statements 2011-12. The New Zealand
Government has made a proportional contribution.
The four-year plan for 2011-12 and the following years assumes that FSANZ will operate a
balanced budget over that period. We expect inevitable changes to both revenue and the level
CO RP O RA T E O V E RV I E W 15
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
of expenditure as new priorities emerge and workloads change. The Finance, Audit and Risk
Management Committee and the Board regularly review the four-year plan to ensure our future
financial position remains sound.
Certificate of Compliance
The 2010-11 Certificate of Compliance was sent to the Department of Finance and
Deregulation before 15 October, as required.
16 C O R P O R A T E O V E RV I E W
Priorities and Performance 2010-11
We have summarised our activities against the performance information for FSANZ contained
in the Portfolio Budget Statements 2010-2011: Health and Ageing Portfolio. More detailed
accounts of projects and services appear later in this report.
Outcomes
FSANZ *s reporting outcomes are linked with those of the Department of Health and Ageing,
in particular, the Department *s Outcome 1 *Population Health. FSANZ *s contribution to the
departmental outcome is through Program 1.1: Food regulatory activity and services to the
Minister and Parliament.
Ag e n c y Ou tc o m e
Department of Health and Ageing Outcome 1: A reduction in the incidence of preventable mortality and morbidity in Australia, including through regulation and
national initiatives that support healthy lifestyles and disease prevention
Food Standards Australia New Zealand Program 1.1: A safe food supply and well-informed consumers in
Australia and New Zealand, including through the development of
food regulatory measures and the promotion of their consistent
implementation, coordination of food recall activities and the monitoring of consumer and industry food practices
Through Program 1.1 the Australian Government aims to:
" manage the development and maintenance of effective evidence-based food standards
contributing to the provision of a safe food supply
" ensure effective engagement with regulatory partners in the implementation of these
standards to protect the health and safety of consumers
" strengthen engagement with industry, consumers and the general community to
increase awareness of the food regulatory system.
P RI O RI T I E S A ND P E RF O RMA NCE 2010-11 17
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Performance
Deliverables
As described in the Portfolio Budget Statements, FSANZ has overall responsibility for the
deliverables that contribute to Program 1.1. In 2010-11 FSANZ achieved the following
performance against the qualitative and quantitative deliverables:
Qu a lita tiv e d e liv e r a b le s 2 0 1 0 - 1 1 ta r g e tSta tu s / p a g e
Effective evidence-based food standards
Redevelopment of dietary modelling and nutrition
databases
Delivered in a timely
manner
Final test of Harvest July
2011 Project to be completed Oct/
Nov
2011 (p.54)
Conducting evaluation surveys:
" Fortified foods *to measure consumer
understanding of fortified foods and their
consumption behaviour patterns
Timely completion
and report delivery
In progress (p.60)
" Food label monitoring *demonstration of shelf
stock consistency with Food Standards Code
labelling requirements
Timely completion
and report delivery
Survey not conducted due to
resource constraints (p.39)
Protect health and safety
Management of National Food Incident Response and Industry Food Recall Protocols Delivery of an efficient and effective incident
management and
recall process
Summary of 2010-11 food
incidents and recalls (p.47)
Citizen and stakeholder engagement
Provide access to publications and information on
the food regulatory system
Conduct media
events with
information for
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples
No media events * continuing
activities with jurisdictions to
make information available to
Indigenous people (p.77)
18 P R I O R I T I E S A ND P E R F O R M A N C E 2010- 11
Quantitative deliverables 2010-11
target
2010-11 actual
Citizen and stakeholder engagement
Number of international forums attended by FSANZ *2 9 47
Number of foreign language consumer information videos available from FSANZ *s website 8 14 videos
in each of 8
languages
(p.76)
Key performance indicators
The following key perform ance indicators measure the im pact of Program 1.1:
Qualitative indicators 2010-11 target Status / page
Effective evidence-based food standards
The redeveloped dietary modelling
and nutrition database will be
interactive, web-based and have multi-user capability
Increased number of website
hits on the dietary modelling
and nutrition database
NUTTAB website hits increased
from 41,515 to 176,959 (326%)
(p.55)
Increased knowledge on food
fortification
Consumer survey on
fortification indicates increased
knowledge
Survey commenced (p.60)
Negligible risk to Australian
consumers through FSANZ
contribution to the implementation of
the BSE Imported Food Safety policy
Conducting timely risk
assessments in response
to requests from applicant
countries
14 requests received
(P-41)
Quantitative indicators 2010-11
target
2010-11 actual
Effective evidence-based food standards
Percentage of applications and proposals prepared which meet
statutory timeframes
100% 80%
(8 out of 10
applications)
Number of BSE risk assessments completed s 5 0
(14 requests
received)
(p-41)
P R I O R I T I E S A N D P E R F O R M A N C E 2 0 1 0 - 1 1 19
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
20 P R I O R I T I E S A ND P E R F O R M A N C E 2010- 11
Regulatory Standards
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Regulatory Standards
Strategic imperative
" enhancing the quality of regulatory standards.
Objectives
" clear, easy to understand standards
" standards soundly based on evidence
" standards that anticipate innovation and new technologies.
Outcomes
" ready acceptance of standards by jurisdictions and industry
" easier implementation by jurisdictions and industry
" standards that are useful to consumers (understandable and beneficial).
Highlights 2010-11
" gazetted 11 applications and five proposals to amend the Australia New Zealand Food
Standards Code * amendments included four GM foods, an extension to the interim
maximum level for tutin in honey and a primary production and processing standard for
eggs and egg products (Australia only)
" rejected an application to approve the use of a conjugated linoleic acid formulation in
certain foods
" coordinated four incidents under the National Food Incident Response Protocol
" assessed the dietary exposure of Australians to radionuclides from food imported from
Japan in a whole-of-government response to the nuclear incident in Fukushima
" commenced the 24th Australian Total Diet Study focussing on food additives and
nutrients
" launched NUTTAB 2010, the latest edition of our reference database that contains data
on the nutrient content of Australian foods
22 R E G U L A T O R Y S T A N D A R D S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
" received and commenced work on applications from 14 countries to have their BSE
status assessed
" made scientific and regulatory experts available to participate in nearly 50 international
forums, including Codex committees.
Introduction
It is often assumed, even within the food regulatory system, that FSANZ automatically
resorts to food standards to address a food issue in the marketplace. In fact, there are many
examples of where we have encouraged voluntary schemes or solutions (such as an Australian
Standard on the definition of *organic *) or worked with industry to achieve desired outcomes
(for example, collaboration on the reduction of trans fats in foods).
The mandatory nature of food standards remains a strong incentive to industry to do the right
thing. However, during our assessment of applications and proposals to amend the Food
Standard Code, we consider all other options before taking this course of action. This is to
ensure that the measure taken provides the community with the greatest net benefits.
The flow chart in Figure 3 provides an example of our decision-making process, as applied to
our current review of food safety risks in horticulture production and processing.
Figure 3: Flowchart of FSANZ decision-making process
Would existing voluntary schemes reduce the risk to acceptable levels?
Other approaches:
targeted voluntary
Do nothing
Promote a voluntary scheme
Would regulation provide the greatest benefit for the community?
Are certain commodities linked to risk factors for foodbome illness?
E.g presence of pathogenic bacteria, chemical contamination etc.
Consider developing a standard
R E G U L A T O R Y S T A N D A R D S 23
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
We examine risks and the systems in place to manage those risks. If the risks remain
unmanaged, we may look at approaches such as targeted voluntary schemes. Development
of a standard would only occur if the known risks from particular commodities could not be
managed using existing food safety schemes and if regulation provides net benefits.
The concept of net benefit is important. While there may be public health and safety benefits to
consumers, sometimes added costs to industry of changes to agricultural and manufacturing
practices or labelling requirements, and to government for auditing compliance with
regulations, may exceed these benefits.
FSANZ is required to prepare a regulatory impact statement (RIS) providing a detailed analysis
of the costs and benefits of a food standard. The standard should be the minimum regulatory
burden necessary to achieve the stated objectives. For major projects, the Office of Best
Practice Regulation then reviews this analysis.
Foodborne illnesses impact on consumers and the wider community through medical
expenses, lost productivity and a reduction in overall health. Impacts are usually quantified so
that benefits from a food standard can be compared with the costs incurred elsewhere.
We use estimates for *quality adjusted life year * and Value of statistical life * to assess the
average cost of illness (or death) associated with, for example, food poisoning from cracked
and dirty eggs. We estimate that there are probably about 12 800 cases of egg-related
salmonellosis a year in Australia. At $2866 a case, the cost to the community from these
events is about $36.68 million a year. This includes health-related costs, loss of income or
leisure, and a monetary value for pain and suffering.
In this way, the benefit to egg consumers of regulatory measures that reduce illness can be
calculated, using conservative assumptions of effectiveness, and compared with industry and
government costs.
Summary of food regulatory activity
Applications and proposals gazetted 1 July 2010-30 June 2011
We gazetted (published) 11 variations to food standards arising from applications (10 in 2009â
10) and five variations from proposals (four in 2009-10). Please refer to Appendix 1 for details.
24 REGULATORY STANDARDS
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Amendments to the FSANZ Application Handbook
Under section 23 of the FSANZ Act, FSANZ can make guidelines setting out mandatory
information and format requirements for applications. If these requirements are not met, then
an application can be rejected. These guidelines are a legislative instrument for the purposes
of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 , but are not subject to sunsetting or disallowance.
We have compiled these mandatory requirements in Part 3 of the FSANZ Application
Handbook. Part 1 provides an overview of the food standards system. Part 2 provides general
information to help with application procedures including information on fees, assessment and
food standard-setting processes.
We undertook work on a number of amendments to the handbook during the year, with a
round of public comment. The amendments will take effect on 1 August 2011.
Standards Development Work Plan
New assessment procedures for applications and proposals took effect on 1 October 2007.
Applications received, or proposals prepared before 1 October 2007, continue to be assessed
under the procedures in place at that time.
Tables 1 and 2 provide statistics for the two types of procedures. Table 3 shows trends in
projects being placed onto the Work Plan, and Table 4 gives details of Board decisions over
the same four-year period.
Table 1: Applications and Proposals on the Work Plan (received or prepared before
1 October 2007)
As at 30 June 2008 30 June 2009 30 June 2010 30 June 2011
Group 1 9 8 7 6
Group 2 19 9 5 5
Group 3 8 1 0 0
Under review 2 1 1 1
TOTAL38 19 13 12
R E G U L A T O R Y S T A N D A R D S 25
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
As at 30 June 2008 30 June 2009 30 June 2010 30 June 2011
With the Ministerial Council or awaiting
notification to the
Ministerial Council
10 3 0 0
Estimated waiting 12 months 12 months Only 4 applications Only 4 applications
time Group 2 remain with remain with
assessment work to assessment work to
commence *3 are commence *3 are
to be dealt with as to be dealt with as part of a proposal part of a proposal
Group 1 is for applications or proposals raising health and safety issues being progressed as a priority or
identified by jurisdictions as warranting priority.
Group 2 is for unpaid applications or proposals placed on a three-year rolling work plan scheduled for
commencement in order of receipt.
Group 3 was for paid applications.
Table 2: Applications and Proposals on the Work Plan (received or prepared from
1 October 2007 onwards)*
As at 30 June 2008 30 June 2009 30 June 2010 30 June 2011
General procedure 8 15 17 14
(4 paid) (8 paid) (5 paid) (7 paid)
Minor procedure 0 0 0 0
Major procedure 1 5 8 9
(1 paid) (2 paid) (4 paid) (5 paid)
Urgent applications or
proposals
1 0 1 0
Under review 0 0 0 0
TOTAL 10 20 25 23
With the Ministerial
Council or awaiting notification to the
Ministerial Council
1 2 4 3
Estimated waiting time 12 months 9 months 9 months 6 months
for unpaid applications 24 months At least 24 months
for labelling for labelling
applications applications
*This does not include potential applications and proposals for which an Administrative Assessment has
commenced but not been completed, as these have not yet been placed on the Work Plan.
26 R E G U L A T O R Y S T A N D A R D S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
General Procedure applies to all applications or proposals, unless they are being considered
under either the minor or major procedures or are considered urgent under Division 4 of the
FSANZ Act.
Minor Procedure applies to applications or proposals for the variation of a food regulatory
measure that, if made, would not directly or indirectly impose, vary or remove an obligation on
any person, or create, vary or remove a right of any person, or otherwise alter the legal effect
of the measure.
Major Procedure applies to applications or proposals that involve such scientific or technical
complexity that it is necessary to adopt this procedure in considering it; or involves such a
significant change to the scope of the food regulatory measure that it is necessary to adopt
this procedure in considering it.
Urgent applications or proposals are considered urgent under Division 4 of the FSANZ
Act. Under these provisions, FSANZ is required to assess the variation to the Code within
12 months of the date of effect of the gazetted variation. FSANZ may then either re-affirm its
original decision or prepare a proposal for a further variation or replacement variation.
Our capacity to manage cost-recovered applications (as indicated in Table 2) also affects our
ability to manage our workloads, as it is difficult to forecast the number and complexity of
cost-recovered applications we are likely to receive.
Table 3: Total applications received and accepted onto the Work Plan and proposals prepared
2 0 0 7 - 0 8 2 0 0 8 - 0 9 2 0 0 9 - 1 0 2 0 1 0 -1 1
Applications 16 14 21 9
Proposals 9 4 5 2
TOTAL25 18 26 11
Table 4: Applications and proposals finalised
2 0 0 7 - 0 8 2 0 0 8 - 0 9 2 0 0 9 - 1 0 2 0 1 0 -1 1
Final assessments made by the FSANZ Board before
1 October 2007
29 10 2 1
R E G U L A T O R Y S T A N D A R D S 27
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
%†
2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
Approvals made by the FSANZ Board
(from 1 October 2007)
2 8 12 16
Applications withdrawn or rejected* or removed from the
Work Plan
5 9 16 9
Proposals abandoned 9 16 9 6
TOTAL completed40 34 23 23
Applications or proposals
gazetted
24 25 14 16
Collections of editorial notes gazetted 0 2 0 0
This includes potential applications rejected at Administrative Assessment
Further information on the above, including the time taken to process individual applications
and proposals, can be found in Appendix 2. There may be some inconsistencies between
Tables 4 and 5 where decisions have been made in one financial year and the notification of
that decision is made in the next financial year.
Ministerial Council Reviews
FSANZ received no requests for reviews from the Ministerial Council during the year. Requests
must be sought by a majority of six out of 10 council members. More details on the review
process are in Appendix 3.
28 RE G ULA T O RY S T A NDA RDS
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Table 5: Notification outcomes
2 0 0 7 - 0 8 2 0 0 8 - 0 9 2 0 0 9 - 1 0 2 0 1 0 -1 1
Final assessment decisions notified
(applications
received and proposals
prepared before 1 October 2007)
28 10 2 1
Approval decisions notified
(applications
received and
proposals prepared from
1 October 2007)
1 8 11 15
Requests for 1 st review 6(21%) 8 (44%) 1 (8%) 0 (0%)
1 st review
decisions notified
4 8 3 N/A
Requests for 2nd
review
1 (25%) 0 0 N/A
*The figures in this column may differ from those provided in the 2009-10 Annual Report as review requests for
matters notified in 2009-10 may be received by FSANZ after the deadline for publication.
Under the 2008 Inter-Governmental Food Regulation Agreement, ministers can only request
reviews of FSANZ decisions based on one or more of the following criteria:
(i) it is not consistent with existing policy guidelines set by the Ministerial Council
(ii) it is not consistent with the objectives of the legislation that establishes FSANZ
(iii) it does not protect public health and safety
(iv) it does not promote consistency between domestic and international food standards
where these are at variance
(v) it does not provide adequate information to enable informed choice
(vi) it is difficult to enforce or comply with in both practical or resource terms
(vii) it places an unreasonable cost burden on industry or consumers.
REGULATORY STANDARDS 29
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
ANAO audit
FSANZ was audited by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) in 2010-11. In relation to
the assessment of applications and proposals, the ANAO recommended that FSANZ:
" assess options to obtain a more appropriate balance between meeting the regulated
timeframes for paid applications, while also complying with the legislative requirement
that paid applications must not displace unpaid applications or proposals in its
Work Plan
" publicly report its compliance with this legislated requirement.
In response, we have amended the Work Plan to provide more information on any delays in
the commencement of work on unpaid applications or proposals. In addition, more information
is being provided about any delays once work has commenced, including on requests for
further information from an applicant and other delays. This information will also be reported in
the annual report (see Table 6).
Table 6: Reasons for delays in consideration of applications and proposals in 2010-11
Ap p lic a tio n /
p r o p o s a l
D e la y L e n g th o f d e la y R e a s o n
A1005 * Exclusive Use of Tonalinà CLA as a
Novel Food
Assessment27 months
Clock stopped for
10 months
Complexity of the application and need for expert reviews
Two requests for further information
from applicant
A1012 * Exclusive Use
of Clarinol!" CLA as a
Novel Food
Assessment26 months
Clock stopped for
7 months
Complexity of the application and
need for expert reviews
Two requests for further information
from applicant
A1026 * Minimum Start clock 4 months Additional data collection required
Alcohol Content for and consultation to satisfy OBPR
Wine (Unpaid) requirements
A1030-Calcium AssessmentClock stopped for Request for further information from
Lignosulphonate (40- 4.5 months applicant
65) as a food additive
30 R E G U L A T O R Y S T A N D A R D S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Application / proposal
Delay Length of delay Reason
A1034 *Advantame
as a high intensity sweetener
Approval 2 months Additional time required to ensure
a thorough consideration of the risk
assessment issues, seek a peer- review of the first assessment report
and undertake further discussions with state/territory agencies
A1039-Low THC hemp Start clock 3 weeks Delayed as project manager was
as a food (unpaid)
Assessment6 months
involved with other non-standards
development work
An additional round of public
comment was sought before the
assessment due to the complexity of
issues raised by the application
The complexity of issues raised by
submitters necessitated a further delay
A1041 * Food derived 1 st assessmentClock stopped for Request for further information from
from SDA Soybean
Line MON 87769
2 months applicant
A1042 *Food derived 1 st assessmentClock stopped for Request for further information from from herbicide-tolerant
Corn Une DAS-40278-9
5 months applicant
A1043-World Health Organization limits
for packaged water
(unpaid)
Start clock 7 months +Commencement initially delayed as
issues were considered as part of
P1013 * Code Maintenance IX, but issue removed and not considered
A lack of resources caused further
delays
A1046 * Food derived 1 st assessmentClock stopped for Request or further information from
from herbicide-tolerant
Soybean Line DAS- 68416-4
4 months applicant
A1047 *Sodium Carboxymethyl
Cellulose as a food
Assessment 1 month Delayed as project manager was
required to assist with Japan nuclear
issue
additive in wine (unpaid)
R E G U L A T O R Y S T A N D A R D S 31
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Ap p lic a tio n /
p r o p o s a l
D e la y L e n g th o f d e la y R e a s o n
A1049 -Food derived Approval 3 weeks Additional time and resources were
from Herbicide- necessary to complete the safety
tolerant, High Oleic assessment because of the new
Acid Soybean Line technology used by the applicant to
MON87705 introduce the genetic traits
A1051 * Food derived AssessmentClock stopped for Request for further information from from herbicide-tolerant2 months applicant
Soybean Event FG72
A1055-Short- AssessmentClock stopped for Request for further information from
chain Fructo- 1 month applicant
oligosaccharides
A1059 * Exclusive Assessment Clock stopped for Request for further information from
use of pectin-derived 6 weeks applicant
Oligosaccharides
P1004 * Primary Approval 16 months Delayed due to complex assessment
Production & and significant change to existing
Processing Standard measures requiring extensive
for seed sprouts consultation with affected parties
P1005 * Primary 2nd Assessment13 months +On hold, while a new proposal on
Production & minor species is prepared and then
Processing Standard both proposals will be progressed
for meat & meat together
products
P1007 * Primary 2nd Assessment18 months +Technical work needed to progress
Production &category 2 raw milk products
Processing
This work will now be done under
requirements for raw
a new proposal allowing P1007 to
milk products
progress
P1011 * Country Assessment12 months Delay due to need for significant
of origin labelling * work on the RIS which required input
unpackaged meat from external consultancies
products
M1005 * Maximum Approval 1.5 months Delay due to complexity and extent
Residue Limits (April- of dietary exposure assessment
September 2009)
M1006 * Maximum Approval 1 month Delay due to complexity and extent
Residue Limits of dietary exposure assessment and
(October 2009- impact of transition phase for 2010
March 2010) amendments to FSANZ Act
32 R E G U L A T O R Y S T A N D A R D S
AN N U AL REPOR T 2010-201 1
Ministerial Council policy guidelines
The Australian Government, state and territory governments and the New Zealand
Government are generally represented by their health ministers on the Australia and New
Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council. Other ministers from relevant portfolios such as
agriculture, industry, or consumer affairs, also participate on the Ministerial Council to ensure a
whole-of-government approach to food regulation.
The Ministerial Council is responsible for developing food regulatory policy for domestic and
imported foods and developing policy guidelines for setting food standards for domestic and
imported foods. In developing or reviewing food regulatory measures and variations to these,
FSANZ must adhere to any written policy guidelines formulated by the Ministerial Council and
notified to FSANZ for these purposes.
FSANZ was notified of a Policy Guideline on the Regulation of Infant Formula Products on 19
May 2011 (see Appendix 2).
Additional work requested by the Ministerial Council
The Ministerial Council did not request any additional work.
Maximum residue limits
Since 1 March 2011 the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)
has had the power to amend MRLs in the Food Standards Code. This change implemented
the *early harvest * reform of the COAG to streamline the food standards development process
for MRL standards. Before these amendments were made, a chemical could be approved for
agricultural use by APVMA, but there were significant delays between gazettal of variations to
the APVMA MRL standard and the relevant changes to the Code.
We are required by the FSANZ Act to provide advice about applications and variations being
considered by APVMA that may result in an amendment to the Code. We retain the power to
make amendments to the Code in relation to specific MRLs as and when necessary.
APVMA estimates that the time delay between approval for use of a chemical product
by APVMA.and the inclusion of the appropriate MRLs in the Code will be reduced from
approximately nine to four months.
REGULATORY STANDARDS 33
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Code Interpretation Service
In December 2009 COAG agreed to a number of steps towards making food regulation in
Australia nationally consistent. One key step was developing a system to streamline food
regulation advice to avoid the need for industry to seek advice from each jurisdiction. On 13
February 2011, COAG agreed to the Intergovernmental Agreement for Food Reforms (IGA) to
give effect to the new system from 1 July 2011.
In consultation with Australian state and territory food regulatory agencies, FSANZ established
the Code Interpretation Service. This provides interpretive advice for the standards in Chapters
1 and 2 of the Code. It will be available to all food industry stakeholders on a fee-for-service
basis and the advice will be adopted and applied by Australian state and territory food
regulatory agencies in the course of their monitoring and enforcement activities.
In accordance with the IGA, the Code Interpretation Service will operate in a transparent,
accountable, efficient, effective and fair manner; have regard to fair access and be relevant in
its scope of interpretive advice; and undertake appropriate consultation and have due regard
to timeliness in providing quality interpretive advice.
Standards development
Applications and Proposals
Genetically modified foods
The Code now contains 46 approvals for genetically modified (GM) foods derived from canola,
corn, cotton, lucerne, potato, rice, soybean and sugarbeet. FSANZ does not expect this
crop range to broaden in the next few years, although field trials of other crop species are in
progress around the world and it is likely that many of these will reach commercialisation.
Most of the GM foods or food ingredients currently available in Australia and New Zealand
are derived from GM crops grown and processed overseas. These crops have mostly been
modified to improve their agricultural qualities, such as protection against pests and tolerance
to herbicides. Flowever, there have been a number of more recent approvals that have
assessed traits such as drought tolerance and compositional changes such as increased
content of oleic acid. No GM fresh fruit, vegetables or meat have been approved for sale in
Australia or New Zealand.
34 R EGULATORY STANDARDS
AN N U AL REPORT 2 0 1 0 -2 0 1 1
During 2010-11, FSANZ gazetted four GM foods, derived from soybean, cotton and corn.
Low THC hemp
FSANZ received an application to permit the use of low THC hemp foods in Australia
and New Zealand. Hemp is a type of cannabis sativa that contains little or no delta
9-tetrahydrocannabinol fTHC) *the active component of cannabis associated with
psychotropic effects. At present, the Code prohibits all cannabis species from being used
as food.
Hemp is not considered to have psychotropic effects because it contains very low levels of
THC. We have conducted a safety assessment of hemp foods and have not identified any
concerns resulting from their consumption. We released a consultation paper in March and
received over 180 submissions. We will continue assessing the application during 2011-12.
Steviol glycosides
Steviol glycosides are the high intensity sweeteners extracted from the leaves of the stevia
(Stevia rebaudiana) plant and are approved for use in a number of countries. They have been
used in Japan as the main intense sweetener for over 30 years.
The safety of steviol glycosides has been the subject of comprehensive reviews by FSANZ,
the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), the European Food Safety
Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). EFSA concluded in
April 2010 that steviol glycosides complying with JECFA specifications were not carcinogenic,
genotoxic or associated with any reproductive or developmental toxicity.
We assessed the risks of increasing the allowed maximum permitted level of steviol glycosides
in ice-cream, water based beverages, brewed soft drinks, formulated beverages and flavoured
soy beverages up to 200 mg/kg and in plain soy beverages up to 100 mg/kg. We concluded
that use of steviol glycosides at the proposed levels does not raise any public health and
safety concerns, is technologically justified and could result in a better taste benefitting both
food manufacturers and consumers.
Irradiation
Irradiated foods cannot be sold in Australia and New Zealand unless they have been assessed
and approved. They must be safe, nutritionally adequate and there should be a technological
need for the irradiation process, such as providing an effective alternative to the use of
chemicals.
REGULATORY STANDARDS35
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
The Food Standards Code permits the irradiation of herbs, spices, herbal infusions and
selected tropical fruits for food safety or quarantine. Before approvals are granted, FSANZ
undertakes a comprehensive review of the safety and nutritional adequacy of the foods
following irradiation. Any food that has been irradiated must be clearly labelled, allowing
consumers to make informed choices about the product they buy.
In June FSANZ allowed the irradiation of persimmons as a quarantine measure.
Conjugated linoleic acid triglycerides
FSANZ received two applications seeking approval for specific brands of conjugated linoleic
acid (CLA) triglycerides preparations as novel foods. The applications sought exclusive
permission for fifteen months for their own brands of very similar CLA preparations to be
added to various types of foods.
The companies involved indicated the purpose of adding CLA preparations was to assist
*in weight control programs and diets * and *to assist healthy people as part of their weight
management or weight loss regimes *. The levels of CLA to be added were greater than what
naturally occurs in the diet.
We assessed the two applications in parallel due to their similarities. One company withdrew
its application before we finalised our assessment.
After careful consideration of the evidence, including submissions from the applicant, FSANZ
decided to reject the remaining application. There was insufficient evidence to demonstrate the
safety of adding the CLA preparation at the applicant *s recommended level. We posted our
reasons for rejection in an assessment report available on our website.
The applicant has filed an application for the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to review
FSANZ *s decision.
Nanotechnology
FSANZ has not yet received an application to amend the Code for a novel nanoscale material.
We have, however, strengthened requirements in the Application Flandbook to ensure
applicants provide enough information for us to conduct a risk assessment on a product
manufactured using nanotechnologies.
We are aware of a number of reports that estimate that food packaging accounts for the
largest share of the current and short-term market applications for nanotechnology in the food
sector. Therefore, as part of a broader initiative, we have set up an Industry Advisory Group to
provide factual information about food packaging.
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The agency continued to be an active participant on the Health Safety and Environment
Working Group established under the National Enabling Technologies Strategy for which the
Department of Innovation, Industry Science and Research has primary responsibility. We
also participate at meetings of the Australian Consortium of the OECD Sponsorship Program
for safety testing of manufactured nanomaterials to ensure that we are aware of the latest
toxicological research on nanoscale materials.
FSANZ contributed to a review of New Zealand *s regulatory framework for manufactured
nanomaterials commissioned by the New Zealand Ministry of Research, Science and
Technology. This review was based on the Monash Report, A review of possible impacts
of nanotechnology on Australia *s regulatory framework. The review concluded that existing
regulatory instruments in New Zealand are generally adequate to manage potential risks
associated with manufactured nanomaterials arising from their use in food.
Other matters
Review of the regulatory management of food allergens
Food allergy affects approximately one to two per cent of adults and five to eight per cent of
children. Reactions can range from mild to severe, and can be life threatening. To help allergy
sufferers avoid at-risk foods, the Food Standards Code requires a declaration on labels of
certain foods and their products *cereals, Crustacea, egg, fish, milk, peanuts, soybeans, tree
nuts and sesame seeds.
In response to a request by the Ministerial Council in 2006, FSANZ undertook a review of the
regulatory management of food allergens. As a first step, we consulted with stakeholders
and identified a number of issues to be considered in the review. We then initiated several
projects to gather information and build an evidence base that would guide the development
of regulatory and non-regulatory options. We also analysed information from medical literature,
food industry sources and international regulatory developments.
The review was completed in December 2010 and the Ministerial Council endorsed the
outcomes in May 2011.
We are responding to the review recommendations and have already established a Scientific
Committee, made up of 10 allergy specialists and scientists, to advise us on food allergen-
related issues. By working closely with the Scientific Committee, we intend to integrate
emerging findings into the regulatory management of food allergens.
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Food labelling
Review of food labelling law and policy
Labelling Logic, the final report from the independent review of food labelling commissioned by
the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, was released in January
2011. The report includes 61 recommendations ranging from a conceptual framework to
guide decision making on government intervention on food labelling issues, through to specific
technical recommendations.
The Department of Health and Ageing is coordinating the whole-of-government response to
the recommendations. The Ministerial Council will consider the recommendations in December
2011. FSANZ is providing input to this response and technical advice on specific topics.
Pending this whole-of-government response, we have not commenced any new labelling-
related work, but have continued activity on nutrition, health and related claims and on
an extension to country-of-origin labelling requirements in the Code. Since one of the
recommendations in Labelling Logic concerns health-warning statements about drinking
alcohol during pregnancy, we have deferred further work in this area until the response has
been considered.
Country of origin labelling
In October 2009 the Australian Government announced a change in Australia *s bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) food safety policy for imported beef and beef products
setting new requirements for exporters of these products to Australia. The new policy came
into effect on 1 March 2010, allowing previously ineligible countries to access the Australian
market, subject to meeting specific animal health and food safety requirements.
Current country-of-origin labelling provisions in the Food Standards Code do not include
requirements for labelling of unpackaged beef, causing some community concern. To
address these concerns the government, in March 2010, asked FSANZ to consider extending
these labelling requirements to beef, since present requirements apply to unpackaged pork
products, fish and fruit and vegetables.
We are considering extending country-of-origin provisions in the Code to include unpackaged
beef, veal, lamb, hogget, mutton and chicken. We commissioned the Australian Bureau
of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences to report on current and potential
penetration of imports of beef, lamb and chicken into Australia and have undertaken targeted
consultations with major industry and retail stakeholders.
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Nutrition and health claims
In May 2011 the Ministerial Council deferred consideration of our response to its request for
us to review our decision on a nutrition and health claims standard for Australia and New
Zealand until the whole-of-government response to Labelling Logic has been considered.
Ministers requested that we provide an interim report on the review response for their meeting
in December 2011.
With the support of the Implementation Sub Committee *s Health Claims Working Group, we
have been considering a new approach for regulating general level health claims. The working
group is scheduled to complete this work in the second half of 2011.
Monitoring food labelling
The third phase of a project monitoring food labelling scheduled for this year has been delayed
pending the outcome of Labelling Logic and for resource priority reasons. Following the
government *s response to this review, we may resume the next phase of the label monitoring
survey to provide a more recent overview of the consistency of food labels. This would provide
evidence to support any future amendments to labelling provisions in the Food Standards
Code.
Food standards for the primary industries
FSANZ is developing food safety standards for Australia *s primary industries called primary
production and processing standards. The aim is to strengthen food safety practices and
help traceability in the food industry by covering the entire food supply chain, from paddock
to plate.
Eggs and egg products
In 2010-11 primary production and processing requirements for eggs and egg products
were approved by the FSANZ Board and introduced into the Code. They will take effect in
November 2012.
The new provisions, which are legal requirements, will ensure the safety of eggs in Australia
by prohibiting the sale of cracked and dirty eggs unless these eggs are being sold to an egg
processor for pasteurisation. They place legal obligations on egg producers to identify and
control food safety hazards, and obligations on processors to identify and control the food
safety hazards associated with processing eggs and egg products. Individual eggs on sale
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must be stamped with the producers * unique identification so all eggs can be traced in case of
food safety concerns.
Raw milk products
We assess raw milk products as belonging to one of three categories, based on the relative
risk they pose.
Category 1 products are defined as those products for which the properties or processing
factors eliminate pathogens that may have been present in the raw milk. This would include
curd cooked cheeses such as very hard grating cheese.
Category 2 products are those for which the properties or processing factors may allow the
survival of pathogens that may have been present in the raw milk but do not support the
growth of these pathogens. These products would include Roquefort-style blue cheeses and
hard cheeses such as Cheddar.
Category 3 products are those for which the intrinsic characteristics or processing factors are
likely to allow the survival of pathogens that may have been present in the raw milk and may
support the growth of these pathogens, including raw drinking milk and soft mould-ripened
cheeses.
FSANZ has concluded that category 3 products present too high a risk to public health and
safety to be permitted. Following consultation with our industry, government and consumer
advisory group, we have decided to limit the scope of our current work to category 1 products
only, deferring consideration of category 2 products because of the need for further technical
work. We intend to release an assessment report on category 1 raw dairy products for public
comment in August 2011.
Meat and meat products
FSANZ has developed primary production and processing requirements for meat and meat
products covering products from farmed cattle, pigs, sheep and goats using extensive and
intensive farming, and harvested goats and rendered products for human consumption.
We had intended to consider other animals *covered under existing Australian Standards
(for example, buffalo, antelope, camels, deer, rabbits, ostrich, emu, wild game and crocodile
meat) *at a later stage. However, following concerns over the possibility of confusion for
regulators and industry operating under two sets of standards, we have started a new project
to cover animals not considered to be major species.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
We have placed a hold on our work on major species while risk assessments are carried out
on the remaining meat species. Our industry, consumer and government advisory group has
supported this staging of the work, which will enable the development of a draft standard and
implementation package covering all species.
Seed sprouts
Seed sprouts are a germinated form of seeds and beans, such as alfalfa sprouts, onion
sprouts, radish sprouts and mung bean sprouts. They are eaten either raw or cooked.
Contaminated seed sprouts present an unacceptable health risk to consumers. In recent
years, outbreaks of foodborne illness both in Australia and overseas have been associated
with eating seed sprouts. The cost to the Australian community from outbreaks in 2005 and
2006 was estimated to be $1.19 million.
FSANZ is working with the seed sprouts industry, governments and consumers to develop a
primary production and processing standard. We have held two rounds of public comment
and expect the FSANZ Board to consider new provisions in the Code later in 2011.
Horticulture
During the year, we commenced a project to establish whether there are unmanaged risks
in the horticulture industry and how these risks might best be managed. We released a
stakeholder consultation paper outlining FSANZ *s proposed approach to fresh horticultural
produce. We sought feedback from farmers, packers, processors and wholesalers, as well
as state and territory departments and other interested parties. This consultation will help us
to develop the most practical, evidence-based and cost-effective measures to manage food
safety risks in horticulture.
Public health and safety
Public health
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
In March 2010 a new policy for importing beef and beef products came into effect in Australia.
Under the policy, beef and beef products may be imported from countries assessed by
FSANZ as having effective control measures to ensure that beef and beef products for human
consumption are derived from animals free of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
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FSANZ *s assessment to determine a country *s BSE risk status is based on methods adopted
by the World Organisation of Animal Health, with a major part of the assessment conducted
through desk-based examination of information submitted by the applicant country. The
assessment also includes an in-country verification visit conducted by the FSANZ BSE team
and food production specialists. Only countries that are assigned a favourable BSE risk
categorisation will be permitted to export beef or beef products to Australia.
To date, we have received applications from New Zealand, the United States, the Netherlands,
Lithuania, Croatia, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Vanuatu, Turkey, Taiwan, Lebanon, Chile and
Latvia. We have completed the New Zealand assessment, including the in-country verification
visit, and results will be finalised in the coming months. The desk-based assessment of the
United States application has been completed, but further progress is pending an animal
health risk analysis by Biosecurity Australia and agreement from the United States for an inâ
country verification visit.
We have commenced desk assessments of the Netherlands and Lithuania and are
communicating with country authorities about arrangements for in-country verification visits.
Assessments of the remaining applicant countries are in the initial stages.
Nutrient reference values
In July 2010 we released a consultation paper inviting comment from interested parties on
underlying principles, relevant issues and potential approaches to revising the regulatory
nutrient reference values (rNRVs) in the Code. We also consulted with key stakeholders
through a series of webinars attended by representatives of the food industry, jurisdictions,
health professionals and academics.
Stakeholders indicated general support for a revision of the rNRVs to reflect current nutritional
science. However, changes to the rNRVs could potentially result in significant re-labelling and
re-formulation impacts for industry. Stakeholders also identified some issues for consideration
and there was a range of views on particular technical aspects of a revision, for example the
basis of the rNRV for sodium and fibre.
A review of the rNRVs by the Department of Health and Ageing and the National Health and
Medical Research Council will commence later in 2011.
FSANZ has decided that a revision of the rNRVs should align with other potential labelling
changes and that a review of the rNRVs should be deferred until details of the government
response to Labelling Logic are known late in 2011.
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Food safety
Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastic items or containers such as
drink bottles. FSANZ recognises there is public concern over the presence of BPA in food,
particularly foods that babies and small children eat.
On the basis of the extensive research done to date (over 800 studies), FSANZ remains of the
view that BPA does not present a significant human health risk at the current very low levels of
exposure. This opinion is shared by national and international authorities, Health Canada, the
European Food Safety Authority and the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Nonetheless, we are keeping a close watch on the situation. The Australian Competition and
Consumer Commission conducted a survey in January 2010 and found no detectable BPA in
infant formula, tap water, infant feeding bottles and sip cups in Australia.
FSANZ carried out a targeted analytical survey of the levels of BPA in food in Australia in the
same year. This survey supported our previous conclusions that Australian consumers are
exposed to extremely low levels of BPA through food consumption.
We are not proposing any changes to our risk assessment at the moment, but we support
the reasonable steps being taken by industry to reduce human exposure to BPA. We are
making arrangements to include a further analysis of BPA (and other food packaging contact
chemicals) in foods as part of the 24th Australian Total Diet Study. A detailed total dietary
exposure to BPA will be included.
We are also monitoring additional research being undertaken in the United States by the Food
and Drug Administration.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are a family of plant-derived toxins found in a number of plant species
from around the world. When present at high levels they can have serious adverse effects on
animals and humans. In Australia and New Zealand, these plants can contaminate pasture,
feed and foodstuffs.
In 2000 FSANZ established a provisional tolerable daily intake for pyrrolizidine alkaloids at
1 microgram/kg bodyweight/day. Since that time, additional toxicological data has been
published and we have been updating our risk assessment. We have identified some critical
gaps in the data that would be needed for us to set a new and more appropriate health
standard for Australia and New Zealand.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
To bridge this deficiency, we are currently pursuing a research strategy for characterising
pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity and have had various discussions with industries that may be
affected by these alkaloids.
Tutin
Tutin is a naturally occurring plant toxin that can occasionally be found in New Zealand honey,
as a result of bees collecting honeydew from insects feeding on Coriaria arborea (tutu bush).
Consumption of affected honey can cause serious neurotoxicity.
In 2009 an interim maximum level for tutin was introduced into the Food Standards Code for
honey and comb honey, following a serious poisoning incident in New Zealand. This interim
standard was set to lapse on the 31 March 2011. We have concluded that the existing
maximum levels are practical and achievable and protect human health. The FSANZ Board
supported extending the interim standard for two more years to enable us to gather additional
evidence for a more comprehensive risk assessment. FSANZ is liaising with the New Zealand
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on the commissioning and analysis of further studies to
assist this assessment.
Migration of chemicals to food from contact packaging material
We are currently reviewing our regulatory approach to packaging materials that come into
contact with food. This has included reviewing regulatory requirements in comparable
countries, analysing levels of BRA and other food chemicals that may migrate into Australian
foods and beverages, and establishing an Industry Advisory Group on packaging materials.
This group will advise us on scientific and technical aspects of food packaging including, but
not limited to, manufacturing and quality assurance processes. Our review will continue into
2011 - 12 .
Imported foods
Imported food must comply with domestic food legislation including the Food Standards
Code. Foods imported for sale in Australia are also subject to the Imported Food Control Act
1992, which is implemented through the Australian Government *s Imported Food Inspection
Scheme (IFIS). Under this scheme FSANZ advises which foods pose a medium to high risk to
public health. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) inspects and samples
foods as it reaches our border.
Rates of inspection of foods under the IFIS are risk-based, with higher rates of inspection for
foods with the greatest risk to public health. When food is imported into Australia, it is placed
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
into one of two inspection categories * *risk * (100 per cent inspected) or *surveillance * (5 per
cent inspected).
In May 2011 an independent expert review began looking into the arrangement between
FSANZ and AQIS where risk assessment advice is provided by FSANZ for all foods. This
review is timely, as the current inter-agency arrangements have been in place for some time.
Safety of food from Japan
Following the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear contamination event in Japan,
the Australian Government formed an inter-departmental emergency task force to coordinate
agencies * response, including potential risks to the Australian food supply chain.
As a member of the task force, FSANZ liaised closely with the Australian Radiation Protection
and Nuclear Safety Agency and AQIS to monitor developments in Japan, including potential
dietary exposure to radionuclides in food imported into Australia.
Australian Government agencies concluded that the risk of Australian consumers being
exposed to radionuclides in food imported from Japan was negligible. FSANZ determined
that imports of food from Japan were limited to a small range of specialty products, including
seaweed and seafood. Japanese authorities also adopted provisional regulatory limits and
monitored and restricted the distribution of potentially implicated foods.
FSANZ advised AQIS that foods from certain prefectures in Japan could potentially be
contaminated with radionuclides. Consequently, AQIS began testing some Japanese food
imports to ensure levels of the radionuclides I131 and Cs134/135 were below international guideline
levels. This testing is ongoing. To date, results have found that all foods tested contain either
no detectable levels of radionuclides or levels well below international guidelines.
Food incidents and food recalls
The National Food Incident Response Protocol provides guidance on responding to national
food incidents linked to microbiological, chemical, radiological, physical or unknown hazards in
the food supply chain. It outlines an integrated, whole-of-government response for an incident
involving food sold within two or more jurisdictions.
Under the protocol, FSANZ has responsibility for coordination, information gathering, risk
assessment and communication. In February, FSANZ engaged independent consultants to
review existing processes and practices under the protocol. The review will consider practical
improvements to make better use of available resources and these will be written into standard
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
operating procedures. The proposed improvements will be aimed at being prepared, improving
response, minimising emergency impacts and decreasing recovery time.
During the year FSANZ coordinated a number of food incidents under the National Food
Incident Response Protocol.
Listeria in fresh fruit salad
Between February and July 2010 there was an increase in notifications of Listeria
monocytogenes infection. These were above nationally expected levels. OzFoodNet
investigated all jurisdictions and the protocol was triggered in mid-July 2010. Environmental
investigations identified honeydew melon and rockmelon in prepared fruit salad as the source
of the outbreak strains.
Weight loss products containing prescription medication
In October 2011 the protocol was activated when test results of several weight loss products
revealed the presence of sibutramine, a prescription-only appetite suppressant that should
only be used under medical supervision. This investigation also revealed breaches of the Food
Standards Code. FSANZ coordinated five recalls involving nine products.
Peanut in soy flour
In January FSANZ coordinated four national recalls of six imported frozen crumbed seafood
products containing an undeclared peanut allergen. Trace-back investigations revealed
the allergen in the soy powder used for crumb coating and found a common link to a
manufacturer in China. The protocol was activated in late January to facilitate information
sharing, particularly with industry and consumers through Anaphylaxis Australia and Allergy
New Zealand.
Latin Seed
The protocol was activated in March when test results showed that two weight-loss products,
labelled as Brazilian candlenut, were in fact seeds of the yellow oleander, a prohibited botanical
under the Food Standards Code. Yellow oleander is highly toxic and several cases of illness
were reported. FSANZ coordinated a national recall and issued a national media release
advising consumers of the risks associated with these products.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Review of food recall activities
FSANZ engaged a consultant to analyse our internal recall coordination procedures during
the year and assisted the Australian National Audit Office in conducting an independent
performance audit of food recall processes. Following these recall reviews and consultation
with stakeholders, FSANZ identified a number of areas for improvement, including making
better use of technology to speed up the process.
FSANZ has established an alert system for at-risk consumers on food recalls associated with
allergens and streamlined the verification of recall data to improve evaluating and monitoring of
recalls. The new FSANZ food recall system was introduced on 30 March 2011 and has greatly
reduced the time taken to process information.
We are currently updating the Industry Food Recall Protocol (6th edition 2008) to provide
more information on the distribution of information required during a recall, methods for
communicating recall information to consumers, the difference between a recall and a
withdrawal and mandatory reporting requirements.
Mandatory reporting
On 1 January 2011 new mandatory reporting requirements came into effect under the
Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which is set out in Schedule 2 of the Competition and
Consumer Act 2010. Under the ACL, all participants in the supply chain of a consumer goods
(including food), which have been associated with a death, serious injury or illness are required
to provide a written report to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
within two days of becoming aware of the incident. This includes a retailer, distributor, importer,
manufacturer and/or exporter.
The ACCC forwards mandatory reports related to food to FSANZ where permission has been
granted by the notifier. FSANZ is currently working with the states and territories and the
Department of Health and Ageing to consider the best way to manage these reports.
Recall statistics *overview
The number of food recalls per year has remained relatively stable during the last 10 years,
with the exception of 2003 when new labelling requirements came into effect. Figure 4 shows
the number of recalls during this period.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Figure 4: Food recalls notified to FSANZ (2000-10)
2001 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
3 Number of recalls
Microbial contamination accounted for 36 per cent of all food recalls notified to FSANZ
between January 2000 and December 2010. Of the 260 recalls resulting from microbial
contamination during this period, 125 (48 per cent) were due to Listeria monocytogenes
contamination; 50 (19 per cent) were due to salmonella contamination and 32 (12 per cent)
were as a result of high levels of E. coli.
The main reason for non-compliant food labels was undeclared allergens including nuts,
dairy, egg, soy, wheat and others. This accounted for 90 per cent of labelling recalls during
this period.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Food recalls *current
FSANZ coordinated 70 recalls during the year. As shown in Figure 5, the most common
reason for a recall was an undeclared allergen on food labels with 23 recalls (33 per cent) in
this category. Some 63 per cent of allergen-related recalls were for imported products from
countries including China, India, Malaysia, Taiwan, Korea, the United States and Belgium, with
10 of these recalls due to peanut contamination.
Figure 5: Food recalls notified to FSANZ, by category 2010-11
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Improving our standards development outcomes
Legislative audit of the Code
FSANZ began a legislative audit of the Code in early 2009. We engaged the Office
of Legislative Drafting and Publishing (OLDP) to conduct the audit and provide
recommendations on how to improve the Code. The audit involved assessing the Code for
clarity and consistency, the inter-operability of the Code and state and territory food laws
and consistency with best practice drafting techniques. The audit considered issues raised
by states and territories and New Zealand.
FSANZ is in the process of making incremental changes to the Code as opportunities arise.
We are working with the OLDP on some of their more complex recommendations. FSANZ
released a consultation paper on the recommendations and received generally positive
feedback from jurisdictions.
Consumer and social sciences research
FSANZ commissioned a Sampling design and survey administration guide containing best
practice protocols for social science surveys. The content of the guide drew on Australian
Bureau of Statistics and Statistics New Zealand protocols and will help ensure high quality
surveys and experimental research. This project was initiated as a result of advice received
from the FSANZ Social Science Expert Advisory Group.
Project management
In 2010-11 FSANZ reviewed its internal project management system and changed its
procedures to improve internal governance processes. The impact of these changes will
be most pronounced for internal projects and proposals, but will also assist with managing
complex applications.
Enzymes *review of safety data requirements
Data requirements for the safety assessment of enzyme processing aids currently in place
around the world rely extensively on traditional toxicological testing. This is reflected in
FSANZ *s assessments and we are reviewing this approach.
We have already decided that toxicological testing may not be warranted in all cases. We
have also identified that submitting data on the allergenicity of a new enzyme is not specified
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
in FSANZ *s Application Handbook, yet it is considered as part of the risk assessment process.
The Application Handbook should therefore be amended to include a requirement to submit
allergenicity data on the enzyme to allow potential toxicity to be determined using the same
approach used for new proteins in GM foods.
In the second phase of the review, we intend to consider whether a less prescriptive system
of regulation for well-characterised enzymes and source organisms with a long history of safe
use is warranted.
Novel foods *determining the novelty
The FSANZ Advisory Committee on Novel Foods (ACNF) was established in 2008 to provide
recommendations on whether a food is non-traditional and whether an assessment of
public health and safety considerations is required. The ACNF includes representatives from
enforcement agencies in Australia and New Zealand and makes recommendations using the
definition of novel food in the Food Standards Code.
The ACNF met several times during the year and provided a number of recommendations
which were published on the FSANZ website.
Monitoring and evaluating hazards
FSANZ *s surveillance is critical for sound risk assessment and risk management. Information
obtained from surveillance activities is fundamental in identifying chemical, microbiological or
other hazards in foods which may present a risk to health or safety.
Implementation Sub-Committee Coordinated Food Survey Plan
The Implementation Sub-Committee (ISC) Coordinated Food Survey Plan is a three-year plan
outlining cross-jurisdictional food survey activities of significance to Australia and New Zealand.
FSANZ is the sponsor for Component 1, *Surveillance and Monitoring *.
In 2010-11, under this component, FSANZ completed and published a national coordinated
survey of melamine in food and beverages, a survey of iodine levels in beverages enriched with
seaweed and a survey of packaging migration chemicals.
Australian Total Diet Study
The Australian Total Diet Study provides a comprehensive assessment of the dietary exposure
of the Australian population to a range of food chemicals. The ATDS has traditionally
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
monitored pesticide residues and contaminants in food; however, more recent studies have
focused on a wider range of food chemicals such as additives and nutrients.
The 23rd ATDS examined dietary exposure to 214 agricultural and veterinary chemicals, 12
mycotoxins, nine contaminants and 11 nutrients found in food and beverages commonly
consumed in Australia. FSANZ coordinated the study and all states and territories participated
by collecting food samples. The final report will be published in the second half of 2011.
Sampling and analysis for the 24th ATDS commenced in 2010-11 and is investigating
alternative priority substances, including acrylamide and some food contact packaging
migration chemicals, determined in consultation with the states and territories.
Survey of genetically modified ingredients in soy-based infant formula
In September 2010 FSANZ initiated an independent analysis of a single brand of soy-based
infant formula, following consumer concerns and several media reports suggesting the
presence of unlabelled GM ingredients in this product. Samples of the soy-based infant
formula were analysed by two independent accredited laboratories.
The results of the survey were inconclusive as one laboratory did not detect GM DNA in any
of the six samples, while the second laboratory detected GM in all samples at very low levels,
close to the lowest amount that can be measured with accuracy. The levels detected by that
laboratory were all below the threshold level of one per cent required for mandatory labelling.
Survey of chemical contaminants and residues in espresso, instant and ground
coffee
A variety of coffee types (cappuccino, latte, flat white, mocha, short black, long black, instant
and ground) were collected from food service and retail outlets in Melbourne and Sydney.
A total of 133 chemicals were analysed, including metals, acrylamide, furan, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), ochratoxin A and a range of pesticide residues. No detectable
levels of pesticide residues, PAH, beryllium, mercury and ochratoxin A were found.
Survey of iodine levels in beverages enriched with seaweed
FSANZ, in consultation with Australian states and territories, conducted a national survey
investigating iodine levels in soy and cereal-based beverages containing seaweed or seaweed-
derived products. The results of this survey reassured consumers that iodine levels in the
beverages analysed were well within the safety margin and pose a negligible risk to Australian
consumers.
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Survey of iodine in seaweed and seaweed containing products
Again in consultation with Australian states and territories, FSANZ conducted a survey of
iodine in seaweed and products containing seaweed. The findings indicated that there are
some seaweeds with very high iodine levels that may be unsafe for human consumption at
high levels. This advice has been provided to the relevant jurisdictions and AQIS for follow-up
action. The survey report has been peer-reviewed by two international experts and the final
report will be published on the FSANZ website in the second half of 2011.
Survey of chemical migration from food contact packaging materials in Australian food
FSANZ commissioned an analytical survey to determine the levels of a range of chemicals
associated with potential migration from packaging into food. The results showed that dietary
exposure to chemicals from food packaging is generally very low. Exposure at the estimated
dietary exposure levels does not pose a human health and safety risk.
Strengthening our evidence base
Science evidence base
Supporting decision making with a strong evidence base is fundamental to FSANZ. The
quality of this evidence depends heavily on FSANZ *s regulatory science. Improvements in this
area, therefore, contribute significantly to agency outcomes aimed at meeting stakeholder
expectations.
FSANZ Science Strategy 2010-15
Our Science Strategy identifies seven key strategic areas for our food regulatory science to
address current and emerging challenges. It also contains annual implementation plans with
specific objectives and deliverables.
Under the 2010 Implementation Plan we increased our scientific capability in nanotechnology,
BSE and risk assessment of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. We extended our evidence base by
developing a software platform and a consolidated data storage system (Harvest). We also
engaged in activities that improved systematic data collection and reporting, including work
with the Implementation Sub-Committee (ISC) on surveillance and work with the Department
of Health and Ageing and the Australian Bureau of Statistics in the design of the Australian
Health Survey.
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The 2011 Implementation Plan builds on the achievements and evaluation of the 2010 plan.
Major initiatives include using collaborative partnerships to seek funding and undertake
research in areas such as plant toxins, monitoring and evaluating data on tutin, plant toxins
and food contact packaging materials, and building our capacity to respond to emerging risks.
Developments in our risk analysis approach
For most food chemicals *including additives, contaminants and agricultural and veterinary
chemicals *the estimated dietary exposure of the population is generally well below the
reference health standard. However, on some occasions, the estimated dietary exposure of
certain food chemicals may exceed reference health standards for the general population, or
for some population subgroups.
During the year, FSANZ developed a draft set of working principles for risk analysis in cases
where estimated exposure transiently or slightly exceeds the reference health standard.
Analysis of Food-Related Health Risks
FSANZ published The Analysis of Food-Related Health Risks and made it available on the
website in 2009. This publication outlines the approach we use under our primary
objective *the protection of public health and safety *to analyse health risks associated
with food and will be reviewed and updated approximately every two years. The first review
began during the year focusing on nutritional risk analysis, economic analysis and cost-benefit
analysis. This review will continue into 2011-12.
*Harvest * database and modelling tool
FSANZ has received funding from the Australian Government to redevelop our scientific
database systems. The overall objective is to support our risk analysis capabilities through a
software platform and data storage system that effectively meets current and future needs.
The new platform has been named Harvest and will replace the existing DIAMOND modelling
capability and the Australian Nutrient Databank. Harvest has been designed to enhance
current capabilities by combining existing databases. It will also incorporate additional detailed
functions and will reduce the current need for labour intensive data processing and report
writing, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
54 R E G U L A T O R Y S T A N D A R D S
A major feature will be a system that can be used by almost anyone in FSANZ and, in time, by
other agencies. The system will also allow the data to be presented in graphs, which was not
possible with previous databases.
Work commenced in March 2010 and is being carried out under tender by Fujitsu Australia.
The core features of the system have been installed and are being tested. The final test version
was released in July 2011 and a set of validation steps will follow before Harvest can be
accepted for final release in October or November 2011.
NUTTAB 2010
In May the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, launched NUTTAB
2010, the latest edition of our reference database that contains data on the nutrient content
of Australian foods. This sees the culmination of more than three years * work in generating,
checking and compiling data for over 2500 foods and up to 245 nutrients.
Foods included in NUTTAB 2010 tend to be staple foods or commonly used ingredients. Many
of the nutrients included are those of particular interest to consumers for maintaining a healthy
lifestyle such as fat, saturated fat, sugars, sodium and dietary fibre. A full range of vitamin and
mineral data is provided.
NUTTAB 2010 is available free of charge either online with sophisticated search features or as
an electronic database. The latter format is useful for those who want to download and use
the nutrient data in their own software applications.
NUTTAB is an important tool for people working in food related areas including dietitians,
nutritionists and food technologists, as well as those involved in food research, industry and
innovation. In 2010-11, NUTTAB received 177 000 website hits *an increase of 326 per cent
from the previous year. Users are free to copy, communicate and adapt NUTTAB 2010 under
Creative Commons licensing arrangements. Figure 6 shows a typical output from
NUTTAB 2010.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Figure 6: Generating nutrient information for roast lamb via NUTTAB 2010
Nutrition Panel Calculator
The Nutrition Panel Calculator (NPC) is an online labelling tool for food labels first released on
the FSANZ website in 2001. The NPC helps food manufacturers calculate nutrition information
panels. It has proven to be the most used feature on our website, attracting 10,000 unique
visitors per month.
The ingredient database that supports the NPC and the web interface have both remained
virtually unchanged since 2001. Accordingly, we have commenced a comprehensive upgrade
of the system, incorporating the most recent ingredient data and web tool technology.
Features of the new system include updated ingredient and food data, new ingredient data on
a range of manufacturing ingredients and new saving and cloning functions for recipes. We
expect to release the upgraded NPC later in 2011.
Dietary exposure assessments
FSANZ undertakes dietary exposure or intake assessments as an integral part of its risk
assessment process. This provides an estimate of the magnitude, frequency and duration of
exposure to the food chemical of interest. This work is primarily undertaken using bespoke
computer software and an associated database, called DIAMOND, and is sometimes referred
to as *dietary modelling *.
In 2010-11 we carried out dietary exposure assessments for a range of food standards
projects and other purposes, including for the assessment of new food additives (advantame,
calcium lignosulphonate), and the extension of use of existing food additives
56 REGULATORY STANDARDS
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-2011
(steviol glycosides). We also used dietary exposure assessments to provide data for
surveillance activities (23rd ATDS, nitrites and nitrates and food packaging chemicals) and
food incidents.
FSANZ is also responsible for dietary exposure assessment on APVMA assessments of
uses of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and the associated residues in food. FSANZ
responded to international requests for dietary exposure assessments and other dietary data
for a range of food additives from the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health
Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives.
Australian Health Survey
FSANZ was contracted to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to help with customising
the computer program used to collect information about what Australians are eating, as part of
the Australian Health Survey (AHS). We were contracted to develop the nutrient database for
estimating food and nutrient intakes from the AHS *a huge undertaking given we anticipate
preparing data for approximately 5000 foods, each with about 45 nutrients.
FSANZ assisted the ABS in a major review of all the foods, response options, question
sequences and measures information in the computer program to be used for collecting food
consumption information, to ensure adequate information is collected to generate high quality
food and nutrient intake estimates.
FSANZ also developed the underlying survey nutrient database that will be the basis for
developing new nutrient profiles for additional foods and dietary supplements consumed
throughout the survey collection period.
Accessing external expertise
FSANZ Fellows
The FSANZ Fellows program has continued to strengthen our links with experts in scientific
and professional fields related to food regulation. We value the contributions made by the
Fellows in providing peer reviews of assessments and professional training for staff. In
2010-11 they also contributed to scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
and participated in a number of the agency *s scientific advisory committees.
During the year, the FSANZ Board approved the reappointment of nine of our Fellows for
a further three-year term and appointed two new Fellows. Five Fellows * terms will continue
through 2012. Membership of the FSANZ Fellows program is listed in Table 7.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Table 7: FSANZ Fellows 2010-11
FSANZ FellowBackground/expertise Affiliated institution
Reappointed Fellows (December 2010-December 2013)
Professor John Cary Social sciences Victoria University
Professor Lyn Cobiac Nutrition and dietetics Flinders University
Professor Graham Giles Cancer epidemiology Cancer Council and University
of Melbourne
Professor Peter Langridge Genomics University of Adelaide
Professor Brian Priestly Health risk assessment Monash University
Professor Richard Shepherd Consumer behaviour University of Surrey,
United Kingdom
Professor Murray Skeaff Nutrition University of Otago
Professor Anthony Smith Complementary medicines Newcastle Mater Hospital/
University of Newcastle
Professor Mark Tamplin Microbiology and food safety University of Tasmania
New Fellows (December 2010-December 2013)
Dr Laurence Eyres Food technology ECG Ltd
Dr Heather Greenfield Food composition University of NSW & University of
Canberra
Continuing Fellows (May 2009-May 2012)
Professor Ken Buckle Food science, processing and
microbiology
University of New South Wales
Professor Nigel French Molecular epidemiology and risk
research
Massey University
Professor Stephen Goodall Health economistCentre for Health Economics
Research and Evaluation (CHERE)
and University of Technology
Professor John McNeil Epidemiology and cardiovascular
health
Monash University
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-201 1
FSAN Z Fe llo w Ba c k g r o u n d /e x p e r tis e Affilia te d in s titu tio n
Professor Seppo Salminen Intestinal microbiota and health,University of Turku, Finland and probiotics and prebiotics, health Vienna University of Life Science,
claims Austria
Fellows (until December 2010)
Professor Julie Byles Clinical epidemiology University of Newcastle
Professor Mike Gidley Food structure and nutritive value University of Queensland
Dr John Huckerby Project management ofPower Projects Ltd
technically-based projects
Dr Rob Loblay ImmunologistRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital/
University of Sydney
Engagement with academic institutions
Throughout 2010-11 FSANZ continued to operate a student project program to support our
links with Australian and New Zealand academic institutions. The program also promotes the
role of FSANZ across various academic disciplines. The student project program encourages
students at the undergraduate and postgraduate level to undertake a project that underpins
food regulation or the scientific work of the agency. Project titles and participating universities
are listed in Table 8.
Table 8: FSANZ student projects for 2010-11
Pr o je c t Title U n iv e r s ity
Investigating the motivation of consumers to purchase and consume
breakfast cereals fortified with vitamins and minerals
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University
Plant sterol-enriched foods * consumer perceptions and behaviours Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University
Investigation of consumer perceptions of beverages with a special
focus on sports drinks
Royal Melbourne Institute of
Technology (RMIT) University
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During the year we hosted two nutrition and dietetics undergraduate students from the
University of Wollongong who were completing their final year community nutrition placements.
One of the projects developed a graphical framework that can be used by nutrition risk
assessors to gauge the quality of research studies provided as evidence for establishing a
relationship between a food nutrient and body composition. Two other projects quantified the
serving sizes of sandwiches consumed by adults away from home and at home and recorded
information on amounts of vitamin D present in fortified milk products on the Australian market.
Case study: Staff exchange with jurisdictions
Food regulation is a partnership across a number of government sectors. FSANZ
operates a staff exchange program to foster closer collaboration and improved
networks with our partners. In 2010-11 we entered into an informal arrangement with
the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Tasmania.
Several years ago, a FSANZ officer undertook a secondment at DHHS. This year, as
part of FSANZ *s ongoing engagement with jurisdictions, Tasmanian nutritionist/dietitian
Ms Jen Savenake completed 18 months in the Public Health Nutrition Standards
Section at FSANZ. Ms Savenake contributed to ongoing work on infant formula,
fortification and various applications and made a valuable contribution to some of the
more difficult issues facing FSANZ.
Consumer and social sciences
Consumer and social sciences advice continues to be an important component of the
evidence base supporting the development of food standards. Major activities undertaken in
2010-2011 were in the areas of formulated supplementary sports foods and sports drinks,
and the fortification of food.
In 2010 FSANZ commissioned qualitative research into formulated supplementary sports
foods and sports drinks. This has been followed up by a quantitative sports foods consumer
survey to estimate the prevalence of sports food use in Australia and New Zealand and the
activities and practices associated with consumption. While the quantitative survey was
initiated in 2010-11, the data will not be available for analysis until next year.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Similarly, we have commissioned the collection of information about consumer attitudes,
knowledge and behaviour towards the voluntary and mandatory fortification of food. This
project will contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of food fortification. We have used a
mix of in-house and outsourced capabilities with this project. Data analysis and reporting will
be performed internally by FSANZ to ensure that the survey outcomes can be tailored to the
risk analysis process used for developing standards.
During the year we transformed the FSANZ Market Research Panel *used to commission
external research *into a new Social Research Panel. We selected providers through an
open tender process. From 1 June 2011 the Social Research Panel contained five of the
seven market research companies on the previous panel, but expanded to 26 organisations,
covering a more diverse range of capabilities.
Regulatory analysis
Regulatory analysis ensures that regulatory changes address public health and safety issues,
and determines whether adopting new standards or regulations will deliver a net benefit to the
community.
FSANZ conducts its regulatory analysis in consultation with the Australian Office of Best
Practice Regulation (OBPR) and the New Zealand Treasury. OBPR has been strengthening
its review processes to ensure the effectiveness of regulatory intervention and to reduce
unnecessary regulatory burdens on the economy. In 2010-11, FSANZ continued to develop
more sophisticated analyses to achieve these goals. The results of this analysis have become
increasingly important to FSANZ *s approach to risk management.
FSANZ prepared regulatory impact analyses for a number of projects in the primary production
area * for eggs and egg products, sprouts and raw milk products. We commissioned a paper
from Professor Jim Butler from the Australian National University to allow us to better take into
account high-impact low-probability disease events associated with some types of primary
produce. We also commissioned work from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource
Economics and Sciences to help us understand the drivers behind meat imports, now and in
the future, when considering issues of country of origin labelling.
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International networks
Codex Alimentarius Commission
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is the international food standards-setting body,
recognised by food regulatory agencies, industry and consumers around the world. The
CAC is also recognised by the World Trade Agreements on the Application of Sanitary and
Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade.
The Australian Government provides a number of experts from various government agencies
to attend the meetings of Codex Committees, including physical and electronic working
groups. During the year FSANZ actively led and participated in a number of Codex committees
as listed in Table 9. Details of staff attending appear in Appendix 10.
Table 9: FSANZ participation in the work of Codex 2010-11
C o d e x c o m m itte e FSAN Z p a r tic ip a tio n
33rd Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Geneva Member of Australian delegation
66th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Executive Committee, Geneva Member of Australian delegation
11th Session of the Codex Committee for North America and the South
West Pacific (CCNASWP), Tonga
Member of Australian delegation
32nd Session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU), Chile Led Australian delegation and coâ chaired working group on Revised
Vitamin and Mineral Reference
Values for Labelling
Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) facilitated Workshop on
Genetically Modified (GM) Labelling, Belgium
Member of Australian delegation
39th Session of Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL), Canada Member of Australian delegation
42nd Session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH),
Uganda
Led Australian delegation
43rd Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA), China Led Australian delegation and
chaired working group on
Endorsement of the Food Additive Provisions of Certain Commodity
Standards
5th Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food (CCCF),
The Netherlands
Led Australian delegation
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-201 1
World Health Organization I Food and Agricultural Organization
During the year FSANZ continued to support the work of WHO/FAO by participating in a
number of meetings and expert consultations, as well as through submitting surveillance
information and data.
Case study: Contributing to WHO/FAO workshop on food emergencies
FSANZ was invited to the Global Food Network/Asia Food Net Workshop on National
Food Safety Emergency Response Planning in collaboration with WFIO/FAO, held in
Thailand. The workshop provided information and assistance to developing countries in
the Asia region on designing or refining food emergency response plans.
FSANZ presented on emergency response arrangements in Australia and provided
advice and feedback to participants on their own country *s existing or proposed plans.
Participation in this workshop strengthened our networks in the region and may lead to
opportunities to enhance our capacity to share food incident information more rapidly
and to detect emerging issues earlier.
FSANZ staff attended the workshop of the Quads Social Research Coordination Group
(QSRCG) in Canada in May. Representatives of each of the Quads countries (Australia,
Canada, New Zealand and the United States) were present, as well as the United Kingdom
Food Standards Agency and the United Kingdom Department of Flealth. Members of the
QSRCG and the Quads Food Safety Regulatory Economics Working Group also met to
facilitate connections between the two groups.
FSANZ continued to chair the Quads Social Research Coordination Group, with representation
from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States and the United Kingdom. We gave
presentations at the technical workshop in Ottawa on consumer research into eggs and
fortification and chaired a session on social science evidence for food regulation.
The Quads Food Safety Regulatory Economics Working Group, initiated by FSANZ, had
two workshops in 2010-11. Issues covered in these meetings included a comparison of
how we do our work and our regulatory systems, behavioural economics, valuation issues
underpinning cost benefit analysis including costing disease, the use of evaluation, food
labelling and the presentation of a range of case studies.
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International Food Chemical Safety Liaison Group
The International Food Chemical Safety Liaison Group provides a platform for food regulators
in different countries to exchange information on chemical risk assessment work, emerging
issues and food surveillance activities. Membership is drawn from Health Canada, the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the European Food Safety Authority, the European
Commission, the United States Food and Drug Administration, the Japan Food Safety
Commission, the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency, the New Zealand Food Safety
Authority (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries), the French Food Safety Agency
and FSANZ.
In 2010-11 the group continued to share information on BRA and exchanged information
on testing of food for radionuclides as a result of the damage to the nuclear power plants in
Japan. Other matters discussed included the use of pharmaceuticals in weightdoss products
and the presence of phthalates *another chemical migrant from packaging materials *in food
and beverages produced in Taiwan, at levels higher than would normally be expected.
WHO Collaborating Centre for Food Contamination Monitoring
FSANZ has been designated as a WHO collaborating centre for food contamination
monitoring. FSANZ participates in the WHO Global Environment Monitoring System/Food
Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Program (GEMS/Food) by providing monitoring
data on levels of priority contaminants in food and total diet. In 2010 we participated in the
trial conducted by the WHO of a new web interface for submitting data to GEMS/Food and
reported on a number of surveillance activities.
Relationships in the Asia-Pacific region
In 2010-11 FSANZ continued to take a lead role in food safety in the region, including
co-chairing the APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum, establishing new international
collaborative relationships in food safety capacity building and providing training to visiting food
safety officials.
APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum
FSANZ continued to act, with China, as the co-chair of the Food Safety Cooperation Forum
(FSCF), with the third meeting being held in May 2011, in the United States. Over 80 delegates
from 18 member economies attended the meeting and noted the progress that has been
made since the establishment of the forum, particularly in:
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
" raising the profile of food safety in the region resulting in increased high-level support
for related activities
" improving communication and information sharing, including establishing the FSCF and
its Partnership Training Institute Network (PTIN) websites
" advancing food safety standards and systems as a result of the forum *s activities *
for example food safety incident management, recognising standards for pesticide
maximum residue levels, supply chain management and export certificates.
The PTIN was established in 2008 to expand the FSCF network to include industry and
academia and to establish sustainable training modules. Some 35 capacity building activities
have been undertaken, with participants from 21 member economies, held in 11 economies
in the APEC region. This activity has involved food safety stakeholders from government, the
private sector, academics, international government organisations and donors.
The FSCF and the World Bank signed a memorandum of understanding for collaboration
on food safety capacity building in the APEC region. This agreement will provide a valuable
opportunity for further developing the working relationship with the World Bank.
The FSCF will meet again in Indonesia in 2013.
Capacity building activities in the region
FSANZ has continued to be recognised in the Asia-Pacific region as a centre of excellence in
food safety regulation and as a provider of quality food safety capacity building assistance. In
recent years, we have provided a number of food safety capacity building activities, primarily
under the umbrella of the FSCF. These activities have covered microbiological risk assessment/
risk analysis, chemical risk assessment, risk communication, the development of food laws/
food regulatory frameworks and managing food safety incidents.
As part of the recent FSCF meeting, FSANZ organised the FSCF PTIN Food Safety
Incident Management Workshop attended by approximately 100 delegates from 18 APEC
economies representing government, industry, academic and other organisations. The major
recommendations from the workshop were:
" to establish the APEC FSCF Food Safety incident Network, consisting of senior officials
from APEC economies
" to improve information sharing in the event of an incident
" to develop and implement FSCF-agreed approaches to improved food safety incident
preparedness, response and recovery mechanisms within APEC
" to strengthen participation of APEC economies in INFOSAN and other international networks.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Stakeholder Relationships
Strategic imperative
" building stronger stakeholder relationships.
Objectives
" a shared understanding of FSANZ *s role
" FSANZ having a reputation for being proactive and alert
" stakeholders seeing FSANZ as credible and trustworthy.
Outcomes
" professional and constructive relationships with all stakeholders
" a strong sense of engagement with FSANZ among stakeholders.
Highlights 2010-11
" established a consumer and public health dialogue to advise the Board on broader
public health aspects of standards setting
" co-chaired, with China, the 3rd meeting of the APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum
in the United States
" collaborated with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Attorney-General *s Department to ensure a
coordinated approach on the import of beef into Australia
" launched Facebook and Twitter social media sites to promote the flow of information
on food regulation
" commenced publishing applications and submissions to amend the Food Standards
Code under the Australian Government *s Information Publication Scheme
" continued to support the Food Safety Information Council *s promotional activities,
particularly Food Safety Week in Australia.
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Introduction
The nature of stakeholder relationships has changed markedly over the past decade,
particularly in the past five years.
Stakeholder relationships were considered synonymous with consultation in the early 1990s
and government agencies, including FSANZ, developed strategies for identifying target
audiences and the best way to communicate messages. FSANZ set up a comprehensive
advisory committee system, strengthened its public comment processes, conducted
satisfaction surveys and started placing information on our website.
These activities enabled us to highlight our decision making and processes, but advances
in telecommunications are rapidly changing our notions of stakeholder relationships and the
adequacy of these programs.
We are now being encouraged by government and the ubiquitous nature of social media to
consider stakeholders as individual citizens rather than groups. It is now possible to establish
interactive, ongoing contacts with people interested in the regulation of food. We no longer
have to wait to assemble a stakeholder committee or invite submissions on assessment
reports to obtain feedback on our work. Social media provides us with tools that complement
our traditional ways of consulting.
In 2010 an advisory group delivered to the Australian Government a blueprint for reform of
the public service called Ahead of the game: blueprint for reform of Australian Government
administration (May 2010). The report called for improved service delivery for citizens.
Providing information is a key service that we provide to the community, so improving
accessibility to this resource addresses this Blueprint goal.
During the year FSANZ developed a strategy for harnessing the power of social media to
connect people.
We launched our Facebook site in October and our Twitter site in December, providing links
to our own information and that of our regulatory partners. The response from the community
has been very supportive and encouraging. We have already adopted one suggestion made
on Facebook to introduce an allergy alert to accompany food recalls involving undeclared
allergens. .
The potential of social media is limited only by our imagination. There are 10.3 million
Facebook users over the age of eighteen in Australia and New Zealand and we are
investigating using this audience for recruitment advertising and grassroots surveys.
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Stakeholders and regulatory partners
Citizen involvement
Advisory and liaison committees
FSANZ maintains a wide range of advisory committees and expert panels who provide advice
from the community, the food industry, individual citizens, public health groups and other
arms of government. This advice feeds into the decision-making processes of standards
development.
In 2010-11 the advisory and liaison committees listed in Table 10 continued to provide a
valuable service to FSANZ.
Table 10: Advisory and liaison committees
Ad v is o r y C o m m itte e N u m b e r o f m e e tin g s
Advisory Committee for Fortification Monitoring Bread Analysis Project0 (contact via email only)
Advisory Committee on Novel Foods 7
Advisory Group for Food Composition 0
Consumer and Public Health Dialogue 3
Consumer Liaison Committee 3
Food Allergy and Intolerance Scientific Advisory Committee 1
Food Surveillance Network 2
Jurisdictional Forum 3
Nga Kaitohutohu Kounga Kai .3
Retailers and Manufacturers Liaison Committee 3
Scientific Advisory Group for Epidemiology 1
Social Sciences Expert Advisory Group 2
Standard Development Committee for Raw Milk Products 1
Standard Development Committee for Eggs and Egg Products 0
Standard Development Committee for Meat and Meat Products 1
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Consumer Liaison Committee
The Consumer Liaison Committee (CLC) is made up of representatives from consumer
groups, Maori and indigenous organisations and private individuals. The committee provides
grassroots advice to FSANZ on consumer publications and a consumer perspective on
standards-development activities. Issues addressed during the year included food labelling,
including updates on warning labels on alcoholic beverages for pregnant women and the
independent review of food labelling law and policy, and the standard being developed to
regulate health and nutrition claims.
Indigenous representatives briefed FSANZ on Aboriginal issues and committee members
provided feedback on a number of communication tools including a food labelling poster being
proposed for Indigenous and non-English speaking people. Members also provided feedback
on our website.
A number of CLC members left during the year. As a result, we initiated a public campaign
to recruit new members using the website, Food Standards News and social media. New
members will be appointed in the new financial year.
Consumer and Public Health Dialogue
The Consumer and Public Health Dialogue was establised during the year to enhance our
high-level engagement with key public health and consumer stakeholders. By engaging more
effectively with peak consumer and public health bodies and public health academics, we
hope to better understand community attitudes to food safety and public health issues.
This group met three times in 2010-11. Items discussed included the possible role of health
impact assessment methodology in our assessment process, the issue of food sustainability
as it relates to food regulation, the recommendations of the Labelling Logic report and
engaging with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on issues including public
health issues as part of the Australian National Food Plan.
Members developed four priority task areas for further consideration *informing the
regulatory impact process, articulating the relationship between public health and food
sustainability, influencing the national food policy agenda and engaging with higher public
health policy areas.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Public Health Nutrition Agencies Forum in New Zealand
In September FSANZ hosted a forum for representatives of major public health nutrition
agencies in New Zealand. The forum aimed to provide a New Zealand perspective on the role
of food regulation in achieving broader public health outcomes.
Themes identified included emerging food-related public health issues, economic and
trade issues, assessing the effectiveness of prevention strategies, the role of regulation and
the challenges of achieving public health objectives through food regulation. The forum
acknowledged FSANZ *s role in the current regulatory environment and considered that, where
appropriate, FSANZ could provide data to contribute to policy making in New Zealand through
the Harvest integrated food composition database and modelling program.
New Zealand representatives from this forum are contributing to the FSANZ Consumer and
Public Health Dialogue to ensure ongoing engagement with public health stakeholders in both
countries.
Consultation with Maori
Nga Kaitohutohu Kounga Kai (the Maori reference group) considered a broad range
of standards development issues. These issues included an assessment of eight new
applications and proposals against criteria that considered public health, nutrition, cultural,
economic and consumer impacts from a Maori perspective. Three of the eight projects were
deemed to have potential significance to Maori and were added to the Kaitohutohu
watching brief.
Nga Kaitohutohu Kounga Kai continued to publish the Maori Network newsletter, with
information on Kaitohutohu and FSANZ activities, the regulatory environment in New Zealand
and Australia and specific labelling issues such as GM foods, the nutrition information panel
and intense sweeteners. The newsletter alerts Maori Network participants when certain
projects identified on the Kaitohutohu watching brief are available for public consultation.
At the start of the year, members of the group agreed to extend their participation in the
group *s work beyond their original appointment period.
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Partnerships with other national agencies
BSE consultations
We continued to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
(DAFF) to ensure that a coordinated approach is taken in assessing both the food safety and
animal health risks for imports of beef and beef products under the amended BSE policy.
Our joint working group with DAFF officers has expanded to include officers working on trade
issues from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Attorney-General *s
Department.
We also liaised with DAFF and DFAT to ensure a smooth changeover from the transitional
BSE arrangements which ceased on 30 June 2011. The dedicated BSE email address
allowed questions and concerns to be brought to our attention and we have responded to
numerous inquiries from consumers, importers, food industry personnel, foreign embassies
and government representatives from exporting countries during this transition period.
Case study: Participating in the work of Standards Australia
FSANZ *s Dr Robyn Cleland was accepted as a member of the joint Standards
Australia/ Standards New Zealand Risk Management Committee in May 2011.
The committee consists of a group of recognised experts in risk management with
different specific areas of expertise. The committee wrote the Risk Management
Standard (originally AS/NZS 4360:2004, now AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009) that has been
recognised internationally as the ISO standard. Work is currently underway to develop
a handbook to provide guidance on how to apply the new standard.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Under a memorandum of understanding we cooperate with the ACCC on areas of the Food
Standards Code dealing with misleading or deceptive conduct to ensure a consistency
between the Code and trade practices legislation. This cooperation extends to food recalls
and sharing information on social media.
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Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
AQIS administers the Imported Food Inspection Scheme for Australia. We continued to
provide advice to AQIS on risk levels for imported food, determining the level at which they
are tested at the border. Because AQIS enforces food standards, representatives from AQIS
participate on many of FSANZ *s advisory committees.
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
Legislative amendments allow the APVMA to vary certain MRLs in the Code. FSANZ retains
responsibility for the dietary exposure component of the risk assessment and retains its power
to vary the MRL standard. The APVMA consults on any proposed MRL changes through its
Gazette. Consultation documents are available through the FSANZ website.
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry New Zealand
The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) now forms part of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Forestry, New Zealand (MAF) * the national food regulator for New Zealand. We have a
memorandum of understanding with NZFSA and a partnership agreement with MAF.
National Health and Medical Research Council
We collaborated with the NHMRC during the year on a range of public health matters,
including the development of regulatory nutrient reference values for the Food
Standards Code.
National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme
Increasing engagement with NICNAS during the year provided mutual benefits. We finalised
a memorandum of understanding to continue exchanging information related to evaluations,
assessments, reviews and emerging issues.
National Measurement Institute
FSANZ has a memorandum of understanding with NMI which facilitates sharing information
on emerging food issues and developments in methodologies for food analysis. We supported
the NMI Food Sector Advisory Committee by presenting at meetings.
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Office of Best Practice Regulation
Under COAG arrangements, OBPR assists agencies with developing regulatory impact
statements and provides guidance on the adequacy of the analysis. We have a continuing
close working relationship with OBPR on the benefits and costs of all major projects.
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
We continued to share information on biotechnology matters with OGTR during the year.
Standards Australia
Under a memorandum of understanding with Standards Australia, we collaborate on standard
setting and other joint activities, provide expertise on technical committees, take steps to
reduce overlap and share information on food industry and consumer needs.
Therapeutic Goods Administration
We continued to consult with the TGA on the designation of products as foods or medicines.
FSANZ is also a member (as is the TGA) of an implementation sub-committee working group
set up to develop a trans-Tasman process to assist in determining the appropriate regulatory
status of products at the food-medicine interface.
Case study: Food Surveillance Network
The Food Surveillance Network was established in 2003 to provide a technical
forum for our food regulatory partners to undertake the detailed planning and
implementation of food surveillance activities. The network includes representatives
from food regulatory agencies in all Australian states and territories, the AQIS Imported
Food Program and the New Zealand MAF. The Department of Health and Ageing,
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the National Residue Survey and
some state primary industry and food agencies are also represented.
FSANZ chairs meetings of the network. These meetings provide an effective
mechanism for sharing and discussing food survey results, as well as fostering a
consistent approach to managing outcomes. The network also plays a significant role
in supporting the Implementation Sub-Committee (ISC) Coordinated Food Survey Plan.
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Communication
In 2010-11 FSANZ continued to develop and refine its traditional media tools, while further
exploring social media, with a particular focus on Twitter and Facebook. While our website
remains our primary means of communication, Facebook and Twitter have shown to be an
effective way of further communicating our information and educating consumers about
important issues and the role of FSANZ.
Following the introduction of the Information Publication Scheme, FSANZ began publishing
applications and submissions, documents of public interest and documents released under
Freedom of Information requests.
Information for the community
Website
The FSANZ website is a vital tool for communicating with people about our work. Over the
course of the year, the website attracted between 61 295 and 119 523 visits per month. The
figures were lower in December and January reflecting the holiday season. The number of
visits appears to be increasing, most likely reflecting the promotion of the website using social
media and a revamped Food Standards News.
We undertook a review of the website and user testing during the year. The results of this
work will feed into a possible redesign and the implementation of a new content management
system to ensure we can more efficiently deliver communication via the website. We also
commenced a content review, focusing initially on material targeting consumers. This will
ensure that all content is current.
Social media
We continued to explore opportunities offered by new media. In January the Parliamentary
Secretary for Health and Ageing, the Hon. Catherine King MP, officially launched our social
media tools. Since revamping our Facebook page and launching a Twitter site, our presence
has grown and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Over 880 people receive daily
updates from our Facebook site and about 800 people and organisations follow our posts
on Twitter.
These social media tools are proving to be an effective method of informing people of the
information on our website, thereby extending our communication to consumers who may not
otherwise be informed about our role and activities.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-201 1
Print and electronic media
Media inquiries continued to cover most food issues, including BRA, food additives, date
marking, GM foods and our progress on current applications to amend the Food Standards
Code. Unexpected events, however, such as floods in Victoria and Queensland and the
earthquake and nuclear plant crisis in Japan, caused a large increase in media calls from
journalists concerned about food safety in floods and the testing of imported food from Japan.
During these events, FSANZ worked closely with national, state and territory agencies and
departments and with the Food Safety Information Council to provide consistent information.
We did not hold any media events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as
indicated in the Portfolio Budget Statement. However, we continued to liaise closely with
our jurisdictional partners to explore ways of promoting food safety material to Indigenous
Australians.
Publications
Food Standards News
This newsletter, which has more than 6000 subscribers, is now delivered as an e-newsletter
each month with short stories that allow people to click through to a web page with further
information. The number of subscribers has grown since the move to the new format.
Food Surveillance News
This publication provides information on food surveillance activities, such as food analytical
surveys, food recalls, imported food matters and food incidents in Australia and New Zealand.
It also includes information on international food conferences and meetings, as well as global
food surveillance activities. The newsletter is managed by FSANZ, with articles contributed
from many of the agencies represented on the Food Surveillance Network.
Monitoring of Emerging Issues Newsletter
The newsletter is published fortnightly, providing a global snapshot of recent food safety issues.
It is circulated to interested stakeholders including Australian and international government
agencies, industry and academia. The newsletter is published on our website and circulated
through social media. It captures emerging issues such as microbiological outbreaks, labelling
and packaging, food safety policy, chemical food safety issues, surveillance and monitoring
activities, scientific and technical activities and food product recalls.
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Industry and consumer advice
FSANZ information service
FSANZ helps food businesses, government agencies and other stakeholders navigate the
Food Standards Code and responds to consumer inquiries on a range of issues. Between 1
July 2010 and 30 May 2011, we received nearly 6000 inquiries though our website, of which
around 2000 were from consumers.
Our staff also attended conferences and conventions to respond to questions about the Code
and to conduct seminars. These events included the Australian Institute of Food Science and
Technology Convention and the 3rd Australian Food Safety Conference, both in Melbourne,
and the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology Conference held in Rotorua.
Industry site visits
One of our challenges is to find ways of obtaining information from stakeholder groups. To gain
an appreciation of manufacturing processes in the food industry, FSANZ organises site visits
for people involved in food regulation, in association with the Australian Food and Grocery
Council.
This year, the visits were to Streets, National Foods, Sanitarium and Mars Foods. Staff from
state and federal government agencies took part in the visits, including representatives from
FSANZ, the Department of Health and Ageing and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry.
Public awareness campaigns
Food Safety Week
FSANZ is a founding member of the Food Safety Information Council, whose role is to educate
consumers in safe food handling. The council manages the annual Australian Food Safety
Week. The theme for 2010 was *Myths and Mastery *. The week focused on debunking
incorrect food safety beliefs held by consumers and highlighting good food safety practices.
Media coverage of Food Safety Week included all major press and radio in all states and the
7pm Project (Channel 10). Regional newspaper and radio coverage was also excellent. It is
estimated the campaign reached a total audience of eight million people.
The council also ran campaigns with *back to school * and Christmas themes.
78 STAKEHOLDER R EL ATION SHIPS
People and Organisational Capability
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
People and Organisational Capability
Strategic imperative
" continuing to strengthen the capability and capacity of FSANZ.
Objectives
" increased efficiency of our organisational processes
" an enhanced reputation for being a safe, professionally rewarding and productive
workplace.
Outcome
" a positive culture in FSANZ where staff feel motivated in their work, are valued and
respected.
Highlights 2010-11
" appointed a new General Manager Legal and Regulatory Affairs
" awarded the Chair *s Annual Development Award to Ms Gillian Duffy and the Australia
Day Achievement Medallion to Dr Judy Cunningham
" maintained our core ICT systems with minimal outages and high availability
(over 95 per cent)
" installed a SharePoint 2010 environment to allow greater access by staff to documents
and files
" employed a greater proportion of people over 55 years of age (24.2 per cent) than the
APS average (13.6 per cent)
" achieved an average employee absence of 6.25 days, compared with 10.5 days for all
APS agencies
" received no formal complaints for bullying and harassment.
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Introduction
FSANZ is a small agency with family-friendly policies and a highly productive and pleasant
working environment. There are frequent opportunities for staff, even at APS6-levels to be
given management of projects and opportunities to represent the agency to stakeholders.
FSANZ enjoys high retention rates (>90 per cent) and a reservoir of corporate knowledge of
more than 15 years in some people.
While high retention rates may cause a career bottleneck at higher levels of an agency *an
issue identified in the 2010 staff survey *they also create an environment where more junior
members of staff have opportunities to develop their technical knowledge and inter-personal
skills at an accelerated pace.
Such high retention rates are essential in a science-based agency. Standard setting is
a labour-intensive activity; 70 per cent of our annual appropriation is spent on salaries.
Outcomes depend heavily on the quality of staff and on intangible criteria such as commitment
and motivation. We therefore invest heavily in professional development. We also provide
opportunities for staff to represent Australia, involving overseas travel to attend international
conferences and meetings. In this way, we extend our bilateral relations with other national
food regulators and this has proven invaluable during food incidents.
In last year *s annual report, there were issues raised in the staff survey that required attention,
with reports of bullying and harassment showing a slight increase from previous years
compared to the APS average. A detailed examination of the survey results suggested this
had more to do with performance management than the more common causes of bullying and
harassment. Nevertheless, we have strengthened our team of harassment contact officers and
the issue is now a standing item on the Staff Forum *s agenda.
As with other departments and agencies, we are being asked to do more with less. With
non-ongoing contractors not having their contracts extended, remaining employees may
experience an increase in workload during 2011-12. This could affect morale in areas already
under pressure. The coming year, therefore, will likely test the consultation mechanisms put in
place for staff and management, particularly the Staff Forum.
The agency has gone through many cycles during the past 20 years, where particularly heavy
workloads in some years have placed pressures on our limited resources. We have usually
managed to conduct our core business within statutory timeframes. We have always been
able to reorganise our priorities to respond to requests for action from the Ministerial Council
and to meet our obligations to jurisdictional partners in the areas of food emergencies and
surveillance.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
If the past is any guide to the next twelve months, it will be the commitment of our staff to this
agency that will see us through the challenges ahead.
Staff Forum
In 2010-11 the Staff Forum continued as the major consultative mechanism facilitating
communication between staff and the executive on workplace issues. The forum progressed
discussion and outcomes on a number of issues raised in the 2010 staff survey. The forum
provided input to the executive on learning and development, the Enterprise Agreement,
various policy documents, file management and electronic clearance. The forum also worked
on workplace wellness, engaging staff and communication across the agency.
Organisational capability and capacity
Information and communication technology (ICT)
ICT drives the effectiveness and efficiency of our business operations. We endeavour to get
the most value from our ICT investments and to continually improve FSANZ *s distributed
computer environment *desktops, security and servers.
In 2010 FSANZ:
" maintained core systems with minimal outages and high availability (over 95 per cent)
" installed new voicemail hardware and software, including new video capability
" built on our existing virtual server environment, enabling a cloud-ready infrastructure
" delivered the Windows 7 operating system and Microsoft Office 2010 to the standard
FSANZ desktop for use by Canberra and (soon) Wellington staff.
We accelerated a whole-of-government approach to procurement and gathered better
information on agency ICT costs. The coordinated ICT procurement has delivered efficiencies
in high volume, high cost areas such as Microsoft licensing, telecommunications and shared
fee-for-service development costs. We also undertook a review of our systems to ensure that
the base infrastructure was performing at peak levels. The minor findings of the review have
now been addressed and we are confident that we are running at peak performance.
Rapid changes in technology *including the growth in the use of SharePoint technology,
mobile services, video conferencing and disaster recovery *influence how services are
delivered and ICT investments are made. With this in mind, we have installed a
82 PEOPLE AND OR GAN ISATION AL CAPABIL ITY
'
SharePoint 2010 environment that will allow greater access by staff to document management
systems, electronic forms, the applications management system, the food recall system and
other functions.
Facilitating Web 2.0 reforms
FSANZ is increasingly turning to Web 2.0 to deliver better services by engaging more
effectively with internal and external stakeholders and making better use of the information
arising from interactions.
We upgraded the communication link between our Canberra and Wellington offices from
2Mb to 10Mb and improved video conferencing facilities to further enhance national and
international communication. We upgraded mobile communication devices for staff, increased
the capabilities of remote services to include the latest security measures and installed video
phones for staff who regularly communicate between our two offices.
Disaster recovery
An external consultant helped us produce disaster recovery and business continuity plans
and a gap analysis. We installed and configured a second uninterrupted power supply for the
server room, along with a second air conditioning system in the server room in case of failure.
The agency *s backup software and hardware has also been upgraded.
Improved security
In 2010-11 FSANZ established a Cisco ASA firewall for network security. This system helps
with intrusion protection from external sources and other critical security functions. We
also established a threat management gateway to replace the existing ISA server. This will
handle web security and monitoring as a secondary defence system. We gained full Fedlink
accreditation and now have the ability to send in-confidence emails to all other government
departments.
Attraction, development and retention of a skilled workforce
At 30 June 2011 FSANZ employed 141 people *126 in Canberra and 15 in Wellington. A
small number of people are outposted. Of these, 22 were employed on a non-ongoing basis,
including 2 employees on long-term leave and one seconded to the UK Food Standards
Agency. Tables 10, 11 and 12 provide a snapshot of the employee profile and movement for
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
the year. Table 13 contains Equal Employment Opportunity information for about 70 per cent
of Australian staff members.
Table 10: Distribution of APS employees by level, location and gender at 30 June 2011
Female Male Total
Classification Full time Part time Full time Part timeFull time Part time
PEO 1 1
SEB2 1 1
SEB1 4 4
Exec2 15 3 14 29 3
Execl 24 6 15 1 39 7
APS6 15 7 8 23 7
APS5 5 3 1 5 4
APS4 10 3 2 12 3
APS3 1 1 1 1 2
APS2
Total 71 23 44 3 115 26
Agency total: 141
Table 11: Employee commencements and cessations
Male Female Total Total
OngoingNonâ ongoing OngoingNon-
ongoing Ongoing Nonâ ongoing
Commencements 3 5 4 10 7 15 22
Cessations v 2 12 8 16 10 26
Compared to the APS, FSANZ has a larger proportion of its workforce in the 55 and older age
group, but has less in the critical feeder group in the 45-54 group.
Personal/carers leave usage is 8.47 days per employee; the APS average is 10.7 days per
employee. The average for small agencies is 8.7 days; the large agencies average is
12.6 days.
84 PEOPLE AND OR GAN ISATION AL C APABIL ITY
Table 12: FSANZ average age versus APS average age
Age range FSANZ % APS %
Under 25 2.59 4.0
25-34 19.15 24.3
35-44 26.28 28.3
45-54 27.82 29.9
55 and older 24.16 13.6
Table 13: Representation of EEO groups by classification 2010-2011
Staff with EEO data
Salary classification Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people
People of non-English speaking background
(V
People of non-English speaking
background (2)
People with a disability
Male Female Total
APS Level 1-6 0 5 0 0 11 29 40
Exec Level 1 0 7 1 0 11 21 32
Exec Level 2 0 3 0 0 7 12 19
SES0 0 0 0 2 0 2
Totals 0 15 1 0 31 62 93
(1) includes people born overseas whose first language was not English and who came to Australia after the
age of five
(2) includes people born overseas who came to Australia before the age of five and whose first language was
not English, or people born in Australia with one or both parents born overseas and whose first language was
not English -
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Encouraging a rewarding environment
Employment environment
Enterprise Agreement
Our current enterprise agreement (EA) expired on 30 June 2011. Following the Government *s
decision in December 2010 to allow agencies to negotiate their own agreements, FSANZ
commenced discussions with staff and the relevant unions on a new three-year agreement. A
series of meetings was held between management, staff and the unions, at which a wide range
of issues affecting terms and conditions were discussed. The Government requires all EA cost
increases to be fully offset from within existing budgets by productivity improvements.
At 30 June 2011, a new enterprise agreement had not been finalised for consideration by staff.
While our New Zealand employees are not eligible to be included in the Australian EA, their
individual agreements generally mirror the terms and conditions of those contained in the Australian
agreement, subject to variations imposed by New Zealand workforce legislation.
Occupational Health and Safety
We use a broad range of strategies and programs aimed at increasing OH&S awareness and
education, identifying and removing potential risks and protecting the safety and wellbeing of all
employees and visitors. The Occupational Health and Safety Committee continued to meet on a
regular basis to discuss various minor issues and to ensure that all OH&S requirements were
being met.
There were no reported accidents or injuries to the occupational health and safety committee or to
the Staff Forum during the year and, importantly, there were no incident reports filed with Comcare.
In 2010-11, we continued to support an Employee Assistance Program, which provides
employees with access to confidential professional counselling to assist with work and personal
issues. In addition, employees are able to access a range of flexible working arrangements that
promote work-life balance. Part-time employees represent about 18.6% of all staff. This is higher
than the APS average of 13.7% as at 30 June 2010.
We provided free on-site influenza vaccinations and eyesight testing and corrective lenses (up to
the specified amounts) to all personnel required to operate screen-based equipment.
86 PEOPLE AND OR GAN ISATION AL C APABIL ITY
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Workplace wellness
The Workplace Wellness Program, funded by FSANZ and actively supported by staff, encourages
employees to become more health conscious, physically active and to achieve an appropriate
work-life balance. Activities focus on health, physical activity, nutrition and psychological health.
Throughout the year, staff supported wellness initiatives such as yoga, walking and jogging. We
provided pedometers to all interested people to participate in a walking challenge as a major
workplace wellness activity. Participants in the three-week challenge aimed to walk at least
10 000 steps each day. Some 65 staff members from Canberra and Wellington participated in the
challenge.
For 2010-11 the average absence per employee was 6.24 days. This compares very favourably
with the average for all APS agencies as reported in the 2009-10 State of the Service Report of
10.5 days. The average for small agencies is 8.7 days per employee.
Workplace Harassment Policy
FSANZ has a well-developed workplace harassment policy with supporting training materials
available on the intranet. These documents and policies aim to educate, prevent and resolve
any issues that may arise. We increased the number of Flarassment Contact Officers (FICOs) to
seven last year. This year, the newly appointed HCOs undertook formal training and existing HCOs
completed refresher courses. The team meets regularly and reports to the Staff Forum.
In 2010-11 there were no formal complaints of bullying and harassment within FSANZ.
National Disability Strategy and workplace diversity
We maintain a workplace diversity plan to enable us to maintain the organisational skills and
experience necessary to meet current and future obligations. We continued to ensure that all
employment matters were handled in accordance with APS requirements and principles of equal
employment opportunity.
This year we continued to develop our policies related to disability and completed the Disability
Recruitment Guidelines to ensure that any people with a disability seeking employment with FSANZ
are given every opportunity to compete for a position on the basis of merit.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Rewards and recognition
Our Staff Rewards and Recognition Scheme acknowledges individuals or teams who perform
their work over and above the expected. A panel of representatives from each branch of FSANZ
assesses nominations.
The Chair *s Annual Development Award is awarded by the FSANZ Chair on behalf of the Chief
Executive Officer and executive team. This award is based on performance at level and potential.
It recognises significant one-off achievements or contributions by individuals or teams.
The recipient for 2010-11 was Gillian Duffy for her outstanding contribution to the work of the
agency during her five years in FSANZ. She consistently used her initiative and her dedication was
well above that expected for someone at her level.
The Australia Day Achievement Medallion acknowledges an individual or team contribution
demonstrating achievements beyond the expectations of their role. In 2011 the recipient was
Dr Judy Cunningham for her dedication and scientific leadership in developing food composition
databases and dietary exposure modelling, nationally and internationally.
The CEO *s Half-Yearly Award acknowledges team or individual contributions to the corporate
goals of FSANZ. This year *s recipients were Brian Wright, Dr Janice Abbey, Dr Judy Cunningham
and Dr Janet Gorst.
Staff Long Term Service certificates were awarded to six staff members for 10 years * service to
FSANZ *Catherine Deeps, Luisa Trevisan, Valerie Carpenter, Jane Allen, Dr Michael Dack and
Kate Maurer.
Organisational structure
FSANZ *s six-member executive team includes the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Scientist,
General Manager Risk Assessment Branch, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and General
Manager Food Standards (Canberra) Branch, General Manager Food Standards (Wellington)
Branch and General Manager Legal and Regulatory Affairs Branch.
To separate the risk assessment and risk management functions of the agency, we conduct
these activities within different branches.
The Food Standards Branch in Canberra is largely responsible for risk management in
relation to food safety standards in the Food Standards Code, for coordinating Australiaâ
wide responses to food incidents and for nutrition and public health activities. The branch is
also responsible for corporate operations, finance, consumer and social sciences, regulatory
88 P E O P L E A ND O R G A N I S A T I O N A L C A P A B I L I T Y
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
analysis and ICT. The corresponding branch in Wellington is responsible for developing
labelling and compositional standards (including product safety) and for information,
communication and stakeholder services.
Our Risk Assessment Branch carries out the scientific evaluation of risks to human health
through food, including collecting compositional information, dietary modelling and evaluations
of the effectiveness of food standards.
Our work is organised in sections, as set out on the organisational chart (Figure 1) in the
corporate overview.
Senior management
Working under the strategic directions established by the Board, the executive leads and
effectively manages the operations of the agency. The management group, comprising section
managers and the executive, meets weekly. Section managers, and their general managers,
are responsible for supervising staff to ensure they meet milestones, appropriately use
budgets and staffing resources and contribute effectively to our goals and outcomes.
During the year, six senior executive service staff received performance bonuses totalling
$93 050.15 and 19 employees received performance payments totalling $187 478.32.
At 30 June 2011 our executive team included the following:
Steve McCutcheon *Chief Executive Officer
Mr McCutcheon is responsible to the FSANZ Board for the efficient administration of the
agency and, in conjunction with the Board, for the corporate and strategic directions of
FSANZ. He is also an ex officio member of the Board.
Melanie Fisher *Deputy Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Food Standards
(Canberra)
Ms Fisher is responsible for risk management associated with the development of food
standards that primarily address health and safety matters, including standards for the primary
industries, as well as for the agency *s social sciences, regulatory impact and economic
analysis activities. In addition, she has senior management responsibility for corporate
services, including a library, human resources and ICT functions and financial management.
PEOPLE AND OR GANISATIONAL CAPABILITY
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Dr Paul Brent *Chief Scientist
Dr Brent has executive responsibility for FSANZ *s scientific work, data collection activities
(including dietary modelling) and development of collaborative relations with scientific
institutions and the program that evaluates the impact of our standard setting activities. He
also coordinates our scientific relations with international agencies, especially Codex.
Dr Andrew Bartholomaeus *General Manager (Risk Assessment)
Dr Bartholomaeus has executive oversight of the agency *s risk assessment activities involving
chemical, microbiological and nutritional analyses and the assessment of the BSE status of
overseas countries.
Dean Stockwell *General Manager Food Standards (Wellington)
Mr Stockwell is responsible for the risk management functions associated with the
development of food standards that address labelling and information matters, food
contaminants, food composition, food additives and foods requiring pre-approval such
as novel foods. He oversees the agency *s communication and stakeholder engagement
functions. Mr Stockwell is the senior FSANZ representative in New Zealand and is
responsible for managing our relationships with consumers, industry, government and other
stakeholders there.
Peter May *General Manager Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Mr May is responsible for corporate governance, oversight of the Office of General Counsel
(an independent provider of internal legal advice) and standards development processes,
maintenance of the Code, and Parliamentary liaison.
90 PEOPLE AND OR GAN ISATION AL C APABIL ITY
Accountability
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Accountability
Strategic imperative
" complying with relevant governance and accountability requirements.
Objectives
" a continued culture of excellent governance
" appropriate systems in place and regularly checked.
Outcomes
" total compliance with legislative and reporting requirements
" government confidence in FSANZ *s ability to manage its work and resources.
Highlights 2010-11
" complied with general policies issued by the Australian Government under Section
48A of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC Act) and with
Finance Minister *s Orders
" met the reporting requirements of the CAC Act and Section 152 of the Food Standards
Australia New Zealand Act 1991
" achieved a 100 per cent compliance with service standards in our Service Charter
" received three requests for access to documents under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982
" responded to 100 per cent of ministerial correspondence, minutes and briefing notes
on time
" appeared before the Senate Estimates Committee on three occasions and participated
in two inquiries held by the Senate Community Affairs Committee
" developed a disaster recovery plan for our Wellington office, following the
Christchurch earthquake.
92 A C C O U N T A B I L I T Y
ANNUAL REPORT 2010â‘
Introduction
FSANZ receives funding from the Australian and New Zealand Governments to carry out
functions according to the FSANZ Act. Activities, priorities and the level of funding are
approved by the Australian Parliament and appear in the Portfolio Budget Statements. We
have a responsibility to demonstrate that these funds are spent for the designated purposes,
that we achieve our performance targets and that we carry out our business in an efficient and
effective manner.
Other elements of accountability include transparency, ethical governance and communicating
our roles and responsibilities to the community.
Transparency is an essential component of our business as a bi-national food regulator. It
creates trust in our decision-making processes, which contributes to community confidence in
the government *s ability to keep food safe. As part of this transparency, we began publishing
all applications and submissions to change the Food Standards Code on our website
(excluding commercial-in-confidence documents) in May 2011. To ensure the accessibility and
transparency of these documents we provided summaries and graphics to explain concepts,
used social media to reach all segments of society and used senior spokespeople for media
commentary.
The FSANZ Board has been especially concerned that FSANZ should articulate its role in
the food regulatory system as widely as possible. In particular, the Board has identified that
the community might expect FSANZ to have a broader role than the one defined by law. For
example, some public health and consumer groups have expressed the view that FSANZ
should give greater weighting to long-term health issues.
Ethical accountability *involving probity and due diligence *must be embedded in an
organisation *s culture to be credible. The FSANZ Board exercises ethical responsibilities
rigorously through such things as conflict of interest declarations. This attitude permeates
the agency and, according to a major survey of stakeholders in 2009, has gained FSANZ a
reputation for professionalism and fair play.
Notwithstanding our accountability to parliament, our ultimate accountability is to the people
of Australia and New Zealand through providing a safe food supply and information to make
informed decisions about food.
ACC OU N TABILITY 93
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Our role and priorities
FSANZ *s main and subsidiary objectives for developing food standards are set out in Section
18 of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 . Our functions are outlined in
section 13 of the Act. These legislative requirements determine the way in which we do our
core business.
Our goal is to achieve a high degree of public confidence in the safety and quality of food. This
goal is shared by all elements of the food regulatory system. Our outputs *food standards *
provide the food industry with the regulatory framework for conducting business, but the
ultimate beneficiaries of our work are the Australian and New Zealand populations.
FSANZ has developed a Strategic Map for 2009-12 which appears in Appendix 12. The map
describes how the FSANZ Board has translated the agency *s legislative responsibilities into a
strategic approach to guide our work into the future.
Central to this approach are the four strategic imperatives of the agency:
" enhancing the quality of regulatory standards
" building stronger stakeholder relationships
" continuing to strengthen the organisational capability and capacity of FSANZ
" complying with relevant governance and accountability requirements.
These strategic imperatives provide the framework for our annual undertakings to parliament,
outlined in Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS), and reflected in the aims of Program 1.1 of the
Health and Ageing PBS. We report against the deliverables and key performance indicators of
Program 1.1 in the section on priorities and performance in this report.
FSANZ is one of three elements of the food regulatory system. The Ministerial Council,
supported by the Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC), develops and provides policy
guidance on food regulation. The states, territories and New Zealand implement provisions
of the Code, increasingly through the coordination activities of the Implementation
Sub-Committee of FRSC, of which FSANZ is also a member.
FSANZ *s role, therefore, cannot and does not stop with the development of food standards.
We have a responsibility to ensure policy decisions are informed by relevant and high-quality
technical advice and that industry can comply with food standards and jurisdictional agencies
can enforce them. Both responsibilities require close, iterative working relationships with the
other two arms of the food regulatory system.
94 ACC OU N TABIL ITY
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Stakeholders and regulatory partners
Australian states and territories
Under a 1991 inter-governmental agreement, the states and territories agreed to adopt,
without variation, food standards recommended by the National Food Authority (now FSANZ).
The purpose of the 1991 agreement was to consolidate responsibility for developing food
standards into one specialist agency and to ensure the uniformity of food standards across all
states and territories.
New Zealand
On 1 July 1996, Australia and New Zealand agreed to establish a single joint food-standards
system. The joint arrangement (known as a treaty) aims to harmonise food standards between
the two countries, reduce compliance costs for industry and help remove regulatory barriers to
trade in food.
The treaty does not cover MRLs, food hygiene provisions, primary production standards
and export requirements relating to third country trade. It contains provisions that allow New
Zealand to opt out of a joint standard for exceptional reasons relating to health, safety, trade,
environmental concerns or cultural issues. In such cases, FSANZ may be asked to prepare a
variation to a standard to apply only in New Zealand. An amended treaty with New Zealand
was signed in July 2010.
The treaty to develop joint food standards requires that FSANZ and the New Zealand Minister
of Food Safety conclude a funding and performance agreement. The performance agreement
details the services FSANZ is to provide and includes quarterly performance reporting, details
of New Zealand *s contribution and the payment schedule.
On 1 July 2010 NZFSA was amalgamated with the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry, with full integration of the functions of the two departments completed by
December 2010.
Requests under FOI legislation
In 2010-11 FSANZ received three requests for access to documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
FSANZ Service Charter
Our Service Charter sets out the service standards by which we wish to be judged and
describes complaints procedures for individuals or organisations if they believe we have not
met those standards. We received one complaint in 2010-11.
Corporate governance arrangements
Government and Parliament
The majority of contact with the office of our Parliamentary Secretary, the Hon. Catherine King
MR, related to information, parliamentary-related functions and the provision of public affairs
support.
FSANZ performance
Ministerial correspondence
Completed on time 1-2 days late
3-7 days late 8-14 days
late
>14 days late
TOTAL for action
For info /no
further action
2010-11 3441 0 0 0 0 344 38
100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100%
2009-10 223 5 0 1 0 230 24
97.5% 2% 0% 0.5% 0% 100%
2008-09 168 4 1 0 0 173 24
97% 2% 1% 0% 0% 100%
1 This includes six responses that were provided by the due date, but were processed the next day
96 AC C OU N TABIL ITY
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
FSANZ provided input into correspondence on several matters relating to FSANZ
responsibilities. These formed part of overall responses from the Department of Health and
Ageing or other federal, state or territory departments.
Issues raised in the correspondence included palm oil labelling, general food safety issues,
BRA, food additives, raw milk, other labelling issues, low THC hemp, imported food and
GM food.
Minutes
Sent Returned Unsatisfactory % Satisfactory
or better
32 33 0 100%
Issues raised in minutes included FSANZ Board outcomes, imported food from Japan,
releases of surveys, BRA, GM ingredients in infant formula and updates on progress with
specific applications being considered by FSANZ.
Briefing Note Requests
ReceivedSent Late % sent late
14 12 0 0%
FSANZ also provided input into briefings on a number of matters relating to FSANZ
responsibilities as part of overall responses from the Department of Health and Ageing or other
departments.
Parliamentary Questions on Notice
Received Sent Late % sent late
0 0 0 0%
FSANZ provided input into a number of answers being provided by the Department of Health
and Ageing to Questions on Notice.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Senate Estimates
Senior staff members appeared before Senate Estimates on three occasions during the
year (October 2010 and February and June 2011). Issues raised during the hearings and in
subsequent Questions on Notice included safety and labelling of GM food, testing of imported
food, food safety standards, melamine and imported food, nanotechnology, safety of BRA,
fortification and BSE issues.
Question Time Briefings (QTBs)
FSANZ prepared over 70 briefings, either preparing new QTBs or updating existing QTBs on
many issues. FSANZ provided input to numerous QTBs prepared by agencies in the portfolio,
or other departments, where the issues crossed portfolio or agency responsibilities. Issues
included low THC hemp, specific food recalls, alcoholic energy drinks, GM food safety, thyroid
dysfunction, melamine, BRA, BSE, labelling issues, imported food and other general food
safety issues.
Senate Community Affairs Committee *inquiries into proposed legislation
FSANZ participated in two inquiries being held by the Senate Community Affairs Committee.
The inquiries were held into two Private Members * Bills *one on the labelling of GM food and
the other on the labelling of food in which palm oil has been used. FSANZ lodged submissions
and attended hearings as a witness for both inquiries. FSANZ also responded to Questions on
Notice arising from the inquiry into the GM food labelling Bill.
FSANZ Board
FSANZ has a 12-member Board appointed by the Australian Government Minister for Health
and Ageing, following consultation with the Australian, state, territory and New Zealand
governments. Members of the Board have been drawn from areas of expertise covering public
health, food science, medical science, consumer policy, primary industry, the National Health
and Medical Research Council, the food industry and government.
All members are part-time, except for the Chief Executive Officer. Details of the qualifications of
Board members and their attendance at meetings are summarised in Appendix 11.
Directors are appointed for varying terms. The four-year appointment term of the Chair, Ms
Philippa Smith, AM, commenced on 1 July 2008. The three-year appointment of Mr Tony
Nowell, CNZM, commenced on 1 July 2010. Dr Andrew McKenzie commenced his three-year
appointment on 27 May 2011.
98 A C C O U N T A B I L I T Y
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Ms Dianne Yates resigned ahead of the cessation of her term on 28 February 2011. The terms
of Associate Professor Peter Williams and Associate Professor Winsome Parnell ceased on
30 June 2011.
The CEO of FSANZ is an ex-officio member of the Board. Mr Steve McCutcheon was
appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer on 29 October 2007.
The Board meets at least four times a year and also convenes through teleconferences to
discuss urgent issues and to meet statutory timelines for applications. Four Board meetings
and five teleconferences were held in 2010-11. Members also considered matters out of
session. FSANZ provides secretariat services to the Board and publishes outcomes of its
meetings on its website.
We have well-established procedures to ensure that conflict of interest issues are addressed
before the Board considers any issues. We maintain a register of interests which is available for
public scrutiny on our website.
Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee
The Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee (FARMC) is a forum for communication
between the FSANZ directors, executive managers and the internal and external auditors. The
committee *s responsibilities are to enhance the control framework, improve the objectivity and
reliability of financial reporting and to assist the Board to ensure compliance and oversight of
the internal audit function.
In 2010-11 Dr Michele Allan chaired FARMC and deepened the committee *s involvement in
corporate governance and risk management activities. The committee has had a key role
in developing a risk management framework while also reporting to the Board on financial
accountability, internal audit and compliance systems. The committee continues to have
a strong interest in occupational health and safety issues, ICT and HR matters in both our
Australian and New Zealand offices.
Each year FARMC approves the updated three-year Strategic Internal Audit Plan. This plan is
based on a risk analysis and addresses both strategic and operational risks. Audits completed
in 2010-11 concerned compliance with the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act
1997 obligations, food standards development processes, payment and recording of salaries
and entitlements and asset management.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Business planning and management
Business continuity management
FSANZ has a comprehensive business continuity management process. Its purpose is to
provide a framework to enable FSANZ to rebound from any unplanned and disruptive event,
providing continuity of service to stakeholders and protection for our reputation. Disruptive
incidents can arise from accidents, criminal activity or natural disasters.
As the current Business Continuity Plan was developed several years ago, a consultant
specialising in developing and testing continuity plans was appointed to evaluate our plan.
Their recommendation was to revise and simplify the plan and to make it more consistent with
current best practice. This work is currently being undertaken and should be completed by
September 2011.
Following the earthquakes that struck Christchurch, New Zealand on 4 September 2010
and later on 22 February 2011, in consultation with our New Zealand staff, we developed a
comprehensive disaster recovery plan for our Wellington office. This was developed using
information provided by the Wellington Emergency Management Office. Further work will
be done to ensure the plan is updated to include new information and advice provided by
emergency authorities in the region.
Chief Executive Instructions
Much of the policy for day-to-day operations in FSANZ is governed by Chief Executive
Instructions (CEIs). We have more than 60 CEIs, covering general administration, financial
management, human resources, information technology and security.
During 2010-11 we created a number of new CEIs, including guidelines for disability and
indigenous recruitment policies, encouraging a smoke-free office environment, and air
conditioning in the Canberra office. A number of existing CEIs were revised and updated,
including the use of hospitality, executive vehicles and corporate credit cards. We also
strengthened our procurement policy and are updating our travel policy in line with revised
government policies.
Strategic and corporate planning
Our annual planning schedule reflects the cycle for strategic planning for the Board and
FSANZ. It is based on our three-year Corporate Plan and annual Portfolio Budget Statements.
100 A C C O U N T A B I L I T Y
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
The 2009-12 Corporate Plan is structured around four strategic imperatives *regulatory
standards, stakeholder relationships, people and organisational capability and accountability.
We link section planning to strategic planning through our annual business planning process.
This year we finalised our enterprise governance and risk management frameworks which will
help us outline Board strategy and articulate management responses. They provide guidance
to staff in addressing their responsibilities for risk management in the public sector.
Portfolio Budget Statements and performance measurement
Our Key Strategic Directions for 2010-11, as outlined in the Portfolio Budget Statements,
were:
" to manage the development and maintenance of effective evidence-based food
standards contributing to the provision of a safe food supply
" to ensure effective engagement with regulatory partners in the implementation of these
standards to protect the health and safety of Australians and New Zealanders
" to strengthen engagement with industry, consumers and the general community to
increase awareness of the food regulatory system.
In the section on priorities and performance in this annual report (page 17), the deliverables
and key performance indicators listed in the Portfolio Budget Statements are listed, along with
targets. We have reported against these targets.
Internal audit program
FSANZ maintains a three-year internal audit program approved by the Finance Audit and Risk
Management Committee. We outsource our internal audit function, conducting four audits
annually. The current audit provider is Protiviti.
The audits conducted this year included a review of salaries and entitlements, the processes
for the design and control of food safety, compliance with the Commonwealth Authorities
and Companies Act 1997 and asset management. All findings are routinely communicated to
FARMC and the executive monitors our response activity.
The ANAO conducts an external annual audit of FSANZ financial statements.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Performance audit by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)
In 2010-11 the ANAO finalised the performance audit of FSANZ which commenced in
2010. The objective of the audit was to assess FSANZ *s administration of its food standards
functions, as specified in the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991.
Particular emphasis was given to the effectiveness of our performance management and
reporting; the effective administration of our food standard development and variation function,
including stakeholder management; and our effectiveness in monitoring the implementation of
our standards and coordinating relevant jurisdictions to address market failures.
The ANAO made three recommendations and FSANZ has developed and acted on an
implementation plan to address these recommendations.
Consultants, competitive tendering and contractors
We spent $1.93 million on consultants and contractors during the year on services and
products costing more than $10 000 (see Appendix 9 for details).
102 A C C O U N T A B I L I T Y
Appendix 1 - Gazetted amendments to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011
Gazettal and registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments of amendments to
the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code occurs throughout the year after the Ministerial
Council notifies FSANZ that it does not need to review its decision on a Standard or a variation
to a Standard; or if, after a review by FSANZ, the Ministerial Council accepts or amends the
Standards or variation to a Standard. Each series of amendments is sequentially numbered.
FSANZ gazetted (published) amendments to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
relating to the following Applications and Proposals:
Amendment No. 117 (1 July 2010)
Application A603 - Red 3 Erythrosine in Food Colouring Preparations
To permit the use of Red 3 Erythrosine as a colouring for icing.
Application A1021 - Food derived from Herbicide-tolerant Maize Line DP-098140-6
To seek permission for food derived from maize genetically modified to provide tolerance to
herbicides glyphosate and acetolactate-synthase inhibitors.
Application A1032 - *â¤-Galactosidase as a Processing Aid (Enzyme)
To seek approval for a new microbial source for *â¤-Galactosidase produced from Bacillus
circulans, for use in the production of galactooligosaccharides.
Application A1033 - Maltotetraohydrolase as a Processing Aid (Enzyme)
To seek approval for maltotetraohydrolase, produced by fermentation using a non-toxigenic
genetically modified strain of Bacillus licheniformis, to reduce the staling process of baked goods.
Amendment No. 118 (2 September 2010)
Application A1029 - Food Derived from Drought-tolerant Corn Line MON87460
To seek permission for food derived from corn genetically modified to reduce yield loss under
water-limited conditions.
APPENDIX 1 GAZETTED AMENDMENTS 103
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Application A1035 - Food Derived from Insect-protected Soybean Line MON87701
To seek approval for food derived from insect-protected soybean genetically modified to provide
protection from feeding damage caused by Lepidopteran pests in tropical and subtropical
growing regions.
Amendment No. 119 (30 September 2010)
Application A1036 - Lipase derived from Aspergillus niger as a Processing Aid (Enzyme)
To approve a new microbial source for enzyme (lipase) produced from a genetically modified
strain of Aspergillus niger for use in bakery applications to enhance the gas holding capacity of
bread dough, to increase the stability of the dough upon proofing leading to an increased loaf
volume.
Proposal M1005 - Maximum Residue Limits (April-September 2009)
To amend maximum residue limits for a number of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
Amendment No. 120 (20 January 2011)
Application A1040 - Food derived from Insect-resistant & Herbicide-tolerant Cotton Line
GHB119
To seek permission for food derived from cotton genetically modified to provide resistance to
Lepidopteran insect pests and tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium.
Amendment No. 121 (10 February 2011)
Application A1025 - Classification of Dimethyl Dicarbonate
To address the current regulatory inconsistency relating to the status of dimethyl dicarbonate
which is currently permitted as a food additive, but is neither present, nor active, in the final food.
Application A1044 - Pullulanase from Bacillus subtilis as a Processing Aid (Enzyme)
To permit the use of a new microbial source for pullulanase sourced from a genetically modified
strain of Bacillus subtilis for use in the starch and alcohol industry.
Proposal P1009 - Maximum Limits for Tutin in Honey
To review the maximum limits for tutin in honey and comb honey before the expiry date of 31
March 2011.
104 APPENDIX 1 GAZETTED AM EN D M EN TS
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Amendment No. 122 (5 May 2011)
Application A1048 - Co-extruded Polystyrene & PVPP as a Processing Aid
To permit the use of an extrudate from polystyrene and cross-linked polyvinylpolypyrrolidone
(PVPP) as a clarifying and adsorbent agent in beverages, specifically beer.
Proposal M1006 - Maximum Residue Limits (October 2009-March 2010)
To amend maximum residue limits for a number of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
Proposal M1007 - Maximum Residue Limits (April-June 2010)
To amend maximum residue limits for a number of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
Amendment No. 123 (26 May 2011)
Proposal P301 - Primary Production & Processing Standard for Eggs & Egg Products
To develop an Australia only primary production and processing Standard to provide mandatory,
nationally-consistent food safety measures that will apply to egg production and processing of
egg products.
APPENDIX 1 GAZETTED AMENDMENTS 105
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Appendix 2 - Applications received and Proposals prepared at 30 June 2011
Applications received and Proposals prepared before 1 October 2007
Section 69 of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (as was in force prior to
1 July 2007) requires FSANZ to report on its processing of applications and proposals in the
following manner:
During 2010-2011, FSANZ progressed 5 Applications received prior to 1 October 2007:
(v) 0 were withdrawn;
(vi) 0 were rejected by FSANZ;
(vii) 0 were finalised and notified to the Ministerial Council;
(viii) 0 were considered after a request for a review and notified to the Ministerial Council;
and
(ix) 5 were still being progressed as at 30 June 2011.
During 2010-2011, FSANZ progressed 8 Proposals prepared prior to 1 October 2007:
(v) 0 were abandoned by FSANZ;
(vi) 1 was finalised and notified to the Ministerial Council;
(vii) 0 were considered after a request for a review and notified to the Ministerial Council;
and
(viii) 7 were still being progressed as at 30 June 2011.
(e) Any occasion during 2010-2011 that FSANZ, after preparing a draft standard or a
draft variation of a standard, failed to make a decision under section 18 of the FSANZ
Act (as was in force prior to 1 July 2007) within the period required under section 35 (as
was in force prior to 1 July 2007) and a statement of the reasons for that failure; and
Nil
(f) Extensions of time FSANZ granted under subsection 35(2) of the FSANZ Act during
2010-2011 and the reasons for those extensions:
Nil
106 APPENDIX 2 APPL IC ATION S AND PROPOSALS
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-
(g) The number of applications made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal during
2010-2011 for a review of a decision made by FSANZ.
Nil
(h) The results of the applications made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal that
were determined during 2010-2011:
Nil
(i) The number of standards made under the FSANZ Act during 2010-2011:
2 (this includes both standards and variations to standards gazetted)
(j) The number of draft standards and draft variations approved during
2010-2011 under:
(i) section 18 of the FSANZ Act (Final Assessment)
1
(k) The number of occasions during 2010-2011 when requests were made under
section 21 of the FSANZ Act (as was in force prior to 1 July 2007) for a review of a draft
standard or draft variation:
(l ) The number of occasions during 2010-2011 when requests were made under
section 22 of the FSANZ Act (as was in force prior to 1 July 2007) for a review of a draft
standard or draft variation:
(m) The number of occasions during 2010-2011 when a draft standard or draft variation
was rejected under section 23 of the FSANZ Act (as was in force prior to 1 July 2007):
(n) The number of occasions during 2010-2011 when requests were made under
section 28A of the FSANZ Act (as was in force prior to 1 July 2007) for a review of a
standard or variation:
(p) The number of occasions during 2010-2011 when a standard or variation was revoked
or amended under section 28C of the FSANZ Act (as was in force prior to 1 July 2007):
Nil
APPENDIX 2 - APPLICATIONS AND PROPOSALS 107
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Applications received and Proposals prepared from 1 October 2007 onwards
Section 152 of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 requires FSANZ to report
on its processing of applications and proposals in the following manner:
(aa) The number of applications that were made under section 22 during
2010 -2011 :
11
(ab) The number of applications accepted under subsection 26(1) during
2010 -2011 :
11
(ac) The number of applications rejected under subsection 26(1) during 2010-2011
and the reasons for the rejections:
3
1 PA1052 - on the basis that it did not meet the mandatory format and information
requirements under subsection 22(2) of the FSANZ Act which are set out in Part 3 of
the FSANZ Application Handbook. The Admin Assessment does not consider the
merits of the Application.
2. PA1053 - on the basis that it did not meet the mandatory format and information
requirements under subsection 22(2) of the FSANZ Act which are set out in Part 3 of
the FSANZ Application Handbook. The Admin Assessment does not consider the
merits of the Application.
3. PA1058 - on the basis that it did not meet the mandatory information requirements
under subsection 22(2) of the FSANZ Act which are set out in Part 3 of the FSANZ
Application Handbook. The Admin Assessment does not consider the merits of the
Application.
(ad) The number of Applications withdrawn in 2010-2011 under subsection 24(1)
during the current year:
1
(ae) The number of applications accepted under subsection 26(1) during 2010-2011
that FSANZ had not begun to assess under section 29 during 2010-2011:
1
108 APPENDIX 2 APPL IC ATION S AND PROPOSALS
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
(af) The number of applications accepted under subsection 26(1) during a previous
financial year that FSANZ had not begun to assess under section 29 before the end
2010 -2011 :
(a) The number of applications that were considered under Subdivision D of Division 1
of Part 3 during 2010-2011
23
(b) The number of applications that were considered under Subdivision E of Division 1
of Part 3 during 2010-2011:
(c) The number of applications that were considered under Subdivision F of Division 1
of Part 3 during 2010-2011:
6
(d) Health claims
N/A
(e) For each of those Subdivisions, the number of applications considered under that
Subdivision that were disposed of during 2010-2011 and the manner of their disposal:
Subdivision D:
11 Approved
A1025, A1030, A1036, A1037, A1038, A1040, A1044, A1048, A1049, A1050
1 Withdrawn
A1012
1 Rejected
A1005
Subdivision E:
1 Approved
A1034
Subdivision F:
APPENDIX 2 - APPLIC ATIONS AND PROPOSALS 109
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
(f) For each of those Subdivisions, the average time taken to dispose of applications
during 2010-2011 (for Approval only):
Subdivision D:
8.5 months
A1025 7.5 months
A1030 9 months (does not include 4 months for further info)
A1038 8.5 months
A1044 8 months
A1036 8 months
A1037 8.5 months
A1040 9 months
A1048 9 months
A1049 9.5 months
A1050 8.5 months (does not include 2 weeks for further info)
Subdivision E:
N/A
Subdivision F:
20 months
A1034 20 months (includes 6 months extension of time but does not include
1 month for further info)
(fa) The number of applications accepted under subsection 26(1) during a previous
financial year that FSANZ had begun to assess under section 29 before the end of the
current year, but that the FSANZ had not disposed of before the end 2010-2011 and the
period that elapsed since the application was accepted under subsection 26(1):
4
(fb) For an application covered by paragraph (fa), the period that has elapsed since the
application was accepted under subsection 26(1)
A1026 24 months
A1039 18.5 months
A1045 14 months
A1047 13 months
110 A P P E N D I X 2 A P P L I C A T I O N S A ND P R O P O S A L S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
(g) The number of applications made during 2010-2011 in relation to which a charge
fixed under section 146 was payable
7
(h) The number of applications made during 2010-2011 in relation to which no charge
fixed under section 146 was payable
2
(i) The average number of days that elapsed between the acceptance or rejection under
section 26 of an application made during 2010-2011 in relation to which no charge
fixed under section 146 was payable, and the commencement of the assessment of the
application under section 29
9.5 months
(j) Each occasion during 2010-2011 on which the consideration period under section
109 elapsed without FSANZ completing the procedure that FSANZ must, under
Subdivision C of Division 1, adopt in considering the application
A1005 Approval due: 13 Oct 2009. Rejected 5 May 2011
Due to the complexity of the Application and need for expert reviews
A1012 Approval due: 16 December 2009. Withdrawn 4 February 2011
Due to the complexity of the Application and need for expert reviews
A1034 Approval due: 18 April 2011. Approved 22 June 2011
Due to the complexity of the Application and need for expert reviews
A1049 Approval due: 20 April 2011. Approved 5 May 2011
Due to the complexity of the Application because of the new technology used to introduce
the genetic traits.
(k) Each occasion during 2010-2011 on which FSANZ extended the consideration
period under subsection 109(4), and the reasons for that extension
A1034 (6 months) In light of the complexity of the risk assessment, it was not practicable
to complete the Application within the 12-month timeframe and an extension of time was
approved to enable the completion of the assessment of an extensive toxicological data
set by FSANZ toxicologists, as well as external peer review. The additional time for this
Application was also required to ensure a thorough consideration of the risk assessment
issues and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
APPENDIX 2 - APPLICATIONS AND PROPOSALS 111
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
*ë*ä041 (6 months) Prior to completion of the 1 st Assessment Report, additional
studies were sought from the Applicant to enable a thorough consideration of a
range of nutritional and technical issues, and this resulted in the need for additional
assessment time. In addition, several issues were raised in the first round of public
comment that required further contact with the Applicant, and minor amendments to the
Nutrition Assessment. While agreeing with the conclusions of the Safety and Nutrition
Assessments, the New Zealand Food Safety Authority sought clarification on several
technical matters, which required further research and analysis.
(ka) The number of applications declared under section 95 to be urgent applications
during 2010-2011:
(l ) The number of proposals prepared by FSANZ under section 55 during 2010-2011:
1
(la) The number of proposals prepared under section 55 during 2010-2011 that FSANZ
had not begun to assess under section 59 during that year:
(lb) The number of proposals prepared under section 55 during a previous financial
year that FSANZ had not begun to assess under section 59 before the end of 2010â
2011:
(m) The number of proposals made by FSANZ under section 81 during 2010-2011:
(n) The number of proposals that were disposed of during 2010-2011 and the manner
of their disposal:
5 Approved
(o) The average time taken to dispose of proposals under each of Subdivisions D, E, F
and H of Division 2 of Part 3 during 2010-2011:
8.2 Months
P1009 7 months
P1013 8 months
M 1005 10.5 months
M1006 10 months
M1007 6 months
112 A P P E N D I X 2 - A P P L I C A T I O N S A ND P R O P O S A L S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
(p) The average number of days that elapsed between the preparation of a proposal
during 2010-2011 under each of sections 55 and 81 and the commencement of the
assessment of the proposal under section 59:
23 days
P1013 46 days
M1007 Odays
(pa) The number of proposals prepared under section 55 during a previous financial
year that FSANZ had begun to assess under section 59 before the end 2010-2011, but
that FSANZ had not disposed of before the end of 2010-2011:
5
(pb) For a proposal covered by paragraph (pa), the period that has elapsed since the
proposal was prepared under section 55:
P1004 25 months
P1005 27.5 months
P1007 36 months
P1009 18 months
P1011 14 months
(pc) The number of proposals declared under section 95 to be urgent proposals during
2010 -2011 :
(pd) The number of occasions during the current year when the 12 month period
referred to in subsection 101(1) ended with no decision having been made under that
subsection and the reasons for no decision having been made:
(q) The number of applications made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal during
2010-2011 for review of decisions of FSANZ:
1
An application was lodged in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on 6 June 2011 seeking
review of the decision to refuse approval for Tonalinà as a novel food (Application A1005).
APPENDIX 2 - APPLICATIONS AND PROPOSALS 113
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
(r) The results of the applications made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal that were
determined during 2010-2011:
N/A
(s) The number of standards made during 2010-2011:
14
(t) The number of draft standards and draft variations approved during 2010-2011
under each of the following:
(i) section 33:
16
(ii) section 41:
(u) The number of occasions during 2010-2011 when requests were made by the
Ministerial Council under Division 3 of Part 3 for a review of a draft standard or draft
variation:
(v) The number of occasions during 2010-2011 when a draft standard or draft variation
was rejected by the Ministerial Council under Division 3 of Part 3:
(w) The number of occasions during 2010-2011 when requests were made by the
Council under Division 3 of Part 3 for a review of a standard or variation:
(x) The number of occasions during 2010-2011 when a standard or variation was
revoked or amended by the Ministerial Council under Division 3 of Part 3:
In relation to applications or proposals declared to be urgent under section 95, either
in 2010-2011 or in previous financial years, the number which were disposed of under
section 101 and the manner of their completion:
114 A P P E N D I X 2 A P P L I C A T I O N S A N D P R O P O S A L S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-201 1
In relation to applications or proposals declared to be urgent under section 95, either in
2010-2011 or in previous financial years, the number of occasions where disposal did
not occur within 12 months of the date of effect of the publication of a standard under
section 97:
(y) A summary of policy guidelines notified to FSANZ during 2010-2011:
Updated Policy Guideline on the Regulation of Infant Formula Products (notified to FSANZ
on 19 May 2011). This Policy Guideline is intended to cover infant formula, follow-on
formula and infant formula for special dietary uses for infants from 0 to 12 months of
age.
(z) Such other matters (if any) as are specified in the Regulations:
Nil
A P P E NDI X 2 A P P L I C A T I O N S A ND P RO P O S A L S 115
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Appendix 3 - FSANZ procedures for assessing Applications
Information on these procedures can be found on the FSANZ website at
www.foodstandards.gov.au/foodstandards/changingthecode
Processes for assessing applications
FSANZ *s primary role is developing or amending food standards to ensure the safety of
food sold in Australia and New Zealand, to ensure the provision of adequate information to
consumers and to prevent misleading or deceptive conduct.
FSANZ work is open for public scrutiny. When developing or changing a food standard, there
is generally at least one round of public consultation.
Anyone can make an application to change a current standard or develop a new food
standard or code of practice. FSANZ can also initiate the development or review of a standard
by preparing a proposal. Both follow the same steps (as set out below). Guidelines on how to
make an application are available from our Standards Management Officer or from the FSANZ
website.
FSANZ maintains an Application Handbook which includes information to assist potential
applicants. FSANZ is able to reject an application on the basis that it has not met the
mandatory information requirements set out in Part 3 of the Application Handbook. This
ensures that applications contain sufficient information to enable them to be properly
assessed, thus minimising delays in the completion of assessments where further information
from an applicant is required to enable an assessment to proceed.
The Application Handbook also includes information covering cost-recovery, confidentiality,
application templates and minimum data requirements to complete an assessment. The
Application Handbook is updated as required to ensure currency of FSANZ *s information
needs.
FSANZ continually looks at ways to improve its assessment processes. In recent years a
number of changes have been adopted to improve the format of reports and to place greater
emphasis on impact or cost-benefit assessment of regulatory options.
Many documents such as applications and submissions are being progressively made
available on our website. All applications and submissions made after 1 May 2011 will be
116 A P P E N D I X 3 P R O C E D U R E S F O R A S S E S S I N G A P P L I C A T I O N S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
uploaded as soon as possible after acceptance or processing. For access to documents
prior to this date or for more information about the detailed matters to do with food standards
development, contact FSANZ *s Standards Management Officer in Canberra on (02) 6271 2280
or email standards.management@foodstandards.gov.au.
The steps are:
Administrative Assessment
The purpose of this assessment is to determine whether an application includes certain
minimum mandatory requirements (as outlined in the Application Handbook) and the
Procedure by which it should be assessed. Fees are payable after FSANZ has determined
whether or not to accept the application and the assessment Procedure. FSANZ has 15
working days to complete this process. A report is prepared which is available to the public.
An *early bird * public notification is subsequently made by FSANZ, advising of the acceptance
of the application and its placement on the Work Plan. Proposals are treated in a similar
fashion.
Procedures for the assessment of applications and proposals
General Procedure (Default) (9 months to complete assessment) - This Procedure is the
default process for variations to a food regulatory measure and generally involves one round
of public consultation only. Most applications and proposals will be assessed under this
Procedure, although more can be held as required.
Minor Procedure (3 months to complete assessment) - This Procedure applies to
minor variations to food regulatory measures including, but not limited to, correction of a
typographical error or minor editorial changes. It involves one round of limited consultation with
government agencies only, and if relevant, affected parties.
Major Procedure (12 months to complete assessment) - This Procedure applies to the
development of a new Standard or a major variation to a food regulatory measure involving
such scientific or technical complexity that it is necessary to adopt this procedure in
considering it or such a significant change to the scope of the food regulatory measure that
it is necessary to adopt this procedure to consider the application. This Procedure generally
involves two rounds of public consultation, although more can be held as required.
APPENDIX 3 - PROCEDURES FOR ASSESSING APPLICATIONS 117
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Assessment
The purpose of this assessment is to determine whether to proceed to develop a food
regulatory measure. FSANZ will then either prepare a draft food regulatory measure
or variation or reject (in whole or part) the application, or abandon the proposal. In this
assessment, FSANZ must have regard to the s 18 objectives of the FSANZ Act (see below)
and other relevant matters, including matters under s 29 (see below). A report is prepared and
publicly released for consultation. Calls for public comment are made via the Food Standards
Notification Circular, email alerts to interested stakeholders and on our website.
If an application or proposal is being considered under the Major Procedure, the Assessment
is carried out in two parts (1 st and 2nd Assessments) with an additional round of consultation
between. The 2nd Assessment Report includes proposed draft variations to the Code.
Section 18 Objectives
In descending order of priority:
(a) The protection of public health and safety; and
(b) the provision of adequate information relating to food to enable consumers to make
informed choices; and
(c) the prevention of misleading or deceptive conduct.
In developing or reviewing food standards, the Authority is also required to have regard to
the following:
(a) The need for standards to be based on risk analysis using the best scientific evidence.
(b) The promotion of consistency between domestic and international food standards.
(c) The desirability of an efficient and internationally competitive food industry.
(d) The promotion of fair trading in food.
(e) Any written policy guidelines formulated by the Ministerial Council and notified to FSANZ.
118 A P P E N D I X 3 - P R O C E D U R E S F O R A S S E S S I N G A P P L I C A T I O N S
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Section 29 matters
In assessing the application, the Authority must have regard to the following matters:
(a) whether costs that would arise from a food regulatory measure developed or varied as
a result of the application outweigh the direct and indirect benefits to the community,
Government or industry that would arise from the development or variation of the food
regulatory measure;
(b) whether other measures (available to the Authority or not) would be more cost
effective than a food regulatory measure developed or varied as a result of the
application;
(c) any relevant New Zealand standards;
(d) any other relevant matters.
Approval
After the submission period, FSANZ must either approve, approve subject to amendment, or
reject the draft standard or variation. FSANZ must have regard to all submissions made during
the submissions period. A report is prepared containing the decision, reasons, submissions
list, analysis of submissions, Regulation Impact Statement and if approved, the food regulatory
measure or variation of the Food Standards Code.
The report is publicly released. Advice on approvals is made via the Food Standards
Notification Circular, email alerts to interested stakeholders and on our website, as well as
in the newspapers. The newspaper notices appear nationally in The Australian and in New
Zealand, The New Zealand Herald.
Ministerial consideration of approved food standards
Decisions on food standards, once approved by the FSANZ Board are notified to the
Ministerial Council. Within 60 days of this notification, a majority of jurisdictions on the
Ministerial Council may ask FSANZ to conduct a review of its decision.
Alternatively, the Ministerial Council may inform FSANZ that it does not intend to request
a review. In the latter case, the standards are gazetted in Australia and New Zealand and
registered as legislative instruments and become law at the date specified.
APPENDIX 3 - PROCEDURES FOR ASSESSING APPLICATIONS 119
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
If the Ministerial Council requests a review, FSANZ must conduct the review within three
months (or a longer period if allowed by the Ministerial Council) and either re-affirm the
decision, with or without amendments to the standard, or withdraw its approval of the
standard.
Our decision is then notified to the Ministerial Council. The Ministerial Council, by a majority
decision, may then, within 60 days, approve, amend or reject the draft variation.
If the Ministerial Council amends or does not amend the draft variation, the amendment is
gazetted in Australia and New Zealand and registered as a legislative instrument and becomes
law at the date specified.
Advice on gazettals is made via the Food Standards Notification Circular , email alerts to
interested stakeholders and on our website, as well as in the newspapers. The newspaper
notices appear nationally in The Australian and in New Zealand, The New Zealand Herald.
Once the amendment becomes law, it is the responsibility of state and territory governments
and the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to enforce the standard. The
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is responsible for enforcing standards
relating to imported food.
120 APPENDIX 3 - PROCEDUR ES FOR ASSESSIN G APPL IC ATION S
Appendix 4 - External FSANZ committee members
FSANZ maintains a number of committees with members selected for their skills and
knowledge, drawn from a wide range of industry, academia, consumer interests and
government bodies. We gratefully acknowledge the contribution of the committee
members listed below.
Advisory Group for Food Composition
Mr Paul Adorno National Measurement Institute
Dr Geoffrey Annison Australian Food and Grocery Council
Dr Jayashree ArcotUniversity of New South Wales
Ms Jane Barnes Foodsense
Ms Annette Byron Dietitians Association of Australia
Professor Lynne Cobiac Flinders University
Ms Marjolein Collins Home Economic Association
Ms Vicki Deakin University of Canberra
Ms Joanne Dellow NSW School Canteen Foundation
Ms Veronique Droulez Meat and Livestock Australia
Dr Andreas Dubs Australian Chicken Meat Federation
Mr Chester Goodsell Xyris Software (Australia) Pty Ltd
Dr Heather Greenfield University of Sydney
Dr Lee Huffman Crop and Food Research, NZ
Dr Russell KeastDeakin University
Mr Kim Leighton Australian Food and Grocery Council
Ms Sally Mackay Ministry of Health, NZ
Ms Anne-Marie Mackintosh National Heart Foundation of Australia
A P P E N D I X 4 E X T E R N A L F S A N Z C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S 121
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Dr Peter Nichols CSIRO Food Futures Flagship
Dr Yasmine Probst University of Wollongong
Mr David Roberts Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ
Dr Pieter Scheelings Queensland Health
Dr Andrew Sinclair Deakin University
Dr Craige Trenerry Department of Primary Industries, Vic
Ms Emily Walker Meat and Livestock Australia
Ms Julie Woods Monash University
Advisory Committee for Fortification Monitoring Bread Analysis Project
Ms Peta Craig Australian Food and Grocery Council
Ms Elizabeth Dunford George Institute for International Health
Dr Pieter Scheelings Queensland Health
Ms Kim Unwin Department of Health, WA
Advisory Committee on Novel Foods
Mr Michael Apollonov New South Wales Food Authority
Mr John Bates Queensland Health
Mr Gary Bielby Queensland Health
Ms Janine Curll New South Wales Food Authority
Ms Ursula Egan Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ
Mr David Larkings Queensland Health
Ms Enita Ostojic Department of Health, WA
Mr Terry Oughtred Department of Health, Vic
Mr John van den Beuken Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ
Mr John Ward Department of Health, Vic
122 A P P E N D I X 4 E X T E R N A L F S A N Z C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S
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Consumer & Public Health Dialogue
Ms Kathy Chapman Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance
Ms Sue Chetwin Consumer NZ
Ms Nicola Chilcott Agencies for Nutrition Action
Ms Christine Cook Dietitians NZ
Dr Danielle Gallegos Dietitians Association of Australia
Ms Clare Hughes CHOICE
Assoc. Prof. Mark Lawrence Deakin University
Assoc. Prof. Cliona Ni Mhurchu University of Auckland
Dr Rosemary Stanton Public Health Association of Australia
Assoc. Prof. Heather Yeatman University of Wollongong
Consumer Liaison Committee
Ms Hean Bee Wee National Council of Women Australia
Ms Eileen Clark Private individual
Ms Clare Hughes CHOICE
Ms Libby Manley Consumer NZ
Mr Mark Robinson Private individual
Mr George Seymour Private individual
Ms Sharon Thorpe Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Office
Ms Nicole Turner Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service
Food Allergy & Intolerance Scientific Advisory Committee
Dr Katrina Allen Royal Children *s Hospital, Melbourne
Dr Vincent Crump Auckland Allergy Clinic
Dr Robert Loblay Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney
A P P E N D I X 4 E X T E R N A L F S A N Z C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S 123
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Dr Raymond Mullins John James Medical Centre, Canberra
Professor Robyn O *Hehir Alfred Hospital, Melbourne
Dr Jane Peake Royal Children *s Hospital, Brisbane
Dr Jan Sinclair Starship Children *s Hospital, Auckland
Dr Sofia Sipsas Consultant - Lupin Research and Development
Dr William Smith Royal Adelaide Hospital
Dr Martin Stuckey Alfred Hospital, Melbourne
Food Surveillance Network
Ms Natalie Collins Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ
Ms Yvette Dethridge Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
Ms Debra Gradie Department of Health and Ageing, Cwth
Mr Mark Hansen Queensland Health
Mr Edward Jansson New South Wales Food Authority
Ms Fiona Jones Department of Health, Vic
Mr Radomir Krsteski ACT Health
Ms Narelle Marro Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth
Mr Glen Martin Department of Health, SA
Ms Olivia McQuestin Department of Health and Human Services, Tas
Mr Ian Reichstein Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth
Mr Russell Schultz Safe Food Queensland
Ms Kim Unwin Department of Health, WA
Ms Tracy Ward Department of Health and Community Services, NT
124 A P P E N D I X 4 E X T E R N A L F S A N Z C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-2011
Jurisdictional Forum
Ms Elena Anear Department of Health, SA
Mr Gary Bielby Queensland Health
Mrs Trade Brady Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth
Ms Nola Caffin Queensland Health
Ms Joanne Cammans Department of Health, SA
Ms Clare Chandler Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ
Dr Kerry Chant New South Wales Health
Ms Candy D *Menzie-Bunshaw Department of Health, Vic
Ms Yvette Dethridge Australian Quarantine and Inspection Sen/ice
Ms Tracey Duffy Department of Health and Ageing, Cwth
Mr Chris Etherton Primary Industry and Resources, SA
Dr Nora Galway Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
Mr Stuart Reggie Department of Health and Human Services, Tas
Mr Edward Jansson New South Wales Food Authority
Dr Fay Jenkins Department of Health, SA
Ms Fiona Jones Department of Health, Vic
Mr Alex KusmanoffDepartment of Health, Vic
Ms Narelle Marro Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth
Ms Jenny Reid Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ
Mr Craig Sahlin New South Wales Food Authority
Ms Judy Seal Department of Health and Human Sen/ices, Tas
Mr Vojkan Stefanovic ACT Health Protection Service
Dr Roscoe Taylor Department of Health and Human Services, Tas
Ms Samantha Torres New South Wales Food Authority
A P P E N D I X 4 - E X T E R N A L F S A N Z C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S 125
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Mr John Van Den Beuken Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ
Mr John Ward Department of Health, Vic
Ms Tracy Ward Department of Health and Community Services, NT
Ms Emily White Department of Health, SA
Ms Sophie Williamson Department of Health, WA
Nga Kaitohutohu Kounga Kai
Mr Mason Ngawhika Te Hiringa Ltd
Mr Hayden Potaka Te Puni Kokiri (Ministry of Maori Development)
Ms Ann Thompson Public Health South, Otago District Health Board
Retailers and Manufacturers Liaison Committee
Ms Marie Andonopoulos Australian Beverages Council Ltd
Dr Geoffrey Annison Australian Food and Grocery Council
Mr Tony Beaver Food and Beverage Importers * Association
Dr Roger Bektash Mars Food Australia
Ms Katie Birch Department of Health and Ageing, Cwth
Mrs Tracie Brady Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth
Mrs Yvette Dethridge Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
Ms Tracey Duffy Department of Health and Ageing, Cwth
Mr Justin Fromm Australian Food and Grocery Council
Dr Nora Galway Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
Ms Kirsten Grinter Nestle Health Care Nutrition Australia
Ms Jackie Healing Coles Supermarkets
Mr Barry Hellberg New Zealand Retailers Association
126 A P P E N D I X 4 E X T E R N A L F S A N Z C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Mr Ken Henrick National Association of Retail Grocers of Australia
Ms Melissa Hodd Foodstuffs (NZ) Ltd
Ms Carole Inkster New Zealand Food and Grocery Council
Mr Ed Klim Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth
Mr Kim Leighton Australian Food and Grocery Council
Ms Janet Macdonald Goodman Fielder Ltd
Ms Jacinta McDonald Department of Health and Ageing, Cwth
Ms Julie Newlands Unilever Australasia
Mr Steven Newton Metcash Trading Ltd
Ms Angela O *Shea Aldi Stores
Mr Geoff Parker Australian Beverages Council Ltd
Ms Stephanie Rajczyk Nestle Australia Ltd
Ms Linda Ralph Mars Food Australia
Ms Katherine Rich New Zealand Food and Grocery Council
Ms Nadene Smith Woolworths Supermarkets
Dr Robert Solomon Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth
Jennifer Thompson Confectionery Manufacturers of Australasia
Mr Kerry Tyack New Zealand Juice & Beverage Association
Mr Benjamin Ward ALDI Stores
Scientific Advisory Group for Epidemiology
Professor Graham Giles Cancer Council of Victoria
Assoc. Prof. Damien Jolley Monash University
Assoc. Prof. Catherine Itsiopoulos University of Canberra
Professor Neil Pearce Massey University
A P P E N D I X 4 - E X T E R N A L F S A N Z C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S 127
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Professor Murray SkeaffUniversity of Otago
Clinical Assoc. Prof. David Sullivan University of Sydney
Professor Gary Wittert University of Adelaide
Social Sciences Expert Advisory Group
Professor John Cary Victoria University
Professor John Coveney Flinders University
Professor David de Vaus University of Queensland
Dr Phil Mohr CSIRO Human Nutrition
Professor Elspeth Probyn University of South Australia
Assoc. Prof. Ken Reed Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc
Professor Chris Ryan University of Waikato Management School
Professor Richard Shepherd University of Surrey, UK
Professor Carlene Wilson Flinders University, Cancer Council of South Australia
Standard Development Committee for Raw Milk Products
Dr Anne Astin Dairy Food Safety Victoria
Ms Karen Armitage Dairy Australia
Ms Carol Bate Fonterra
Mr Tony Beaver Food and Beverage Importers Association
Mr Bill Calder Department of Health, WA
Mr Tony Coope Parmalat Australia Limited
Ms Helen Dornom Dairy Australia
Mr Doug Eddy Dairy Food Safety Victoria
Ms Corrie Goodwin Dairy Food Safety Victoria
Mr Ross Greenaway Murray Goulburn Co-op Ltd
128 A P P E N D I X 4 - E X T E R N A L F S A N Z C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Mr Wes Judd Queensland Dairy Farmers
Ms Narelle Marro Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth
Mr John O'Regan Murray Goulburn Co-Op Ltd
Mr Phil Pond Safe Food Production Qld
Ms Jane Raupach Department of Health, SA
Mr Steve Rice Dairy Authority of South Australia
Mrs Denise Riches Goat Industry Council of Australia
Dr Steve Roberts Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
Dr Jenny Robertson Consultant
Ms Shona Scott Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ
Dr Rob Solomon Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth
Mr Peter Sutherland New South Wales Food Authority
Mrs Heather Wieland Country Women *s Association of Australia
Mr Neil Willman Private Consultant
Ms Slava Zeman Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
Standard Development Committee for Eggs and Egg Products
Mr Glenn Abbott Farm Pride Pty Ltd, Victoria
Mr Bill Calder Department of Health, WA
Ms Christene Cantarella McLean Farms, Queensland
Dr Margaret Darton Department of Primary Industries, Vic
Mr Peter Day New South Wales Food Authority
Mr Paul Dowsett Department of Primary Industries and Resources, SA
Mrs Ivy In wood Free Range Egg and Poultry Association,
Queensland Egg Farmers Association Inc.
Mr James Kellaway Australian Egg Corporation Ltd
A P P E N D I X 4 - E X T E R N A L F S A N Z C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S 129
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Ms Azadeh Laghai SunnyQueen Pty Ltd
Mr Chris Lyall Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water
and Environment, Tas
Mr Ian Lyall Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
Ms Narelle Marro Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry,
Cwth
Mr Glen Martin Department of Human Services, SA
Mr Paul Pace Pace Farm Pty Ltd
Mrs Meg Parkinson Victorian Farmers Federation, Free Range Egg and
Poultry Australia Ltd
Mr Phil Pond SafeFood Queensland
Dr Peter Scott University of Melbourne, Scolexia
Mr Russell Stafford OzFoodNet, Department of Health and Ageing
Mr Con Tamvakis Micro-Range Farmers Association
Ms Mandy Tyack Golden Egg Farms
Ms Sharon Wagener Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ
Ms Tracy Ward Department of Health and Community Services, NT
Ms Rachelle Williams Former Consumer Liaison Member
Standard Development Committee for Meat and Meat Products
Ms Judy Barker Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ
Mr Bob Barwell Cattle Council of Australia
Ms Leanne Brown Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth
Mr Greg Carey Australian Meat Industry Council
Mr Brian Casey PrimeSafe, Vic
Mr Ron Cullen Sheepmeat Council of Australia
Mr Peter Day New South Wales Food Authority
Ms Helen Dornom Dairy Australia
130 A P P E N D I X 4 E X T E R N A L F S A N Z C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S
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Mr Paul Fry Cattle Council of Australia
Mr Stan Goodchild Department of Health, WA
Mr Dougal Gordon Australian Lot Feeders Association
Ms Michelle Gorman Meat and Livestock Australia
Mr David Inall Cattle Council of Australia
Mr Brian Jones Department of Health and Community Care, ACT
Ms Kate Joseph Sheepmeat Council of Australia
Mr Wesley Judd Australian Dairy Farmers Limited
Mr Tim Juzefowicz Australian Renderers * Association Inc
Mr John Kelly Australian Game Meat Producers Association
Mr Noel Kelson Australian Meat Industry Council
Mr Ed Klim Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth (also
representing SAFEMEAT)
Mr John Langbridge Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
Mr Chris Lyall Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment,
Tas
Mr Peter Merrell Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
Dr David Miles New South Wales Food Authority
Dr Patricia Mitchell Australian Pork Ltd
Mr Christian Mulders Australian Meat Industry Council
Mr Robert Parkes Stock Feed Manufacturers * Council of Australia
Mr Phil Pond Safe Food Production Qld
Mr Geoff Raven Department of Primary Industries and Resources, SA
Mr Steve Roots Goat Industry Council of Australia
Mr Rob Solomon Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cwth
Ms Heather Wieland Country Women *s Association of Australia
Dr Barbara Wilson SafeFood Production Qld
A P P E N D I X 4 E X T E R N A L F S A N Z C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S 131
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Appendix 5 - Financial Statements
Fn n n STANDARDS I ' *s x _ V 1 *y Australia New ZealandTe Maria Ko u n g a Ka l - Ah lte r e lr la me Ao te a ro a 55 Blackall St., Barton
ACT 2600 Australia PO Box 7186 Canberra BC ACT 2610 Australia Tel + 61 2 6271 2222 Fax +61 2 6271 2278 www.foodstandards.gov.au
STATEM EN T BY TH E DIRECTORS, C H IEF EXEC U TIVE AN D C H IEF FIN AN C IAL OFFICER
In our opinion, the attached financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2011 are based on properly maintained financial records and give a true and fair view of the matters required by the Finance Minister *s Orders made under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 ' as amended.
In our opinion, at the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that Food Standards Australia New Zealand will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
This Statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors.
Ms Philippa Smith AM Dr. Michele Allan Chairperson Director
September 2011 XVxASeptember 2011
Mr. Steve McCutcheon Ms Audrey Gomiley Chief Executive Officer Chief Finance Officer September 2011 3, '^September 2011
132 A P P E ND I X 5 F I N A N C I A L S T A T E ME N T S
AAustralian National Audit Office22 September 2011Ms Philippa Smith Chair of the BoardFood Standards Australia New Zealand PO Box 7186CANBERRA MAIL CENTRE ACT 2610Dear Ms Philippa SmithFOOD STANDARDS AU STR ALIA NEW ZEALAN D FIN AN C IAL STATEM ENTS FOR TH E YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011I am writing to advise that the audit of the financial statements of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand for the year- ended 30 June 2011 has now been completed.In accordance with section 26(2) of the Auditor-General Act 1997, I enclose for your information the auditor *s report together with the financial statements to which it relates.The report includes my opinion that the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Finance Minister *s Orders and give a true and fair view of the matters required by those Orders.Yours sincerelyAustralian National Audit OfficeF ´ - Executive DirectorCc: Mr Steve McCutcheon, Chief Executive Officer Ms Audrey Gormley, Chief Finance OfficerGPO Box 707 CANBERRA ACT 2601 19 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 Phono (02) 6203 7300 Fax (02) 6203 7777 A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 133
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
IN D EPEN D EN T AU D ITOR *S REPORT
To the M inister fo r Health and Ageing
1 have audited the accompanying financial statements of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand for the year ended 30 June 2011, which comprise: a Statement by the Directors, Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer; Statement of Comprehensive Income; Balance Sheet; Statement of Changes in Equity; Cash Flow Statement; Schedule of Commitments; Schedule of Asset Additions; and Notes to and Forming Fait of the Financial Statements comprising a Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and other explanatory information.
The Directors * Responsibility fo r the Financial Statements
The directors of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with the Finance Minister *s Orders made under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997, including the Australian Accounting Standards, and for such internal control as the
directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
A uditor *s Responsibility
My responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on my audit. I have conducted my audit in accordance with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards, which incorporate the Australian Auditing Standards. These auditing standards require that I comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements arc free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor *s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor
considers internal control relevant to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand *s preparation of the financial statements that give a true and fail- view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand *s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of the accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
GPO Box 707 CANBERRA ACT 2601 19 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 Phone (02) 6203 7300 Fox (02) 6203 7777
134 A P P E N D I X 5 F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my audit opinion.
Independence
In conducting my audit, I have followed the independence requirements of the Australian National Audit Office, which incorporate the requirements of the Australian accounting profession.
Auditor *s Opinion
In my opinion, the financial statements of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand:
(a) have been prepared in accordance with the Finance Minister *s Orders made under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997, including the Australian Accounting Standards; and
(b) give a true and fan* view of the matters required by the Finance Minister *s Orders including the Food Standards Australia New Zealand *s financial position as at 30 June 2011 and of its financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended.
Australian National Audit Office
Executive Director
Delegate of the Auditor-General
Canberra
22 September 2011
A P P E NDI X 5 - F I NA N CI A L S T A T E ME NT S 135
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME fo r the period ended 30 June 2011 ____________________________
2011 2010
Notes $ $
EXPENSES Employee benefits 3A 15,672,637 13,334,388
Suppliers 3B 5,972,335 5,725,250
Depreciation and amortisation 3C 725,293 507,787
Finance costs 3D 14,120 15,398
Write-down and impairment of assets 3E - 715
Foreign exchange losses 3F 17,649 473
Total Expenses 22,402,034 19,584,011
LESS:
OWN-SOURCE INCOME
Own-source revenue
Sale of goods and rendering of services 4A 2,616,869 2,541,747
Interest 4B 515,171 341,642
Other revenue 4C 23,384 76,796
Total own-source revenue 3,155,424 2,960,185
Gains Sale of assets 4D 892 4,235
Total gains 892 4,235
Total own source income 3,156,316 2,964,420
Net cost of (contribution by) services 19,245,718 16,619,591
Revenue from Government 4E 19,296,000 19,566,000
Surplus (Deficit) 50,282 2,946,409
Surplus (Deficit) attributable to the Australian Government 50,282 2,946,409
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Changes in asset revaluation reserves 33,422 -
Total other comprehensive income 83,704 2,946,409
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Australian Government 83,704 2,946,409
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
136 A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND BALAN C E SHEET
as at 30 June 2011
ASSETS
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Total financial assets
Non-Financial Assets
Land and buildings Property, plant and equipment Intangibles Other non-financial assets Total non-financial assets
Total Assets
L IABIL ITIES
Payables
Suppliers Other payables Total payables
Provisions
Employee provisions Other provisions Total provisions
Total Liabilities
Net Assets
EQU ITY
Contributed equity Reserves Retained surplus (accumulated deficit) Total Equity
2011 2010
Notes $ $
5A 9,587,097 9,978,105
5B 484,800 435,634
10,071,897 10,413,739
6A,C 503,297 836,522
6B,C 692,170 626,866
6D,E 1,406,521 71,810
6F 212,656 215,682
2,814,644 1,750,880
12,886,541 12,164,619
7A 597,593 1,118,322
7B 1,867,626 1,371,531
2,465,219 2,489,853
8A 4,078,445 3,729,713
8B 290,293 276,173
4,368,738 4,005,886
6,833,957 6,495,739
6,052,584 5,668,880
1,823,000 1,523,000
982,696 949,274
3,246,888 3,196,606
6,052,584 5,668,880
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 137
138 A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the period ended 30 June 2011
Asset revaluation Contributed
Retained earnings reserve equity/capital
2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010
S *000 $'000 $ *000 $ *000 $ *000 $ *000
Total equity
2011 2010
$ *000 $ *000
Opening balance
Balance carried forward from previous period 3,196,606 250,197 949,274 949,274 1,523,000 1,403,000 5,668,880 2,602,471
Adjusted opening balance 3,196,606 250,197 949,274 949,274 1,523,000 1,403,000 5,668,880 2,602,471
Comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income - - 33,422 - - -
Surplus (Deficit) for the period 50,282 2,946,409 - -
33,422 -50,282 2,946,409
Total comprehensive income 50,282 2,946,409 33,422 - - - 83,704 2,946,409
Transactions with owners
Contributions by owners
Equity injection - - - - 300,000 120,000 300,000 120,000
Sub-total transactions w ith owners - - - - 300,000 120,000 300,000 120,000
Closing balance as at 30 June 3,246,888 3,196,606 982,696 949,274 1,823,000 1,523,000 6,052,584 5,668,880
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND C ASH FLOW STATEM EN T
fo r the period ended 30 June 2011
2011 2010
Notes $ $
OPER ATIN G AC TIVITIES
Cash received
Goods and services 1,648,600 1,258,524
Receipts from Government 19,296,000 19,566,000
Funding from New Zealand Government 1,527,875 1,422,894
Interest 400,944 318,836
Net GST received 596,483 358,766
Total cash received 23,469,902 22,925,020
Cash used
Employees (15,191,731) 13,288,103
Suppliers (7,193,760) 5,579,404
Total cash used (22,385,491) 18,867,507
Net cash from or (used by) operating activities 9 1,084,411 4,057,513
IN VESTIN G AC TIVITIES
Cash received
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 1,496 5,102
Total cash received 1,496 5,102
Cash used
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (1,759,266) 439,146
Total cash used (1,759,266) 439,146
Net cash from o r (used by) investing activities (1,757,770) (434,044)
FIN AN C IN G AC TIVITIES
Cash received
Contributed equity 300,000 120,000
Total cash received 300,000 120,000
Net cash from or (used by) financing activities 300,000 120,000
Net increase or (decrease) in cash held (373,359) 3,743,469
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 9,978,105 6,235,109 Effect of exchange rate movements on cash at the beginning of the (17,649) (473)
reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end o f the reporting period 5A 9,587,097 9,978,105
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 139
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND SC HEDULE OF C OM M ITM EN TS
as at 30 June 2011 _____
2011 2010
BY TYPE$ $
Commitments receivable
Sublease rental income1 623,838 709,811
Contracts receivable 2 4,610,053 4,498,547
GST recoverable on commitments 1,090,577 1,265,367
Total commitments receivable 6,324,468 6,473,725
Commitments payable
Operating leases J (10,347,795) (11,925,146)
Other Commitments * (1,644,503) (1,958,599)
Total commitments payable (11,992,300) (13,883,745)
Net commitments by type (5,667,830) (7,410,020)
BY M ATU R ITY
Commitments receivable
One year or less 2,773,976 2,500,393
From one to five years 3,158,802 3,349,151
Over five years 391,690 624,181
Total other commitments receivable 6,324,468 6,473,725
Commitments payable
Operating lease commitments
One year or less (1,679,568) (1,669,339)
From one to five years (6,144,918) (6,251,116)
Over five years (2,523,309) (4,004,691)
Total operating lease commitments (10,347,795) (11,925,146)
Other Commitments
One year or less (1,543,535) (1,883,472)
From one to five years (100,968) (75,127)
Over five years %† -
Total other commitments (1,644,503) (1,958,599)
Net commitments by m aturity (5,667,830) (7,410,020)
NB: Commitments are GST inclusive where relevant.
1. Sublease rental income relates to car parking spaces sub leased to staff.
2. Contracts receivable includes future receivables from contracts and cost recovered fees from applications.
3. Operating leases are in relation to office accommodation, car leases and equipment.
4. Other commitments comprise mainly future payments to contractors and consultants under formally agreed contracts.
Operating leases included arc effectively non-cancellable
and comprise:
Nature o f lease General
Description
Leases for office accommodation Lease payments are subject to an annual increase in accordance with upwards movements in the
Consumer Price Index. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) lias taken the option to
extend the office lease in Australia for five more years.
Lease in relation to computer equipment The lessor provides all computer equipment and software designated as necessary in the supply contract for 3 to 5 years. FSANZ may vary its original designated requirement, subject to giving 3
months notice.
The above schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
140 A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements
Content of the Notes to the Financial Statements
Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Note 2: Events after the Balance Sheet Date Note 3: Expenses Note 4: Income Note 5: Financial Assets Note 6: Non-Financial Assets Note 7: Payables Note 8: Provisions Note 9: Cash Flow Reconciliation Note 10: Contingent Liabilities and Assets Note 11: Directors Remuneration Note 12: Related Party Disclosures Note 13: Executive Remuneration Note 14: Remuneration of Auditors Note 15: Financial Instruments Note 16: Reporting of Outcomes Note 17: Compensation and Debt Relief
142 A P P E NDI X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E ME NT S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Note 1: Summary o f Significant Accounting Policies
1.1 Objectives of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is an Australian Government controlled entity. The objective o f FSANZ is to improve the health o f all
Australians. FSANZ is structured to meet one outcome - A safe food supply and w ell informed consumers in Australia and New Zealand, including
through the development o f food regulatory measures and the promotion o f their consistent implementation, coordination o f food recall activities and the
m onitoring o f consumer and industry food practices.
FSANZ was established under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act). The continued existence o f FSANZ in its present
form and w ith its present programs is dependent on Government policy and on continuing funding by Parliament for FSANZ's administration and
programs.
1.2 Basis of preparation of the Financial Statements
The financial statements and notes are required by clause 1(b) o f Schedule 1 to the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 and are a
General Purpose Financial Report.
The financial statements and notes have been prepared in accordance with:
" Finance M inister's Orders (FM Os) fo r reporting periods ending on or after 1 July 2010; and
" Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that apply for the reporting period.
The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and is in accordance w ith historical cost convention, except for certain assets at fair
value. Except where stated, no allowance is made for the effect o f changing prices on the results or the financial position.
The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars and values are rounded to the nearest dollar unless otherwise specified.
Unless an alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard or the FMOs, assets and liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet
when and only when it is probable that future economic benefits w ill flow to FSANZ and the amounts o f the assets or liabilities can be reliably measured.
However, assets and liabilities arising under executor contracts are not recognised unless required by an accounting standard. Liabilities and assets that
are unrealised are reported in the schedule of commitments and the schedule o f contingencies.
Unless alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard, revenues and expenses are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive
Income when and only when the flow , consumption or loss of economic benefits has occurred and can be reliably measured.
1.3 Significant Accounting Judgements and Estimates
In the process o f applying the accounting policies in this note no accounting assumptions or estimates have been identified that have a significant risk of
causing a material adjustment to carrying amounts o f assets and liabilities w ithin the next accounting period.
1.4 New Australian Accounting Standards
Adoption o f New Au stralian Accounting Standard Requirements
No accounting standard has been adopted earlier than the application date as stated in the standard.
Other standards, amendments to standards or interpretations that were issued prior to the sign-off date and are applicable to the current reporting period
did not have a financial im pact, and are not expected to have a future financial im pact on FSANZ.
Future Australian Accounting Standard Requirements
Other standards, amendments to standards or interpretations that were issued prior to the sign-off date and are applicable to the future reporting period are
not expected to have a future financial impact on FSANZ.
1.5 Revenue
Revenue from the sale o f goods is recognised when:
" the risks and rewards o f ownership have been transferred to the buyer;
" the seller retains no managerial involvement nor effective control over the goods;
" the revenue and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and
" it is probable that the economic benefits associated w ith the transaction w ill flo w to FSANZ.
Revenue from rendering o f services is recognised by reference to the stage o f completion o f contracts at the reporting date. The revenue is recognised
when:
" the amount of revenue, stage o f completion and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and
" the probable economic benefits w ith the transaction w ill flow to FSANZ.
The stage of completion o f contracts at the reporting date is determined by reference to the proportion that costs incurred to date bear to the estimated total
costs of the transaction.
Receivables for goods and services, which have 30 day terms, are recognised at the nom inal amounts due less any impairment allowance. Collectability of
debts is reviewed at the end o f the reporting period. Impairment allowances are made when collectability o f the debt is no longer probable.
Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest method as set out in AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.
Resources Received Free o f Charge
Resources received free o f charge are recognised as revenue when, and only when, a fa ir value can be reliably determined and the services would have
been purchased if they had not been donated. Use o f those resources is recognised as an expense.
A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 143
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Revenues from Government
Funding received or receivable from agencies (appropriated to the agency as a CAC Act body payment item for payment to FSANZ) is recognised as Revenue from Government unless they are in the nature of an equity injection or a loan.
Parental Leave Payments Scheme.
The entity offsetted amounts received under Parental Leave Payments Scheme (for payment to employees) by amounts paid to employees under that scheme, because these transactions arc only incidental to the main revenue-generating activities of the entity. Amount received by the entity not yet paid to employees would be presented gross as cash and a liability (payable). The total amount received under this scheme is disclosed as a footnote to the Note
4E: Revenue from Government.
1.6 Gains
Resources Received Free o f Charge Resources received free of charge are recognised as gains when, and only when, a fair value can be reliably determined and the services would have been ourchased if they had not been donated. Use of those resources is recognised as an expense.
Resources received free of charge arc recorded as either revenue or gains depending on their nature.
Contributions of assets at no cost of acquisition or for nominal consideration are recognised as gains at their fair value when the asset qualifies for recognition, unless received from another Government agency or authority as a consequence of a restructuring of administrative arrangements.
Sale o f Assets
Gains from disposal of assets are recognised when control of the asset has passed to the buyer.
1.7 Transactions with the Government as Owner
Equity injections
Amounts which are designated as 'equity injections * for a year are recognised directly in contributed equity in that year.
1.8 Employee Benefits
Liabilities for *short-term employee benefits * (as defined in AASB 119) and termination benefits due within twelve months of the end of reporting period arc measured a( their nominal amounts.
The nominal amount is calculated with regard to the rates expected to be paid on settlement of the liability.
Other long-term employee benefits are measured as net total of the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period minus the fair value at the end of the reporting period of plan assets (if any) out of which the obligations are to be settled directly.
Leave
The liability for employee benefits includes provision for annual leave and long service leave. No provision has been made for sick leave as all sick leave is non-vesting and the average sick leave taken in future years by employees of FSANZ is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement for sick leave.
The leave liabilities are calculated on the basis of employees * remuneration, including FSANZ *s employer superannuation contribution rates to the extent that the leave is likely to be taken during service rather than paid out on termination.
The liability for long service leave has been determined by reference to the shorthand method as prescribed by the FMOs. The estimate of the present value of the liability takes into account attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation.
Superannuation
Staff of FSANZ arc members of the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS) or the PSS accumulation plan (PSSap) or a complying fund.
The CSS and PSS are defined benefit schemes for the Australian Government. The PSSap is a defined contribution scheme.
The liability for defined benefits is recognised in the financial statements of the Australian Government and is settled by the Australian Government in due course. This liability is reported by the Department of Finance and Deregulation as an administered item.
FSANZ makes employer contributions to the employee superannuation schemes at rates determined by an actuary to be sufficient to meet the current cost to the Government o f the superannuation entitlements of FSANZ *s employees. FSANZ accounts for the contributions as if they were contributions to defined contribution plans.
The liability for superannuation recognised as al 30 June represents outstanding contributions for the last pay accrual of the year.
1.9 Leases
A distinction is made between finance leases and operating leases. Finance leases effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of leased non-current assets. An operating lease is a lease that is not a finance lease. In operating leases, the lessor effectively retains substantially all such risks and benefits.
Operating lease payments arc expensed on a straight line basis which is representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets. FSANZ has no finance leases.
Lease incentives
Lease incentives taking the form o f *free * leasehold improvements and rent holidays are recognised as liabilities. These liabilities arc reduced on a straightâ line basis by allocating lease payments between rental expense and reduction of the lease incentive liability.
1.10 Borrowing Costs
All borrowing costs are expensed as incurred.
1.11 Cash
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand and any demand deposits in bank accounts with an original maturity of 3 months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Cash is recognised at its nominal amount.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
1.12 Financial Assets
FSANZ classifies its financial assets as loans and receivables.
The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition.
Financial assets are recognised and derecognised upon *trade date *.
Effective Interest Method
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.
Income is recognised on an effective interest rate basis except for financial assets that arc recognised at fair value through profit or loss.
Loans and receivables
Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as *loans and receivables *. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less impairment. Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate.
Impairment o f financial assets
Financial assets are assessed for impairment at end of each reporting period.
Financial assets held at amortised cost - if there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred for loans and receivables, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset *s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset *s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount is reduced by way of an allowance account. The loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
1.13 Financial Liabilities
financial liabilities are classified as other financial liabilities.
Financial liabilities arc recognised and derecognised upon *trade date *.
Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs.
Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis.
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost o f a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.
Supplier and other payables are recognised at amortised cost. Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the goods or services have been received (and irrespective of having been invoiced).
1.14 Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets
Contingent liabilities and contingent assets are not recognised in the balance sheet but are reported in the relevant schedules and notes. They may arise from uncertainty as to the existence of a liability or asset, or represent a liability or asset in respect of which the amount cannot be reliably measured. Contingent assets are disclosed when settlement is probable but not virtually certain, and contingent liabilities are disclosed when settlement is greater than remote. No schedule of contingencies was prepared as FSANZ did not have any quantifiable contingent assets or liabilities as at 30 June 2011. (2010:Nil)
1.15 Acquisition of Assets
Assets are recorded at cost on acquisition except as stated below. The cost of acquisition includes the fair value of assets transferred in exchange and liabilities undertaken. Financial assets arc initially measured at their fair value plus transaction costs where appropriate.
Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are initially recognised as assets and income at their fair value at the date of acquisition, unless
acquired as a consequence of restructuring of administrative arrangements. In the latter case, assets are initially recognised as contributions by owners at the amounts at which they were recognised in the transferor authority's accounts immediately prior to the restructuring.
1.16 Property Plant and Equipment
Asset Recognition Threshold
Purchases of property, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the balance sheet, except for purchases costing less than $5,000, which are expensed in the year of acquisition (other than where they form part of a group of similar items which are significant in total).
The initial cost of an asset includes an estimate of the cast of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located. This is particularly relevant to *makegood * provisions in property leases taken up by FSANZ where there exists an obligation to restore the property to prescribed conditions. These costs are included in the value of FSANZ's leasehold improvements with a corresponding provision for the *makegood * recognised.
Fair values for each class of asset are determined as shown below:
Asset Class Fair value measured at
Leasehold improvements Depreciated replacement cost
Plant & equipment Market selling price
Following initial recognition at cost, property plant and equipment are carried at fair value less subsequent accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Valuations arc conducted with sufficient frequency to ensure that the carrying amounts of assets do not differ materially from the assets * fair values as at the reporting date. The regularity of independent valuations depends upon the volatility of movements in market values for the
relevant assets.
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Revaluation adjustments are made on a class basis. Any revaluation increment is credited to equity under the heading of asset revaluation reserve except to the extent that it reverses a previous revaluation decrement of the same asset class that was previously recognised through suiplus/dcficit. Revaluation decrements for a class of assets are recognised directly in surplus/deficit except to the extent that they reverse a previous revaluation increment for that
class.
Any accumulated depreciation as at the revaluation date is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the asset restated to the revalued
amount.
Depreciation
Depreciable properly, plant and equipment assets are written-off to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives to FSANZ using, in all cases, the straight-line method of depreciation. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvements or the unexpired period of the lease.
Depreciation rates (useful lives), residual values and methods are reviewed at each reporting date and necessary adjustments are recognised in the current, or current and future reporting periods, as appropriate.
Depreciation rates applying to each class of depreciable asset are based on the following useful lives:
2011 2010
Leasehold improvements Per life of lease Per life of lease
Plant and Equipment 3-15 years 3-35 years
Impairment
All assets were assessed for impairment at 30 June 2011. Where indications o f impairment exist, the asset *s recoverable amount is estimated and an impairment adjustment made if the asset *s recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount.
The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. Where the future economic benefit of an asset is not primarily dependent on the asset *s ability to generate future cash flows, and the asset would be replaced if FSANZ were deprived of the asset, its value in use is taken to be its depreciated replacement cost.
Derecognition
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no further future economic benefits arc expected from its use or disposal.
1.17 Intangibles
FSANZ *s intangibles comprise internally developed software for internal use and purchased software. These assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Internally developed software and purchased software with values of 520,000 or greater are capitalised. Any purchases under these thresholds arc expensed in the year of acquisition (other than when they form part of a group of similar items which are significant in total).
Intangible assets are amortised on a straight line basis over their anticipated useful lives. The useful lives of FSANZ's software arc:
2011 2010
Internally developed software 4 Years 4 years
Purchased 4 Years 4 years
All software assets were assessed for indications of impairment as at 30 June 2011.
1.18 Taxation
FSANZ is exempt from all forms of taxation except Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Australia and New Zealand.
Revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities are recognised net of GST:
" except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office; and
" except for receivables and payables.
1.19 Foreign Currency
Transactions denominated in a foreign currency are converted at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency bank account amounts are translated at the exchange rale current as at the reporting date.
1.20 Comparative Figures
Comparative figures have been adjusted, where required, to conform to the following changes in presentation in these financial statements:
%† Remuneration for the Chief Executive Officer is now disclosed in Note 13 Executive Remuneration and not Note 11 Directors Remuneration.
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There were no events after balance sheet date that could require disclosure in the financial statements.
'Note 3; Kxpenses
2011 2010
$ $
Note 3*õ: Employee Benefits Wages and salaries 13,229,970 11,482,072
Superannuation Defined contribution plans 793,897 623,245
Defined benefit plans 1,137,642 1,098,685
Leave and other entitlements 455,447 79,200
Other employee expenses 55,681 51,186
Total employee benefits 15,672,637 13,334,388
Note 3B: Suppliers Goods and services Consultants 736,193 878,481
Contractors 353,036 338,227
Travel 1,337,166 1,134,932
Computer Expenses 411,852 344,381
Subscriptions 168,826 150,894
Training 177,186 201,906
Other 1,350,028 1,2673-51
Total goods and services 4,534,287 4,316372
Goods and services are made up of:
Provision of goods - related entities 2,421 6,229
Provision of goods - external entities 542,265 707,414
Rendering of services - related entities 476,215 431,765
Rendering of services - external entities 3,513386 3,170,964
4,534,287 4316,372
Other supplier expenses Operating lease rentals:
Minimum lease payments 1,413363 1,378356
Workers compensation premiums 24,685 30,522
Total other supplier expenses 1,438,048 1,408,878
Total supplier expenses 5,972335 5,725,250
Note 3C: Denrecintion and Amortisation Depreciation:
Property, plant and equipment 648,867 496,479
Total depreciation 648,867 496,479
Amortisation:
Computer Software 76,426 11,308
Total amortisation 76,426 11,308
Total depreciation and amortisation 725,293 507,787
Note 3D; pinoocc Unwinding of discount 14,120 15,398
Total finance costs 14,120 15,398
Note 3K: Write-Down and Impairment of Assets Writeoffs - 715
Total write-down and impairment of assets - 715
Note 3F: Foreien Exchancc Losses Non-spcculative 17,649 473
Total foreign exchange losses 17,649 473
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FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Note 4: Income
2011 2010
REV EN U E $ $
Note 4A: Sale o f Goods and Renderinc o f Services
New Zealand Government funding 1,527,875 1,422,894
Cost recovery fees 453,054 679,717
International projects - 327,036
Nanotechnology 120,000 108,636
Surveys 505,835 -
Royalties 6,991 1,740
Other 3,114 1,724
Total sale o f goods and rendering o f services 2,616,869 2,541,747
Sale of goods and rendering o f services are made up of:
Provision o f goods - related entities
Provision of goods - external entities 3,114 1,724
Rendering o f services - related entities 625,835 402,988
Rendering of services - external entities 1,987,920 2,137,035
Total sale o f goods and rendering o f services 2,616,869 2,541,747
Note 4B: Interest
Deposits 515,171 341,642
Total interest 515,171 341,642
Note 4C: Other revenue
Other 23,384 76,796
Total other revenue 23,384 76,796
G A IN S
Note 4D: Sale o f Assets
Property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale 1,496 5,102
Carrying value of assets sold (604) (867)
Net gain from sale of assets 892 4,235
Note 4E: Revenue from Australian Government
Department of Health and Ageing
CAC Act body payment item 19,296,000 19,566,000
Total revenue from Government 19,296,000 19,566,000
FSANZ received $10,260 (2010: $0) under the Paid Parental Leave Scheme; these amounts were offset
against the amounts paid to employees in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.except for $2280 that
is shown in note 7B Other payables - Salaries and wages.
148 A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Note 5: Financial Assets
2011 2010
$ $
Note 5A: Cash and Cash Eauivalents AUSTRALIA
Cash on hand 500 500
Deposits 9,573,553 9,963,956
NEW ZEALAND
Cash on hand 12,658 407
Deposits 386 13,242
Total cash and cash equivalents 9,587,097 9,978,105
Note 5B: Trade and O ther Receivables
Goods and services - related parties 230,919 345,751
Goods and services - external parties 31,558 20,248
Total receivable for goods and services 262,477 365,999
O ther receivables:
Interest 153,785 39,558
Other receivables 68,538 30,077
Total other receivables 222,323 69,635
Total trade and other receivables (gross) 484,800 435,634
Less impairment allowance account - -
Total trade and other receivables (net) 484,800 435,634
Receivables are expected to be recovered in:
No more than 12 months 484,800 436,534
More than 12 Months - -
Total trade and other receivables (net) 484,800 436,534
Receivables are aged as follows:
Not overdue 455,484 428,434
Overdue by:
Less than 30 days 29,202 7,200
30 to 60 days 1 -
61 to 90 days 113 -
More than 90 days - -
Total receivables (gross) 484,800 435,634
The impairment allowance account is aged as follows:
Overdue by:
61 to 90 days - -
More than 90 days - -
Total impairment allowance account - -
A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 149
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
2011 2010
$ $
Note 6A: Land and Buildings
Leasehold improvements - Fitout & leasehold improvements at fair value 683,081 1,679,101
-Accumulated depreciation (179,784) (842,579)
Total leasehold improvements 503,297 836,522
Total land and buildings 503,297 836,522
Note 6B: Property , Plant and Equipment
Artefacts
Artefacts (at fair value) 7,500 7,500
7,500 7,500
Furniture and fittings
Furniture & Fittings (at fair value) 15,270 21.206
Accumulated depreciation - (6,554)
15,270~ 14,652
Computer equipment
Computer Equipment (at fair value) 448,500 466,055
Accumulated depreciation - (129,332)
448,500 336,723
Office equipment
Office Equipment (at fair value) 220,900 411,765
Accumulated depreciation . (143,774)
220,900~ 267,99 *ì
Total property, plant and equipment 692,170 626,866
All revaluations are conducted in accordance with the revaluation policy stated at Note 1. In 2010-11, an independent valuer, Fickles Valuation Services (PVS), conducted a full review of all asset categories at Net Book Value (NBV), as at 30 June 2011.
No indicators of impairment were found for infrastructure, plant and equipment.
No property, plant or equipment is held for sale, however, some assets may be sold as part of the normal refresh process within the next 12 months.
150 A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Note 6: Non-Financial Assets
Note 6C: - Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Property, Plant and Eouioment (2010-11)
Buildings - Leasehold Improvements
$
Property, Plant & Equipment
$
Total
$
As at 1 July 2010 Gross book value 1,679,101 906,526 2,585,627
Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment (842,579) (279,660) (1,122,239)
Net book value 1 July 2010 836,522 626,866 1,463,388
Additions:
By purchase 5,455 342,674 348,129
By makegood recognition - - -
Revaluations and impairments through equity 3,874 29,548 33,422
Depreciation/amortisation expense (342,554) (306,314) (648,868)
Disposals:
Other disposals - (604) (604)
Net book value 30 June 2011 503,297 692,170 1,195,468
Net book value as of 30 June 2011 represented by:
Gross book value 503,297 692,170 1,195,467
Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment - - -
503,297 692,170 1,195,467
Note 6C (Cont'd): - Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Property. Plant and Equipment (2009-101
Buildings - Leasehold Improvements
$
Property, Plant
& Equipment
$
Total
$
As at 1 July 2009
Gross book value 1,679,101 555,234 2,234,335
Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment (500,686) (137,659) (638,345)
Net book value 1 July 2009 1,178,415 417,575 1,595,990
Additions:
By purchase - 365,459 365,459
By makegood recognition - - -
Revaluations and impairments through equity - - -
Depreciation/amortisation expense (341,893) (154,587) (496,480)
Disposals:
Other disposals - (1,581) (1,581)
Net book value 30 June 2010 836,522 626,866 1,463,388
Net book value as of 30 June 2010 represented by:
Gross book value 1,679,101 906,526 2,585,627
Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment(842,579) (279,660) (1,122,239)
836,522 626,866 1,463,388
A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Note 6: Non-Financiai Assets
2011 2010
Note 6D: Intangibles
Computer software at cost:
$ S
Purchased 483,624 101,262
Internally developed - in use 234,800 234,800
Internally developed - in progress 1,028,775 -
Accumulated amortisation (340,678) (264,252)
Total intangibles (non-current) 1,406,521 71,810
No indicators of impairment were found for intangible assets.
No intangibles are expected to be sold or disposed o f within the next 12 months.
Note 6E: Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing balances o f Intangibles (2010-11)
Computer
software
internally
developed
$
Computer
software
purchased
$
Total
$
As at 1 July 2010
Gross book value
Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment
234,800
(234,800)
101,262
(29,452)
336,062
(264,252)
Net book value 1 July 2010 - 71,810 71,810
Additions:
By purchase or internally developed
Amortisation
1,028,775 382,362
(76,426)
1,411,137
(76,426)
Net book value 30 June 2011 1,028,775 377,746 1,406,521
Net book value as of 30 June 2011 represented by:
Gross book value
Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment
1,263,575
(234,800)
483,624
(105,878)
1,747,199
(340,678)
1,028,775 377,746 1,406,521
Note 6E (Cont'd): Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing balances of Intangibles (2009-10)
Item Computer
software internally
developed
$
Computer
software
purchased
$
Total
$
As at 1 July 2009
Gross book value
Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment
234,800
(233,621)
27,575
(19,323)
262,375
(252,944)
Net book value 1 July 2009 1,179 8,252 9,431
Additions:
By purchase or internally developed
Amortisation (1,179)
73,687
(10,129)
73,687
(11,308)
Net book value 30 June 2010 - 71,810 71,810
Net book value as of 30 June 2010 represented by:
Gross book value
Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment
234,800
(234,800)
101,262
(29,452)
336,062
(264,252)
- 71,810 71,810
Note 6F: Other non-financial assets
Prepayments 212,656 215,682
Total other non-financial assets 212,656 215,682
All other non-financia! assets are expected to be recovered in no more than 12 months.
No indicators of impairment were found for other non-financia! assets.
152 A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Note 7: Payables
Note 7A; Suppliers
Trade creditors
Total supplier payables
Supplier payables - expected to be settled within 12 months:
Related entities
External parties
Total
Supplier payables - expected to be settled in greater than 12 months:
Related entities
External parties
Total
Total supplier payables
Settlement is usually made net 30 days.
Note 7B: Other payables
Salaries and wages
Superannuation
Performance based pay
Unearned income
Lease incentives
Other
Total other payables
Total other payables are expected to be settled in:
No more than 12 months
More than 12 months
Total other payables
2011 2010
$ $
597,593 1,118,322
597,593 1,118,322
55,749 362,673
541,844 755,649
597,593 1,118,322
- -
597,593 1,118,322
297,207 258,253
35,948 39,519
366,915 274,681
1,104,545 727,252
24,782 40,434
38,229 31,391
1,867,626 1,371,531
1,858,496 1,346,749
9,130 24,782
1,867,626 1,371,531
A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 153
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
g j
2011 2010
Note 8A: Employee provisions
$ $
Leave 4,078,445 3,729,713
Total employee provisions 4,078,445 3,729,713
Employee provisions are expected to be settled in:
No more than 12 months 1,778,522 1,670,611
More than 12 months 2,299,923 2,059,102
Total employee provisions 4,078,445 3,729,713
Note 8B: Other Provisions Restoration obligations 290,293 276,173
Total other provisions 290,293 276,173
Other provisions are expected to be settled in:
No more than 12 months - -
More than 12 Months 290,293 276,173
Total other provisions 290,293 276,173
Provision for restoration $
Total $
Carrying amount 1 July 2010 276,173 276,173
Additional provisions made (Revaluations) - -
Unwinding of discount or change in discount rate 14,120 14,120
Closing balance 2011 290,293 290,293
FSANZ currently has one agreement for the leasing of premises which have provisions requiring FSANZ to restore the premises to their original condition at the conclusion of the lease. FSANZ has made a provision to reflect the present value of this obligation.
154 A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents as per Balance Sheet to Cash Flow Statement
2011 $
2010
$
Cash and cash equivalents as per: Cash Flow Statement 9,587,097 9,978,105
Balance Sheet 9,587,097 9,978,105
Difference - -
Reconciliation of net cost of services to net cash from operating activities: Net cost of services (19,245,718) (16,619,591)
Add revenue from Government 19,296,000 19,566,000
Adjustment for non-cash items Depreciation / amortisation 725,293 507,787
Net write down of non-financial assets - 715
Foreign Exchange (Gain) / loss 17,649 473
Loss (Gain) on sale of assets (892) (4,235)
Changes in asets/liabilities (Increase) / decrease in net receivables (49,166) (363,376)
(Increase) / decrease in prepayments 3,026 (65,932)
Increase / (decrease) in other payables 496,095 417,092
Increase / (decrease) in employee provisions 348,732 (82,306)
Increase / (decrease) in supplier payables (520,728) 685,487
Increase / (decrease) in other provisions 14,120 15,398
Net cash from (used by) operating activities 1,084,411 4,057,513
*Ã*ô*ô*ô*ô*ó
As FSANZ had no contingent liabilities or contingent assets as at 30 June 2011 or in the proceeding reporting period, a Schedule of Contingencies has not been included. FSANZ also had no unquantifiable or remote contingent assets or liabilities. (2010: Nil)
A P P E N D I X 5 f i n a n c i a l s t a t e m e n t s 155
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Note 11: Directors Remuneration
2011 2010
The number of directors of FSANZ included in these figures
are shown below in the relevant remuneration bands:
$ 15,000 -$ 25,999 1
$ 30,000 -$ 45,000 9 10
$ 60,000 -$ 74,999 1
$ 75,000 -S 89,999 1
Total number of directors of FSANZ 11 ______________ 11
Total remuneration received or due and receivable by directors of FSANZ 434,257 427,482
Directors of FSANZ are appointed by the Minister for Health and Ageing. New Zealand members are nominated for appointment by the New Zealand Minister for Food Safety.
The Chief Executive Officer is the only full time paid director - and is included in Note 13 Executive remuneration. The 2009-10 comparatives have been restated to reflect this change in reporting. '
Note 12: Related Party Disclosures
FSANZ had no related party transactions during the year. (2010: Nil)
156 A P P E ND I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
Mote 13: Senior Executive Remuneration
Note 13A: Senior Executive Remuneration Exnense for the Rcnortine Period
2011 2010
s $
Short-term employee benefits: Salary 764,236 722,876
Annual leave accrued 64,594 59,945
Performance bonuses 77,530 73,039
Other 61,063 54,358
Total short-term employee benefits 967,423 910,218
Post-employment benefits: Superannuation 112,098 106,815
Total post-employment benefits 112,098 106,815
Other long-term benefits:
Long-service leave 21,052 19436
Total other long-term benefits 21,052 19436
Termination benefits Total 1,100473 1,036,568
1. Note 13A was prepared on an accrual basis (so the performance bonus expenses disclosed above differ
from the cash T3onus paid' in Note 13B).
2. Note 13A excludes acting arrangements and part-year service where remuneration expensed for a
senior executive was less than $150,000.
Note 13B: Average Annual Remuneration Packages and Bonus Paid for Substantive Senior Executives as at the end of the Reporting Period
as at 30 June 2011 ________________________________________________________________ as at 30 June 2010
Fixed Elements and Bonus Paid1 Executives
No.
Salary $
Fixed elements
Allowances $
Total $
Bonus paid2 ! $
Executives No.
Salary $
Fixed elements
Allowances $
Total S
Total remuneration (including part-time arrangements): $150,000 to $179,999 3 149,005 21,677 170,682 10,537 2 140,497 21,483 161,980
$210,000 to $239,999 1 188439 28474 216,813 22,845 1 182,756 28,480 211,236
$240,000 to $269,999 1 237,028 32,674 269,702 29.120 1 226,490 32,580 259,070
Total_______________________________________________________ 5 _________ 1
Notes: 1. This table reports substantive senior executives who were employed by the entity at the end o f the reporting period. Fixed elements were based on
the employment agreement of each individual. Each row represents an average annualised figure (based on headcount) for the individuals in that
remuneration package band (i.e. the Total' column).
2. This represents average actual bonuses paid during the reporting period in that remuneration package band. The "Bonus paid' was excluded from
the Total1 calculation, (for the purpose o f determining remuneration package bands). The "Bonus paid1 within a particular band may vary between
financial years due to various factors such as individuals commencing with or leaving the entity during the financial year.
: Bonos paid2!
l â‘ â‘" < l "$ i
i 9.888 j
17,539 !
27.159 i
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Variable Elements: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
With the exception o f bonuses, variable elements were not included in the Fixed Elements and Bonus Paid' table above. The following variable
elements were available as part of senior executives' remuneration package:
(a) Bonuses:
" Bonuses were based on the performance rating o f each individual. The maximum bonus that an individual can receive were 15 per cent o f his/her base salary.
(b) On average senior executives were entitled to the following leave entitlements:
" Annual Leave (AL): entitled to 20 days (2010: 20 days) each foil year worked;
" Personal Leave (PL): entitled to 18 days (2010: 18 days) or part-time equivalent; and
" Long Service Leave (LSL): in accordance with Long Service Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1976.
(c) Senior executives were members of one o f the following superannuation funds:
" Australian Government Employee Superannuation Trust (AGEST): Employer contributions were set at 15.4 per cent (2010: 15.4 per cent).
More information on AGEST can be found at http://www.agest.com.au;
" Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS): this scheme is closed to new members, and employer contributions were averaged 21.4 per
cent (2010:21.4 per cent) (including productivity component). More information on CSS can be found at http://www.css.gov.au;
" Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS): this scheme is closed to new members, with current employer contributions were set at 16.0
per cent (2010:16.2 per cent) (including productivity component). More information on PSS can be found at http://www.pss.gov.au;
" Public Sector Superannuation Accumulation Plan (PSSap): employer contributions were set at 15.4 percent (2010: 15.4 per cent), and the
fund has been in operation since July 2005. More information on PSSap can be found at http://www.pssap.gov.au; and
(d) Others: Various salary sacrifice arrangements were available to senior executives including super, motor vehicle and expense payment fringe
benefits.
Note 13C: Other Highly Paid Staff
During the reporting period, there were two employees whose salary plus performance bonus were
$150,000 or more. (2010: Two)
Note 14: Remuneration o f Auditors
2011 2010
$ $
The fair value o f the services provided was:
- Audit o f annual financial statements 34.000 32,000
34.000 32,000
No other services were provided by the auditors o f the financial
statements.
158 A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
2011 2010
$ $
15A: Categories of Financial Instruments
Financial Assets
Loans and receivables:
Cash and cash equivalents 9,587,097 9,978,105
Goods and services receivables 484,800 435,634
C arrying amount of financial assets 10,071,897 10,413,738
Financial Liabilities
Other Liabilities:
Payables - suppliers 597,593 1,118,322
C arrying amount of financial liabilities 597,593 1,118,322
15B: Net Income and Expense from Financial Assets
Loans and receivables
Interest revenue 515,171 341,642
Foreign exchange gains/(loss) (17,649) (473)
Net gain/(loss) loans and receivables 497,522 341,169
Net gain/(loss) from financial assets 497,522 341,169
15C: Fa ir Value of Financial Instruments
C arrying Fair Carrying Fair
amountvalue amount value
2011 2011 2010 2010
$ $ $ $
Financial Assets
Loans and receivables 10,071,897 10,071,897 10,413,738 10,413,738
Total 10,071,897 10,071,897 10,413,738 10,413,738
Financial Liabilities
Other Liabilities 597,593 597,593 1,118,322 1,118,322
Total 597,593 597,593 1,118,322 1,118,322
A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 159
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Note 15: Financial Instruments (Cont'd)
15D: C redit risk
FSANZ is exposed to m inimal credit risk as loans and receivables are cash and goods and services receivables. The maximum
exposure to credit risk is the risk that arises from potential default o f a debtor. This amount is equal to the total amount o f goods and
services receivables (2011: $484,400 and 2010: $435,634). FSANZ has assessed the risk o f the default on payment as m inimal and
no allowance for impairment has been made.
FSANZ holds no collateral to mitigate against risk.
C redit ris k o f financial instrum ents not past due or individually determ ined as im paired
N ot Past
Due N or
Im paired
2011
$
Not Past
Due Nor
Impaired 2010
$
Past due or
im paired
2011
$
Past due or
impaired
2010
$
Loans and receivables
Goods and services receivables 455,484 428,434 29,316 7,200
Total 455,484 428,434 29,316 7,200
Ageing o f financial assets that are past due but not im paired fo r 2011
Oto 30
days
$
31 to 60
days
$
61 to 90
days
$
90+
days
$
Total
$
Loans and receivables
Goods and services receivables 29,202 1 113 29,316
Total 29,202 1 113 - 29,316
Ageing o f financial assets that are past due but not impaired for 2010
Oto 30
days
31 to 60
days
61 to 90
days
90+
Total
Loans and receivables
$ $ $ $ $
Goods and services receivables 7,200 - - - 7,200
Total 7,200 - 0 0 7,200
15E: L iq u id ity risk
FSANZ's financial liabilities are trade creditors and other payables. The exposure to liquidity risk is based on the notion that FSANZ
w ill encounter difficulty in meeting its obligations associated w ith financial Liabilities. This is highly unlikely due to appropriation
funding and mechanisms available to FSANZ and internal policies and procedures put in place to ensure there are appropriate
resources to meet its financial obligations.
FSANZ has no past experience of default.
M aturities fo r financial liabilities 2011
On w ithin 1 1 to 5 >5
demand year years years Total
2011 2011 2011 2011 2011
$ $ $ $ $
Payables - suppliers 597,593 597,593
Total 0 597,593 0 0 597,593
Maturities for financial liabilities 2010
On within 1 1 to 5 >5
demand year years years Total
2010 2010 2010 2010 2010
$ $ $ $ $
Payables - suppliers 1,118,322 1,118,322
Total 0 1,118,322 0 0 1,118,322
15F M arke t risk
FSANZ holds basic financial instruments that do not expose FSANZ to certain market risks, however FSANZ holds assets and
liabilities in New Zealand dollars and is exposed to normal currency fluctuations in the Australian/New Zealand dollar exchange rate.
160 A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-2011
Note 16: R eporting o f Outcomes
FSAN Z operates prim arily in a single industry and has operations in both Canberra, Australia and Wellington, New
Zealand.
FSAN Z objectives, in developing or reviewing food standards as set down in legislation, are to: protect public health
and safety; ensure the provision o f adequate inform ation relating to food to enable inform ed consumer choice; and
prevent misleading and deceptive conduct.
FSAN Z is structured to meet one outcome:
Outcome 1: A safe food supply and well-inform ed consumers in Australia and New Zealand,including through the
development o f food regulatory measures and the prom otion o f their consistent implementation, coordination o f food
recall activities and the m onitoring o f consumer and industry food practices.
Note 16A: Net Cost o f Outcom e D elivery
Outcom e 1 Total
2011 2010 2011 2010
S *000 $ *000 S * 000 $ *000
Expenses 22,402 19,584 22,402 19,584
Incom e fro m non-governm ent sector
Activities subject to cost recovery 453 680 453 680
Other 2,059 1,826 2,059 1,826
Total 2,512 2,506 2,512 2,506
Oth e r own-source income
Other 644 459 644 459
(Net cost o f outcome deliverey 19,246 16,619 19,246 16,619
Outcomes 1 is described in Note 1 l.l.N e t costs shown include intra-government costs that are eliminated in calculating the actual Budget outcome.
A P P E N D I X 5 F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 161
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Note 16: Reporting o f Outcomes (Cont'd)
Note 16B: M a jo r Classes of Expenses.Revenue^Assets and Liabilities by Outcome
Outcome 1 Total
2011 2010 2011 2010
$'000 5*Ã¥00 $'000 $OO0
Expenses
Employees 15,673 13,334 15,673 13,334
Suppliers 5,972 5,725 5,972 5,725
Depreciation and amortisation 725 508 725 508
Write-down and impairment of assets - 1 - 1
Net foreign exchange losses 18 1 18 1
Finance Charge 14 15 14 15
Loss from asset sales - - - -
Total 22,402 19,584 22,401 19,584
Income
Revenues from Government 19,296 19,566 19,296 19,566
Sales of goods & services 2,617 2,542 2,617 2,542
Interest 515 342 515 342
Net foreign exchange gains - - - -
Other non-taxation revenues 24 81 24 81
Total 22,452 22,531 22,453 22,531
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 9,587 9,978 9,587 9,978
Trade and other receivables 485 436 485 436
Land and Buildings 503 837 503 837
Property, Plant and Equipment 692 627 692 627
Intangibles 1,407 72 1,407 72
Other Non-Financial Assets 213 216 213 216
Total 12,887 12,165 12,887 12,165
Liabilities
Suppliers 598 1,118 598 1,118
Other payables 1,868 1,372 1,868 1,372
Employee provisions 4,078 3,730 4,078 3,730
Other provisions 290 276 290 276
Total 6,834 6,496 6,834 6,496
Outcomes 1 is described in Note 1 l.l.N e t costs shown include intra-government costs that are eliminated in calculating the actual Budget outcome.
162 A P P E N D I X 5 F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Note 17: Compensation and Debt Relief
FSANZ incurred no expenses or liabilities in relation to compensation and debt relief in the reporting period (2009-10 nil).
A P P E N D I X 5 - F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 163
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Appendix 6 - Functions and powers
Food Standards Australia New Zealand is a statutory authority established by the Food
Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991. The Act came into effect on 19 August 1991.
FSANZ is part of the Health and Ageing portfolio of the Australian Government and, on day-
to-day matters, is accountable to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and
Ageing, the Hon. Catherine King, MP.
Sections 13 and 14 of the Act state:
Functions
(1) The functions of the Authority are:
(a) in accordance with this Act, to develop standards and variations of standards, and
to review standards and variations of standards; and
(b) in accordance with this Act, to develop codes of practice and variations of codes of
practice for industry and to review codes of practice; and
(c) to develop guidelines to assist the interpretation of the Australia New Zealand
Food Standards Code on its own initiative or in consultation with the States, the
Territories and any other body or person that the Authority considers appropriate;
and
(d) to promote consistency between standards in Australia and New Zealand with
those used internationally, based on the best available scientific evidence; and
(e) in consultation with the States and Territories, or on its own initiative, to facilitate the
harmonisation of state and territory laws relating to food; and
(f) in consultation with the States and Territories, or on its own initiative, to co ordinate
the development of procedures required to implement requirements set out in
standards; and
(g) in consultation with the States and Territories, to co ordinate the monitoring,
surveillance and enforcement of activities relating to food available in Australia; and
(h) in consultation with the States and Territories, or on its own initiative, to conduct
research and surveys in relation to any of the matters that may be included in a
standard; and
164 APPENDIX 6 - FUNCTIONS AND POWERS
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-2011
(i) in co operation with the States and Territories, to develop food education initiatives,
including the publication of information to increase public awareness of food
standards and food labels; and
(j) in co operation with the Department administering Division 1A of Part V of the Trade
Practices Act 1974, to co ordinate the recall of food under that Division; and
(k) at the request of the States and Territories, to co ordinate action by the States and
Territories to recall food under State and Territory laws; and
(l ) to develop assessment policies in relation to food imported into Australia; and
(m) to provide advice to the Minister on matters relating to food; and
(n) to participate in international, regional and bilateral negotiations on matters that
may be included in standards; and
(o) to make the Authority *s knowledge, expertise, equipment, facilities and intellectual
property available to other persons on a commercial basis; and
(p) at the request of New Zealand, to perform functions for New Zealand similar to the
functions that the Authority may perform in relation to the States and Territories; and
(q) at the request of New Zealand, to perform functions for New Zealand similar to the
other functions that the Authority may perform; and
(qa) such other functions as are conferred on the Authority by this Act; and
(r) any functions incidental to any of the foregoing functions.
(2) The function conferred by paragraph (1)(o):
(a) can only be exercised:
(i) for a purpose for which the Parliament has power to make laws; or
(ii) to utilise the Authority *s spare capacity; and
(b) does not authorise the Authority to do something that would impede the Authority *s
capacity to perform its other functions.
APPENDIX 6 - FUNCTIONS AND POWERS 165
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Powers
(1) The Authority has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done in
connection with the performance of its functions and, in particular, may:
(a) enter into contracts; and
(b) acquire, hold and dispose of real or personal property; and
(c) occupy, use and control any land or building owned, or held under lease, by the
Commonwealth and made available for the purposes of the Authority; and
(d) engage persons to perform services for the Authority; and
(e) provide assistance to bodies or persons to prepare submissions:
(i) relating to the development or consideration of draft food regulatory measures
or draft variations of food regulatory measures; or
(ii) relating to the performance of any other function of the Authority;
if the Authority determines that such assistance will advance the development or
consideration of that draft or the performance of that other function; and
(f) accept gifts, grants, bequests and advances made to the Authority (whether on
trust or otherwise) and act as trustee of money or other property vested in the
Authority on trust; and
(fa) form, or participate in the formation of, companies; and
(fb) subscribe for or purchase shares in, or debentures and other securities of,
companies; and
(fc) participate in partnerships, trusts and unincorporated joint ventures; and
(g) do anything incidental to any of its powers.
(2) The powers of the Authority may be exercised within or outside Australia.
166 APPENDIX 6 FUNCTIONS AND POWERS
Appendix 7 - Current publications
General publications
All publications are available from the FSANZ website, www.foodstandards.gov.au and limited
hard copies of certain publications are available from the Information Officer.
Please note that the hard copy of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and User
Guides are available from Anstat Pty Ltd at http://www.saiglabal.com/legislation/services/food
or on 03 9278 1144.
m e D e s c r ip tio n
Agents of Foodborne Illness A technical series summarising key information on
microorganisms associated with foodborne illness
First published 2011.
Annual Report A report to the Australian Parliament on FSANZ *s
activities for the year. Annual publication.
AUSNUT Australian Food and Nutrient Database. AUSNUT
is FSANZ *s first ever data release on CD Rom. The
AUSNUT CD contains a set of 7 inter-related data
files and explanatory notes that contain a wealth
of descriptive and numerical data on the food and nutrient composition of Australian foods.
First published 1999.
Contact the Information Officer for more information.
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code This document contains food standards (regulations) that apply to food businesses in Australia and New
Zealand. Compliance with the standards is mandatory.
Available in loose-leaf form by subscription from Anstat
and from website free-of-charge.
Australian Total Diet Study
(formerly the Australian Market Basket Survey) This study monitors pesticide and contaminant residues present in food and estimates their intake in
the diets of Australians. FSANZ uses this information when developing food standards.
19th ATDS published April 2001.
20th ATDS published January 2003
21st ATDS published August 2005.
22nd ATDS latest edition published September 2008.
Choosing the Right Stuff - the official shoppers * guide to food additives and labels, kilojoules and fat content.
Available from from major booksellers.
May 2007.
A P P E N D I X 7 - C U R R E N T P U B L I C A T I O N S 167
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
me D e s c r ip tio n
Corporate Plan The Corporate Plan sets out FSANZ *s strategic
directions over a three-year period. Latest edition
2009-2012.
Printed August 2009.
Food Industry Recall Protocol This booklet is a step-by-step guide to carrying out
food recalls. It explains what must be done when food
products have to be recalled from shops or consumers
for health and safety reasons.
First published June 1994. Latest edition 5th September 2002 and print rerun June 2004, September 2008.
Food labels: What do they mean? (Poster) A full colour A2 poster explaining the changes to food
labels.
First published October 2001. Print reruns 2002, 2003, 2004. Updated 2007. Currently being updated.
Food Standards News A newsletter about the key issues and significant
projects undertaken by FSANZ.
First published as ANZFA News May 1998. Published as Food Standards News from Feb 2001.
Available by email and website.
Food Surveillance News A quarterly publication co-coordinating microbiological
and other food safety studies from the states and
territories.
First published Spring 2001. Available by email and
website.
GM Foods FSANZ *s safety assessment process for genetically
modified foods. Replaces previous publication *GM foods and the Consumer * (2000).
Published June 2005; released August 2005.
168 A P P E N D I X 7 - C U R R E N T P U B L I C A T I O N S
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-2011
m e Description
Listeria and Food brochure An easy-to-read brochure which explains how to
reduce the risk of contracting the Listeria infection - specifically advice for people at risk - pregnant
women, their unborn and newborn children, older
people (65 years and older), or the immunoâ
compromised.
The brochure sets out foods which are safe and those at *higher risk * of Listeria contamination. This brochure
replaces the Listeria and Pregnancy brochure released
in June 2001.
Printed July 2004 Reprinted June 2005. Available
from the website only.
Mercury in fish brochure and fact sheet Mercury in fish brochure contains information on
the recommended portions of fish that should be consumed by various sectors of the population.
Further information fact sheet also provides more
detailed information on the consumption of certain species of fish.
Published March 2004. Available from the website only.
Monitoring of Emerging Issues newsletter Fortnightly summary of global food safety issues.
Available on website only.
NUTTAB NUTTAB 2006 is an updated food composition
publication containing data on the nutrient content of
foods available in Australia.
Nutrition information panel calculator A database to allow industry to calculate NIPs
Released August 2001.
Panui - Nga Kaitohutohu Kounga Kai Newsletter published three to four times a year.
(Newsletter for the Maori Reference Group) Provides the Maori Network and interested stakeholders with updates on Kaitohutohu and FSANZ
activities, the regulatory environment in New Zealand
and Australia, and general information.
First published December 2009. Available by email
and website.
The Analysis of Food-Related Health Risks Publication providing information on the risk analysis
process used by FSANZ to identify, assess and manage food-related health risks within a structured
framework.
February 2009.
A P P E N D I X 7 - C U R R E N T P U B L I C A T I O N S 169
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Title D e s c r ip tio n
Safe Food Australia 2nd Edition January 2001
(A Guide to the Food Safety Standards)
This book contains Chapter 3 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Applies to Australia
only). The guide had been prepared to assist with the
interpretation of three of the food safety standards in Chapter 3 of the Australia New Zealand Food
Standards Code. They are: 3.1.1 Interpretation and
Application; 3.2.2 Food Safety Practices and General requirements; 3.2.3 Food Premises and Equipment.
Available from Anstat at cost and from the website
free-of-charge.
Science Strategy 2010-15 Published 2010
Thinking about having a baby? Important things you
need to know about what you eat and drink
Pamphlet providing nutritional information for women
who may be thinking about getting pregnant
Fact sheets 2010-11 Fact sheets on food issues for 2010-11.
FSANZ Response to 60 Minutes story (6 June 2011) Available on the FSANZ website only.
E-coli outbreak in Germany (3 June 2011)
FSANZ risk assessment on antibiotic use in
New Zealand apples (16 May 2011)
Hormonal growth promotants in beef (31 March 2011)
Safety of food from Japan (18 March 2011)
Industrial hemp as a food (15 March 2011)
Irradiation of persimmons (Application A1038)
(15 March 2011)
Quorn (mycoprotein) (24 March 2011)
Country of Origin labelling in Australia - information for
consumers (February 2011)
Nutrition Claims (December 2010)
Food Derived from GM Plants Containing Stacked
Genes (December 2010)
Pine nuts (December 2010)
Choosing healthier fats and oils (December 2010)
Bisphenol A (BPA) and food packaging (July 2011)
Listeria and food - the risk to people with weakened immune systems (10 November 2010)
Recall of weight loss products (25 October 2010)
Iodine in Food (October 2010)
Food derived from cloned animals and their offspring
(August 2010)
Aspartame (August 2010)
170 A P P E N D I X 7 - C U R R E N T P U B L I C A T I O N S
AN N U AL R EPOR T 2 0 1 0-2011
Scientific publications
FSAN Z s ta ff m e m b e r J o u r n a l To p ic
Renee Sobolewski Nutrition and Dietetics 2010 Which Australian food composition Judy Cunningham 67:37-40 database should I use?
Dorothy Mackerras
Judy Cunningham Australasian Epidemiologist Food composition - essential data in
Shari Tompsett2010 17.1:32-34 epidemiological studies of food and health.
Janice Abbey
Renee Sobolewski
Dorothy Mackerras
Judy Cunningham Australasian Epidemiologist Update on trans fatty acid intakes (letter) Jacinta Dugbaza 2010 17.1:6
Dorothy Mackerras
Dorothy Mackerras Journal of Epidemiology and Estimating the impact of mandatory
Julie Boorman Community Health (in press) fortification of bread with iodine on pregnant
and post-partum women
Dorothy Mackerras American Journal of Re: "Effect of supplemental folic acid
Judy Cunningham Epidemiology. 2010 March in pregnancy on childhood asthma: a
Ann Hunt 15 171(6):746-7 prospective birth cohort study" (letter)
Paul Brent
Scott Crerar Food Control (2010) Recent Experiences with Listeria
monocytogenes in New Zealand and Development of a Food Control Risk-Based
Strategy
Judy Cunningham Nutrition & Dietetics 2010;Evaluation of the composition of omega-3
67: 182-189 fatty acids in dietary oil supplements
Dorothy Mackerras Nutrition & Dietetics 2010;The Aboriginal Birth Cohort Study: When is
67: 171-176 a cohort study not a cohort design?
Janis Baines Nutrients 2011,Risk Assessment to underpin food
Judy Cunningham 3(1): 164-185 regulatory decisions: an example of public
Christel Leemhuis health nutritional epidemiology
Tracy Hambridge
Dorothy Mackerras
Judy Cunningham Journal of Food Composition Food composition databases for nutrition
Renee Sobolewski & Analysis 2011 labelling: experience from Australia
A P P E N D I X 7 - C U R R E N T P U B L I C A T I O N S 171
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
FSAN Z s ta ff m e m b e r J o u r n a l To p ic
Dorothy Mackerras The Medical Journal of
Australia 194:126-130, 2011
Iodine status of Aboriginal teenagers in the Darwin region before mandatory fortification
of bread
Leise Berven
Scott Crerar Hong Jin
Joel Tan
EcoHealth. Volume 7, S1-S2, 2011
Approach to Determining the BSE Food
Safety Risk of Countries
Scott Crerar Food Control 2011 Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in
ready-to-eat foods: Working towards global
scientific consensus and harmonization - Recommendations for improved prevention
and control
Janine Lewis British Journal of Nutrition
(in press)
The regulation of protein content and quality
in national and international food standards
172 A P P E N D I X 7 - C U R R E N T P U B L I C A T I O N S
Appendix 8 - Categories of documents held
Administration
Documents relating to administration include personnel, finance, property and resource
management records.
Agreements
FSANZ holds copies of the following agreements:
" The Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia, the states, the Northern
Territory of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory in relation to the adoption of
uniform food standards (2000).
" The Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand
establishing a system for the development of joint food standards which was signed in
1995 and came into effect in 1996. (This document can be found on the Internet under
the Australian Treaty Series 1996 Number 12). This link is available from our website at
www.foodstandards.gov.au together with links to all relevant legislation).
Food recalls
A full list of the products involved and the reasons for each recall are given in an end-of-year
food recall report. A summary appears in this annual report.
Briefs, submissions and reports
We prepare and hold copies of briefing papers, submissions and reports relevant to
specific functions. Briefing papers and submissions include those prepared for ministers,
Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, Food Regulation Standing
Committee, Implementation Sub Committee and other committees.
Databases
We maintain a wide range of computer databases to support our information and processing
needs, including the Australian Nutrient Databank and our dietary modelling software
(DIAMOND). All are held in our Canberra office.
APPENDIX 8 CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENTS HELD 173
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Files
Both paper-based and computer-based records are maintained on FSANZ *s activities. They
primarily relate to the processing of applications or proposals associated with a draft standard
or a draft variation to a standard. While most of these records are held in our Canberra office,
some are held in the Wellington office.
Finance documents
We maintain a series of documents relating to FSANZ financial management, including our
chart of accounts, expenditure and revenue ledgers and appropriation ledger.
Freedom of information enquiries
Initial enquiries concerning access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
should be directed to the General Manager (Legal and Regulatory Affairs) on (02) 6271 2222.
Mailing lists
We maintain, for our own use, mailing lists to disseminate information to key stakeholders and
interested individuals. Documents distributed through this list include FSANZ annual reports,
Food Standards News , food standards, Food Surveillance News, information circulars,
information summaries, Explanatory Notes and Statement of Reasons.
Maps and plans
Maps and plans held are mainly working drawings, plans and specifications for our offices.
Public Register
We maintain a Public Register of documents for all applications and proposals. Applications,
public submissions and other associated material (with the exception of any commercially
confidential material or other confidential information), as well as relevant FSANZ documents
are placed on the Public Register file.
The Public Register files are now generally available electronically. Members of the public
wishing to access files no longer have to come to the Canberra or Wellington offices to view
the documents.
174 APPENDIX 8 CATEGORIES OF DOC U MENTS HELD
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-201 1
Public Register files can be inspected for an administrative charge with five working days
notice. In Australia, the charge is: 1 file AU$110; 2-4 files AU$145; and 5 or more files
AU$180. Copying, postage and CDs are charged in addition to these costs. The charge may
be partially or fully waived for academic institutions, private individuals, community, consumer
or non-profit organisations.
Review and research
Documents relating to policy review, dietary surveys, labelling research and organisational and
communications reviews are held in our Canberra office.
Media releases
All media releases are available on request. They can also be accessed from the FSANZ
website at www.foodstandards.gov.au.
Publications
See Appendix 6 for a list of current publications.
APPENDIX 8 CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENTS HELD 175
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Appendix 9 - Consultants
Consultancies worth $10,000 or more carried out in FSANZ during 2010-11:
Consultant Nature of consultancy Amount - ReasonSelection excl GST for use process
Face 2 Face Temporary Staff & Placement 20,888.00 ASelective Tender
Recruitment Pty
Ltd
Fees
SOS RecruitmentTemporary Staff & Placement Fees 16,907.55 ASelective Tender
Executive Executive Search & Recruitment26,343.75 BSole Source
Intelligence Group Pty Ltd (EIG) Services
Newspoll Market Research Fortification Survey 71,760.00 BPanel
OMNI PotentSoftware support16,912.50 A,B Part of an existing
Solutions enhancements and
maintenance of the Australian
Nutrients Data bank (ANDB)
contract
Protiviti Pty Ltd Provision of Internal Audit Services
67,480.00 BSelective Tender
Quality
Management Solutions (QMS)
HR Advice 57,980.00 B Selective Tender
Sardi Business Design of survey administration 42,545.46 BOpen Tender
Services guidelines
Stamford Review of website content 38,640.00 C Selective Tender
Interactive Pty Ltd management system
The Public Affairs
Recruitment Company
(TPARC)
Recruitment Services 27,867.73 B Sole Source
Australian National Estimating the burden of 12,763.63 BSole Source
University (ANU) foodborne illness in Australia
circa 2010
176 A P P E N D I X 9 - C O N S U L T A N T S
WWW
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-2011
Consultant Nature of consultancy Amount - Reason Selection
excl GSTfor use process
Biotext Pty Ltd Imported Food Advice Review (2)
18,181.82 C Open Tender
Cantlie
Recruitment
Services
Recruitment Services 24,332.60 BSole Source
Cogent Business Project management of an 96,086.37 A,BOpen Tender
Solutions Pty Ltd integrated database application (Harvest)
Department
of Agriculture
Fisheries and Forestry
Report on meat imports 14,200.00 B Sole Source
Estendart Limited Hazard Assessment of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids 75,514.57 B,C Selective Tender
Graeme Drake Imported Food Advice Review 45,454.55 C Open Tender
T/A's GED Advisory
(1)
Kerry Belli Development of a food incident
protocol
16,045.17 A,B Sole source
Newspoll Market
Research
Sports Food Survey 69,533.00 BPanel
Oakton Services Review of National Food 68,181.82 A Selective Tender
Pty Limited Incident Protocol
Peoplebank Consultancy Services for 23,172.25 A,BPart of an existing
Australia Ltd software development, software support and enhancement of dietary modelling data
management system
contract
TTCo Pty Ltd HBDI Profiles and facilitation 11,980.73 BSole Source
Wardy IT Solutions Information Technology Training 13,040.00 ASelective Tender
Assure Quality Australia Pty Ltd
Packaging Material Survey 49,615.75 A,BOpen Tender
A P P E N D I X 9 - C O N S U L T A N T S 177
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Consultant Nature of consultancy Amount -
excl GST
Reason for use Selection process
Australian
Chamber of Fruit
and Vegetable
Industries Ltd (ACFVI)
Fresh Test Data Sales 50,000.00 c Sole Source
ESR Limited 24th Australian Diet Survey 20,698.48 c Panel
National Measurement
Institute (NMI)
24th Australian Diet Survey 100,358.41 c Panel
National Measurement
Institute (NMI)
The National Health Survey
Food Analysis Program
88,808.75 A,BOpen Tender
Symbio Analysis of sausages, cordial
and dried fruit for sulphites 14,251.85 c Panel
Fujitsu Development of an integrated
database application (Harvest) 731,844.00 BOpen Tender
TOTAL $1,931,388.74
A - skills currently unavailable within agency
B - need for specialised or professional skills
C - need for independent research or assessment
178 APPENDIX 9 - CON SUL TANTS
Appendix 10 - FSANZ representation
International forums attended, including Codex/WHO/FAO
Date International Committee Meeting
or Conference
Who Attended Country
21-29 June 2010 United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Health Canada
Statistics Canada
Renee Sobolewski United
States,
Canada
30 June - 1 July
2010
Physical Working Group Meeting
for Scientific Issues Related to the
Establishment of Codex Nutrient Reference Values for vitamins and
minerals
Jenny Hazelton Republic of
Korea
5-9 July 2010 33rd Session of the Codex Alimentarius
Commission (CAC)
Paul BrentSwitzerland
5 July 2010 World Organisation for Animal Health
(OIE)
Andrew Bartholomaeus Scott Crerar France
7-8 July 2010 United Kingdom Food Standards Agency
(UKFSA);
Department of Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs (DEFRA); and The Food and Environment Research
Agency (FERA)
Andrew Bartholomaeus
Scott Crerar
United
Kingdom
12-17 July 2010 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA);
Institute of Medicine (IOM) & National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS);
International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI);
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN);
Monsanto Headquarters; and International Food Nanoscience
Conference
Andrew Bartholomaeus United
States
21-23 July 2010 Global Food Network Asia Foodnet Workshop on National Food Safety
Emergency Response Planning, Bangkok, in collaboration with WHO/FAO
Melanie Fisher Thailand
A P P E N D I X 10 F S A N Z R E P R E S E N T A T I O N 179
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Date International Committee Meeting
or Conference
Who Attended Country
25-26 July 2010 New Zealand Food and Grocery Council/
New Zealand Retailers meeting
Melanie Fisher Steve McCutcheon
Dean Stockwell Leigh Henderson
New
Zealand
23 Aug -10 Sep
2010
QUADS Food Standards Regulatory Economics Working Group Workshop. Meetings with Canadian Government and
UKFSA officials
Melanie Fisher Jason March
United States,
Canada,
United
Kingdom
8-11 September
2010
Prion 2010 - From Agent to Disease,
Annual International Meeting for TSE and
related prion diseases
Scott Crerar Salzburg,
Austria
20-21 September
2010
Seminar and Workshop on Nutrition
Labelling Claims and Communication
Strategies for the Consumers
Hazel Fowler Malaysia
20 - 23 September
2010
International Life Sciences Institute Southeast Asia Region Seminars on
Science and Regulatory Perspectives
on Stacked Events in Genetically Modified Crops
Janet GorstThailand, Indonesia
27-30 September
2010
Codex Committee for North America
and the South West Pacific (CCNASWP)
regional coordination meeting and workshop on date-marking
Jane Allen Tonga
2-25 October 2010 WHO/IASO Technical Meeting on Nutrient
Profiling
Free University of Amsterdam &
Wageningen University; Joint Cochrane Collaboration and
Campbell Collaboration Colloquium; and Health Canada
Dorothy Mackerras United
Kingdom
Netherlands
United
States
Canada
5-6 October 2010 International Workshop on Food Safety
Risk Assessment Capacity Building in the Countries of Asia Pacific Region
Steve McCutcheon Republic of
Korea
12-13 October
2010
The European Food Safety Authority
(EFSA) Colloquium XV on Emerging Risks
in Food
Christel Leemhuis Italy
180 A P P E N D I X 10 F S A N Z R E P R E S E N T A T I O N
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-
Date International Committee Meeting
or Conference
Who Attended Country
20-22 October
2010
Symposium: Frontiers in Food Allergen
Risk Assessment
Hikmat Hayder France
30 October -5 November 2010 Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
Janine Lewis Chile
2-5 November
2010
Total Diet Study Workshop Christel Leemhuis Taiwan
1 -5 November
2010
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meeting to
Review Toxicological and Health Aspects of Bisphenol A
Rainer Reuss Canada
5-8 November
2010
APEC Food Safety Corporation Forum (FSCF) Partnership Training Institute
Network (PTIN) workshop on Capacity
Building in Food Safety: Developing Food
Safety Plans for the Supply Chainâ‘, and APEC Food Safety Corporation Forum
(FSCF) Partnership Training Institute Network (PTIN) Steering Group Meeting
Steve McCutcheon
Duncan Craig
Sonia Bradley
China
8-11 November
2010
IDF World Dairy SummitJane Allen
Patricia Blenman Dennis Thomas
Auckland
15-16 November
2010
Codex Committee on Food Labelling
(CCFL) facilitated Workshop on GM
Labelling
Jane Allen Belgium
17 November 2010 2010 Taiwan-Australia Post Market Food
Surveillance Workshop
Carolyn Mooney Taiwan
18-20 November FAO/WHO Workshop - Use of Science
throughout the Food Chain for Safe
Foods
Steve Crossley Indonesia
29 November - 3
December 2010
42nd Session of the Codex Committee
on Food Hygiene
Amanda Hill Uganda
6 December 2010 United States Food and Drug
Administration (USFDA)
Amanda Hill United
States
13-16 December
2010
INFOSAN 1st Global Meeting Paul Brent
Barbara Butow
Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates
A P P E N D I X 10 - F S A N Z R E P R E S E N T A T I O N 181
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Date International Committee Meeting
or Conference
Who AttendedCountry
1-2 March 2011 6th APEC Sub-Committee on Standards
and Conformance Conference on Good Regulatory Practice.
Sonia Bradley United
States
6-10 March 2011 The Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting Utz Mueller United
States
9-18 March 2011 43rd Session of the Codex Committee on
Food Additives (CCFA)
Paul Brent China
18-30 March 2011 Joint FAO/WHO Workshop to Develop Guidance for Application of Risk Analysis During Safety Emergencies
Melanie Fisher Italy
21-25 March 2011 5th Session of the Codex Committee on
Contaminants in Food (CCCF)
Leigh Henderson The
Netherlands
27-30 March 2011 International Symposium Dietary Protein for Human Health Janine Lewis New
Zealand
28 March - 1 April
2011
US FDA open forum on colours and
behavioural effects in children
Leigh Henderson United
States
11-13 April 2011 WHO-Western Pacific Region: Technical Consultation on Identifying Approaches to
Controlling Obesity
Dorothy Mackerras Australia
11 May 2011 I LSI - HESI Biotechnology Workshop Lynda Graf France
12-13 May 2011 18th Meeting of the OECD Task Force for
the Safety of Novel Foods and Feeds Lynda GrafFrance
9-13 May 2011 Codex Committee on Food Labelling,
39th Session
Jane Allen
Tracey Cridge
Canada
13-18 May 2011 APEC FSCF Meeting and related events Steve McCutcheon
Paul Brent Melanie Fisher
Sonia Bradley
United States
16-17 May 2011 QUADS Social Research Coordination Group Technical Workshop Melanie Fisher Trevor Webb
Hazel Fowler Jason March
Canada
182 A P P E N D I X 10 F S A N Z R E P R E S E N T A T I O N
AN N U AL REPORT 2 0 1 0-2011
Date International Committee Meeting
or Conference
Who Attended Country
17-19 May 2011 Assessing impacts of chemical
contaminants in foods and feedstuffs
Leigh Henderson
Rosalind Dalefield
Lynne Waterson Kate Noonan
New
Zealand
16-20 May 2011 Prion 2011 - New World Congress and
meetings with Health Canada and CFIA
Scott Crerar Canada
18 May 2011 Joint QUADS Social Research
Coordination Group and Food Safety Regulatory Economics Working Group
day
Melanie Fisher Trevor Webb
Hazel Fowler Jason March
Canada
19-20 May 2011 QUADS Food Safety Regulatory
Economics Working Group Workshop Melanie Fisher Trevor Webb
Hazel Fowler Jason March
Canada
14-23 June 2011 74th Meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO
Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
Utz Mueller
Tracy Hambridge
Italy
21-23 June 2011 Nutrition Labelling Conference; Novel Foods Workshop
Dean Stockwell Belgium
Speaking engagements
Date Event Presenter(s) Title
July 2010 Food Standards Agency Andrew Bartholomaeus Sources of novelty in
(UK) nanotechnology in food
July 2010 I FT conference Chicago Andrew Bartholomaeus Sources of novelty in
nanotechnology in food
July 2010 Food and Drug Andrew Bartholomaeus Sources of novelty in
Administration (US) nanotechnology in food
5 July 2010 Australian Wine Industry Tracey Cridge Wine labelling: nutrition,
Technical Conference, health claims and advisory
Adelaide statements
A P P E N D I X 10 - F S A N Z R E P R E S E N T A T I O N 183
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
D a te Ev e n t Pr e s e n te r ( s ) Title
6 July 2010 Australian Beverages
Council Technical School, Sydney
Tracey Cridge Food standards and labelling
26 July 2010 NZFGC/FSANZ meeting Leigh Henderson When science and public
opinion diverge - BPA case
study
12 August 2010 Dairy Industry Association Ben Daughtry Management of Raw Milk
of Australia Conference Products
13 August 2010 Australian Speciality Ben Daughtry Management of Raw Milk
Cheesemakers * Association seminar
Products
19 August 2010 Biotechnology Lecture, Lynda Graf Health advisory label on
Australian National
University
alcoholic beverages
24 August 2010 Codex Stakeholder forum,Leigh Henderson,The importance of supporting Sydney Glenn Stanley the scientific process
26 August 2010 Food science lecture, Paul Brent Food legislation and
University of Canberra standards
10 September Food science lecture,Judy Cunningham Food legislation and
2010 University of Canberra standards
29 September Society of Risk Analysis Hong Jin An exposure assessment
2010 Conference Ben Daughtry of verocytotoxin producing
Escherichia coli contamination in fermented sausages
30 September Food science lecture,Duncan Craig Food microbiology
2010 University of Canberra
21 October 2010 Food science lecture, University of Canberra Michelle Robertson Food processing
1 September OzFoodNet Face to Face Barbara Butow Hepatitis A in semi-dried
2010 meeting, Melbourne tomatoes: Summary of
National Incident Response
debrief
9 September Presentation, University of Trevor Webb Social science and food
2010 Wollongong regulation
184 A P P E N D I X 10 - F S A N Z R E P R E S E N T A T I O N
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
D a te Ev e n t Pr e s e n te r ( s ) Title
20 September 2010 International Life Sciences Institute Seminar and
Workshop on Nutrition Labelling, Claims and
Communication Strategies for the Consumer, Malaysia
Hazel Fowler Consumer Understanding
and Use of Nutrition Labels
and Claims - Findings from
Australia and New Zealand
21 September
2010
Food science lectures, University of Otago, Dunedin
Diane Bourn Food labelling
23 September
2010
Food science lecture,
University of Canberra
Kirsti McVay Food labelling
7 October 2010 Seminar, Nutrition
Department, Free University
of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dorothy Mackerras Mandatory fortification of bread with iodine in Australia
and New Zealand
14 October 2010 Food science lecture,
University of Canberra
Janice Abbey & Carolyn Mooney
Food Surveillance in Australia
and New Zealand
22 October 2010 Seminar, Statistics Department, Massey University, Palmerston North
Michelle Gosse Hunting the snark: trying to
find the elusive characteristics
of products and consumer attributes that explain
consumer purchase decisions
on food products
Food science lecture,
University of Canberra
Dorothy Mackerras Health claims on food labels -
approaches being considered
nationally and internationally
29 October 2010 Complementary Healthcare
Council National
Conference
Sue Cassidy,
Catherine Deeps
Proposed Review of Formulated Supplementary
Sports Foods
11 November
2010
Food science lecture, University of Canberra
Trevor Webb Social sciences and food
regulation
3 November
2010
Seminar, MRC Human Nutrition Research Unit,
University of Cambridge, UK
Dorothy Mackerras Mandatory fortification of bread with iodine in Australia
and New Zealand
9 November
2010
International Seafood
and Health Conference,
Melbourne
Lydia Buchtmann Risk communication
A P P E N D I X 10 - F S A N Z R E P R E S E N T A T I O N 185
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
D a te Ev e n tPr e s e n te r ( s ) me
17 November 2010 Taiwan-Australia PostCarolyn Mooney The Australian and New
2010 Market Food Surveillance Zealand Food regulatory
Workshop (Taiwan) system and food surveillance
3 December Australian Consortium Michelle Gosse Studying food choices - how
2010 for Social and Political
Research Incorporated (ACSPRI), Social Science
Methodology Conference 2010, Sydney
should we do this?
8 December Food Safety Victoria Steve McCutcheon Role of Food Standards
2010 Australia New Zealand
10 February Seminar, Department Dorothy Mackerras Iodine status of Aboriginal
2011 of Health and Ageing,teenagers in the Darwin
Canberra region
14 February 2011 Home Economics
Association Curriculum
Day, Melbourne
Lydia Buchtmann Food regulatory system
1 March 2011 6th APEC SCSC Sonia Bradley APEC Food Safety
Conference on Good
Regulatory Practice
Cooperation Forum
15 March 2011 Foodservice Suppliers Utz Mueller Where Are We with
Association Australia
Breakfast Forum -
Melbourne
Genetically Modified Foods?
28 March 2011 Lecture at University of
Wollongong, NSW
Dorothy Mackerras The food regulation system
28 March 2011 Lecture at University of Jacinta Dugbaza Food composition monitoring
Wollongong, NSW and development of survey
food composition databases
29 March 2011 Lecture at University ofJacinta Dugbaza Food fortification monitoring
Wollongong, NSW - case study using FSANZ
2010 bread survey
29 March 2011 Lecture at University ofDorothy Mackerras Methods for deciding on
Wollongong, NSW fortification vehicles
186 A P P E N D I X 10 F S A N Z R E P R E S E N T A T I O N
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
D a te Ev e n t Pr e s e n te r ( s ) me
29 March 2011 Lecture at University of
Wollongong, NSW
Dorothy Mackerras %† Monitoring fortification -
regulation perspective and health outcome perspective
29 March 2011 Lecture at University of
Wollongong, NSW
Dorothy Mackerras Developing food guides:
Dietary modelling for revising
the Core Food Groups in
Australia
30 March 2011 International Symposium on Dietary Protein for Human Health
Janine Lewis The regulation of protein
content and quality in national
and international food
standards
14 April 2011 Seminar, Department
of Health and Human Services, Victoria
Dorothy Mackerras Iodine status of Aboriginal teenagers in the Darwin
region
9 May 2011 University of Canberra Hikmat Hayder Food allergens: from science
to regulation
14 May 2011 APEC, Montana, United
States
Melanie Fisher Food safety incident
management in the
government, industry and
retail sectors - best practice
and challenges
18 May 2011 Assessing impacts of
chemical contaminants in
foods and feedstuffs
Leigh Henderson Exposure assessment and
Australia *s National Food
Incident Plan
19 May 2011 Alcohol and Tobacco
Tax and Trade Bureau, Washington DC
Tracey Cridge Alcohol regulation - Australia
and New Zealand
22 June 2011 Allergen Bureau/1 LSI
Australasia Symposium on food allergens
Hikmat Hayder Outcomes of the allergen
review
A P P E N D I X 10 - F S A N Z R E P R E S E N T A T I O N 187
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Appendix 11 - FSANZ Board members, attendance, qualifications and experience
Table 1. Board attendance
M e m b e r M e e tin g s Te le c o n fe r e n c e s
Ms Philippa Smith AM (Chair) 4/4 5/5
Dr Michele Allan 4/4 3/5
Professor Katrine Baghurst3/4 5/5
Mr Peter Boyden 3/4 5/5
Ms Jenni Mack 4/4 5/5
Mr Steve McCutcheon (CEO) 4/4 5/5
Dr Andrew McKenzie 0/0 1/1
Dr James (Gardner) Murray AO 4/4 2/5
Mr Tony Nowell CNZM 4/4 5/5
Associate Professor Winsome Parnell 3/4 5/5
Dr Dave Roberts 4/4 4/5
Associate Professor Peter Williams 4/4 5/5
Ms Dianne Yates 2/2 3/3
Ob s e r v e r
Dr Anne Astin/Mr Stan Goodchild (alternate) 4/4 1/1
188 A P P E N D I X 1 1 F S A N Z B O A R D M E M B E R S
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-2011
Table 2. Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee attendance
M e m b e r M e e tin g s
Dr Michele Allan (FARMC Chair) 4/4
Ms Philippa Smith AM (Board Chair) 4/4
Mr Peter Boyden 4/4
Dr Dave Roberts 4/4
Ob s e r v e r s
Mr Steve McCutcheon (CEO) 4/4
Ms Audrey Gormley (Chief Finance Officer) 4/4
Food Standards Australia New Zealand Board expertise and
experience (2010-2011)
Ms Philippa Smith AM (term expires 30.06.2012)
Ms Philippa Smith, AM [s.116(1 )(a)] was appointed Chair of the FSANZ Board in July 2008. Ms
Smith is a former Commonwealth Ombudsman, CEO of the Association of Superannuation
Funds of Australia and the inaugural Chair of the Consumer *s Health Forum. She currently serves
on the boards of a number of organisations, including the Australian Institute of Public Health
and the Sax Institute. Ms Smith has developed strong strategic skills and extensive experience in
ensuring effective accountability and governance structures across a number of portfolios.
Dr Michele Allan (term expires 30.06.2013)
Dr Michele Allan [s.116(1 )(f)] has strong leadership experience across many facets of
the food industry including a CEO position in a publicly listed food company. Her areas
of expertise include leadership, manufacturing strategy, organisational strategy, risk and
insurance leadership, food safety systems implementation, food packaging innovation and
commercialisation. Dr Allan has held senior executive positions with Amcor Limited, Bonlac
Foods, Bioinformatics Centre of Excellence Tasmania, Kraft Foods and ICI. She has held board
positions within both the private and public sectors. She currently holds board positions at
William Angliss Institute, CaroMelOcean Limited and the standing committee for audit and risk
with the Department of Primary Industries Victoria.
APPENDIX 11 FSANZ BOARD MEMBERS189
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Professor Katrine Baghurst (term expires 30.06.2013)
Professor Katrine Baghurst [s.116(1 )(e)] has been involved in research and in translation of
research to practice in the nutrition field in both Australia and New Zealand over the past 30
years, notably at the CSIRO Human Nutrition Division. Her extensive experience makes her a
specialist in relation to determining food choice, consumer needs, current dietary patterns in
the community and nutritional and food education. Professor Baghurst is an Adjunct Professor
in the Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide and currently works as a nutrition
consultant.
Mr Peter Boyden (term expires 30.06.2013)
Mr Peter Boyden [s.116(1 )(g)] is an internationally experienced CEO with extensive general
management and marketing experience gained in consumer foods businesses in Australia,
United Kingdom, Netherlands and Greece. His most recent corporate role was Managing
Director and regional Board member of the Unilever Australasian foods business and a
Board member of the Australian Food and Grocery Council. He is currently a Principal at
The Adelante Group (senior executive mentoring), is a non-executive director of Meat and
Livestock Australia, and Chairman of Dairy Innovation Australia Ltd. His areas of responsibility
have included the management of consumer marketing, product and packaging development,
food production and general management, where he has focused on strategy development
and portfolio management.
Ms Jenni Mack (term expires 30.06.2013)
Ms Jenni Mack [s.116(1 )(d)] has worked in consumer affairs since 1993 when she was
Executive Director of the Australian Federation of Consumer Organisations. Her work
has spanned food, chemicals, telecommunications, energy and financial services policy
incorporating areas such as industry self-regulatory and co-regulatory practices, professional
standards and codes of practice. Ms Mack has worked closely with regulators and
government agencies on good regulatory science, community education, licensing, best
practice enforcement and compliance schemes, and community and social research projects.
Mr Steve McCutcheon (term expires 30.06.2015)
Mr Steve McCutcheon [s.116(1 )(B)j was appointed CEO of FSANZ in October 2007. Prior to
his appointment, Mr McCutcheon held a number of senior executive positions in the Australian
Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. During that time he led the
190 APPENDIX 1 1 FSANZ BOARD MEMBERS
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
team that developed the new food regulatory framework for Australia and New Zealand under
the auspices of the Council of Australian Governments. He also led the Australian delegation
to annual sessions of the Codex Alimentarius Commission from 2004-2007. Mr McCutcheon
holds a Bachelor of Economics degree and has undertaken further studies in public law and
public policy. The Chief Executive Officer of FSANZ is an ex officio member of the Board.
Dr Andrew McKenzie (term expires 30.06.2014)
Dr Andrew McKenzie [s 116(1 )(c)] began work in the New Zealand meat and seafood industries
and his early career included government veterinary positions in the meat industry, technical
positions in the then Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and foreign affairs service
in Europe looking after issues relating to trade in animal products. He became MAF *s Chief
Veterinary Officer with responsibility for the regulation of primary processing and market access
assurances for meat and seafood exports.
He eventually became Chief of MAF *s regulatory authority which included responsibility for
exports of all foods and food-related products. He then set up and led the New Zealand Food
Safety Authority (NZFSA) in 2002 - an integrated food safety agency. Dr McKenzie led the
agency until his retirement in June 2010. Dr McKenzie has extensive experience in domestic
food safety policy and standards, as well as international food safety and trade standards at the
bilateral and multilateral level. As head of NZFSA, he has been involved with and led a number
of national and international crisis management situations. Consequently, he has developed
extensive international networks. Dr McKenzie has a continuing interest in management and
governance, as well as contemporary regulatory approaches to food safety / quality and trade,
particularly around standard-setting. Dr McKenzie has post-graduate qualifications from Massey
University in veterinary public health.
Dr James (Gardner) Murray AO (term expires 30.06.2013)
Dr Gardner Murray [s.116(1 )(f)] has extensive experience in food safety and veterinary science.
He holds numerous high level positions including Non-Executive Governing Board Member
at the Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases,
and special adviser to the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE). Dr Murray has extensive
experience in the field of agricultural food safety and standards, zoonoses and emerging
threats.
APPENDIX 11 FSANZ BOARD MEMBERS
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Mr Tony Nowell CNZM (term expires 30.06.2013)
Mr Tony Nowell [s. 116(1 A)] Is a professional company director and Founding Director of
Valadenz Limited, a company formed to help develop New Zealand *s trade and export sector.
He was previously the CEO of Zespri International, the world *s leading marketer of kiwifruit,
and prior to that Managing Director of Griffin *s Foods Limited, New Zealand *s market leading
biscuit & snack food manufacturer, a subsidiary of France *s Groupe Danone until it divested
to Pacific Equity Partners in June 2006. He prepared and managed the divestment process
in collaboration with UBS. From 1997 to 1999, he was the Regional Vice President of Sara
Lee Asia and prior to this the Zone Manager for Sara Lee Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand
from 1995 to 1997 and Managing Director of Sara Lee Indonesia from 1991 to 1994. He was
Managing Director of L *Oreal Indonesia from 1987 to 1990 and Operations Manager of L *Oreal
New Zealand from 1981 to 1986. Mr Nowell was involved in the hotel industry from 1973
to 1981.
His other roles and responsibilities include: Chair of Scion (the Forest Research Institute of
New Zealand), Chair of New Zealand Food Innovation (Manukau), Deputy Chair of Leadership
New Zealand, Board member of The Royal New Zealand Ballet Company, Board member of
listed technology company Wellington Drive Technologies, member of the Export Advisory
Board of Business New Zealand, Trustee of Asia: NZ Foundation, Trustee of Anew New
Zealand Trust, Trustee of Snowvision New Zealand Trust and former Chair of the New Zealand
Packaging Accord Governing Board and the New Zealand Government Food and Beverage
Taskforce.
Associate Professor Winsome Parnell (term expired 30.06.2011)
Associate Professor Winsome Parnell [s. 116(1 )(ca)] is currently the Director of Nutrition for the
National Nutrition Survey, New Zealand. She has extensive experience in human nutrition and
infant feeding practices in New Zealand and the Pacific. Dr Parnell has been involved in various
consultations including for FSANZ on Nutritional Claims on Foods in 2000. Her work has
included providing technical advice to government, industry and public health organisations on
nutrition matters.
Dr David Roberts (term expires 30.06.2013)
Dr David Roberts [ s.116(1 )(g)] is a Food and Nutrition Consultant with extensive experience
in health and science. He has expertise in public health, food science, food allergy, human
nutrition, food safety, food industry, food processing/retail, government and regulation.
192 APPENDIX 1 1 FSANZ BOARD MEMBERS
Dr Roberts has held senior positions at the Australian Food and Grocery Council and the
University of Newcastle and served as the NSW Branch Chair of the Australian Institute of
Food Science and Technology.
Associate Professor Peter Williams (term expires 30.06.2013)
Associate Professor Peter Williams [s.116(1 )(f)] brings to the Board a strong background in
public health, human nutrition, food service management and consumer studies. Fie is an
Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences at the Wollongong University and led the
regulatory affairs work of the National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods. Before his
employment at Wollongong, Associate Professor Williams was the Director of Scientific and
Consumer Affairs at Kelloggs for three years and previously worked as the Chief Dietitian and
Food Services Manager at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Associate Professor Williams served a
two-year term as President of the Dietitians Association of Australia from 2001 and has served
on NHMRC working parties for the review of dietary guidelines for Australia and the review of
recommended nutrient intakes.
Ms Dianne Yates (resigned from Board 28.02.2011)
Ms Dianne Yates, M.Ed. (Howard, USA), B.A. (Victoria, Wellington), Dip Tchg, NZCTC, LTCL.
Ms Yates is a former Labour Member of Parliament in New Zealand, retiring in her 15th
year in the House. During this period she chaired the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade
Select Committees, as well as the Government Administration Select Committee and the
Education and Science Committee. She also served for three terms on the Regulations
Review Committee of the New Zealand Parliament and has been a member of the Health
Select Committee. The Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act in New Zealand was a
private members bill in her name. Prior to Parliament Ms Yates has had a career in education
(teaching and management) in New Zealand, UK, Zimbabwe and USA at the secondary and
tertiary levels. Ms Yates continues to serve the community on the local WINTEC Council, Trust
Waikato, and the New Zealand Learning Media Limited.
Note: The reference after each member *s name refers to the role specified in section 40 of the Fo o d Sta n d a rd s
Australia N e w Ze a la n d Ac t 1991 which the member fulfils. All members, with the exception of the CEO of FSANZ,
are part-time. Members are listed alphabetically after the Chairman.
A P P E N D I X 11 F S A N Z B O A R D M E M B E R S 193
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Appendix 12 - FSANZ Strategy Map 2009-12
A safe food supply which supports the health of people in Australia and New Zealand Vision
REGULATORY STANDARDS
Enhancing the quality of regulatory standards
STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIPS
Building stronger stakeholder relationships
PEOPLE & ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITY
Continuing to strengthen the capability & capacity of FSANZ
ACCOUNTABILITY
Complying with relevant governance and accountability requirements
*® *® *®
" Clear, easy to " Shared " Increased " Maintain a culture of
understand understanding ofefficiency of our excellent governance
standards FSANZ *s role organisational " Ensuring appropriate
" Standards soundly " FSANZ reputation for processes systems are in place
based on evidence being proactive and " An enhanced and checked
" Standards that alert reputation for being a regularly
anticipate innovation " Credibility and trust safe, professionally and new in FSANZ rewarding and
technologies productive workplace
%º *® *® *®
" Ready acceptance of " Professional and " A positive culture in " Total compliancestandards by constructive FSANZ where staff with legislativejurisdictions & relationships with all feel motivated in their and reportingindustry stakeholders work, are valued and requirements " Easier " A strong sense of respected " Governmentimplementation engagement with confidence in FSANZby jurisdiction & FSANZ amongst ability to manage itsindustry stakeholders work and resources " Standards thatare useful toconsumers(understandable andbeneficial)t t
Strategic i Imperatives
4~Objectives
Outcomes
Develop and sustain effective food standards in collaboration with Australian and New Zealand Governments 4-
Mission
Consistency in our work through transparency, proactive and inclusive relationships with everyone we engage with. A complete version of FSANZ Corporate Plan 2009-12 is available on our website www.foodstandards.gov.au 4-
Values
194 A P P E NDI X 1 2 F S A NZ S T RA T E G Y MA P 2009 -1 2
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Acronyms and Abbreviations
ACCC Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
ADI Acceptable daily intake
AFGC Australian Food and Grocery Council
ANAO Australian National Audit Office
ANZFRMC Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council
APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Forum)
APS Australian Public Service
APVMA Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
AQIS Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
ASEAN Association of South-East Asian Nations
ATDS Australian Total Diet Study
AusAID Australian Agency for International Development
ATO Australian Taxation Office
BSE Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
CCCF Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food
CCFA Codex Committee on Food Additives
CCFH Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
CCFL Codex Committee on Food Labelling
CCFICS Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection Certification Systems
CCGP Codex Committee on General Principles
CCPR Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues
COAG Council of Australian Governments
Codex Codex Alimentarius Commission and its committees
DAFF Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
195
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
DIAMOND Dietary Modelling of Nutritional Data (FSANZ)
EEO Equal Employment Opportunity
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
FDA United States Food and Drug Administration
FOI Freedom of Information
FRSC Food Regulation Standing Committee
FSANZ Food Standards Australia New Zealand
FSANZ Act Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991
GM Genetically modified
IGA Inter-Government Agreement
ILSI International Life Sciences Institute
ISC Implementation Sub Committee
JECFA FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives
JEMRA FAO/WHO Joint Expert Meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment
MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (New Zealand)
MoU Memorandum of Understanding
MRL Maximum residue limit
NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council
NICNAS National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme
NUTTAB Nutrient content of food in Australia (publication)
OBPR Office of Best Practice Regulation
OECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
OGTR Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
OH&S Occupational Health and Safety
PMD Performance Management and Development initiative (FSANZ)
196
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-2011
QUADS Food Safety Quadrilateral meetings involving Australia, New Zealand, Canada
and the United States
RIS Regulatory Impact Statement
SCSC APEC Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance
SDC Standard Development Committee (FSANZ)
SES Senior Executive Service
TGA Therapeutic Goods Administration
USFDA United States Food and Drug Administration
WHO World Health Organization
WTO World Trade Organization
197
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Index
A
Abbey, Dr Janice, 88
academic institutions
engagement with, 59-60
accountability, 91-102
highlights, 92
objectives, 92
outcomes, 92
strategic imperative, 92
acrylamide
survey of levels of in food, 8
administration
documents, 173
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
review of decision re conjugated linoleic acid triglycerides, 36
administrative assessment
processes for assessing applications, 116
advantame, 56
advisory and liaison committees, 70
Advisory Committee for Fortification Monitoring Bread Analysis Project
members, 122
Advisory Committee on Novel Foods, 7, 51
members, 122
Advisory Group for Food Composition
members, 121-2
agreements
documents, 173
Ahead o f the game: blueprint for reform o f Australian Government administration
and stakeholder relationships, 69
alcohol products
pregnancy advisory statements on, 6
alcohol strategies, 11
Allan, Dr Michele, 99, 189
Allen, Jane, 88
allergenicity of new enzymes, 50-1
allergens see food allergens; undeclared allergens in products
198 I NDE X
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-201 1
Allergy Alert notifications, 5
on social media, 8
Allergy New Zealand
and frozen crumbed seafood products containing an undeclared peanut allergen, 46
aluminium
survey of levels of in food, 8
Anaphylaxis Australia
and frozen crumbed seafood products containing an undeclared peanut allergen, 46
Anstat Pty Ltd, 167
Application Handbook, 116, 117
on allergenicity of a new enzyme, 51
amendments to, 25
on nanotechnology, 36
applications
guidelines setting out mandatory information and format requirements for, 25
processes for assessing, 116-20
administrative assessment, 117
procedures, 117
assessment, 118-19
approval, 119
reasons for delays in consideration of, 30-2
see also applications received and proposals prepared; procedures for assessing applications
applications and proposals to change Food Standards Code
conjugated linoleic acid triglycerides, 36
genetically modified foods, 34-5
irradiation, 35-6
low THC hemp, 35
nanotechnology, 36-7
risk-based approach to assessment of, 11-12, 23-4
steviol glycosides, 35
applications received and proposals prepared
from 1 October 2007 onwards, 108-15 â‘
at 30 June 2011, 106-7
new and old procedures, 25-7
approval
processes for assessing applications, 119
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Safety Cooperation Forum, 64-5, 68
Food Safety Incident Network, 65
I NDE X 199
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Asia-Pacific region
capacity building activities, 65
relationships in, 64-5
assessment
ANAO audit of FSANZ in relation to, 30
processes for assessing applications, 118-19
2nd Assessment Report, 119
Section 18 Objectives, 118
Section 29 matters, 118, 119
Attorney-Generals Department
collaboration with re beef imports, 68, 73
Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, 11,94
amendments to Food Standards Code, 11
consideration of approved food standards, 119-20
food labelling law and policy, 38
nutrition and health claims standard, 39
policy guidelines, 33
regulatory management of food allergens, 37
reviews, 28, 120
Australia Day Achievement Medallion, 80, 88
Au s tra lia N e w Ze a la n d Fo o d Sta n d a rd s C o d e , 5,167
application of to New Zealand, 10
applications to amend, 11
Centralised Interpretation Service and, 7
changes to initiated by FSANZ, 11
food safety standards, 88
gazetted amendments to, 9, 22, 24, 103-5
legislative audit, 50
publication on website of applications and submissions to amend, 9
variations to MRLs in, 7
Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences drivers behind meat imports, 61
report on current and potential penetration of imports of beef, lamb and chicken into Australia, 38
Australian Bureau of Statistics and National Nutrition Survey, 15, 57
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
survey of levels of BRA in food, 43
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
and mandatory reporting requirements re consumer goods (including food) associated with death, serious injury or illness, 47
memorandum of understanding with re misleading or deceptive conduct, 73
200 I NDE X
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-2011
Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
and mandatory reporting requirements re consumer goods (including food) associated with death, serious injury or illness, 47
Australian Dietary Guidelines, 11
Australian Food and Grocery Council
and industry site visits, 78
Australian Food Safety Conference, 78
Australian Government and Parliament contact with, 96
Australian Health Survey (AHS), 53, 57
Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Convention, 78
Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)
audit of food recall processes, 47
audit of FSANZ in relation to the assessment of applications and proposals, 30
external audit of financial statements, 101
performance audit of FSANZ, 102
Australian National Food Plan
inclusion public health issues in, 71
Australian National Preventive Health Agency FSANZ and, 7
Australian Nutrient Databank, 54
Australian Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR)
and regulatory analysis, 61
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)
dietary exposure assessment, 57
and variations to MRLs in the Food Standards Code, 7, 15, 33, 74
Australian Ouarantine and Inspection Service (AOIS)
and imported food, 44-5, 120
and Imported Food Inspection Scheme, 74
and safety of food imported from Japan, 6, 45
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority
and potential dietary exposure to radionuclides from food imported from Japan, 6, 45
Australian states and territories
and FSANZ food standards, 95
Australian Total Diet Study, 51-2
23rd, 52, 57
24th, 8, 9, 22, 43, 52
B
Bag hurst, Professor Katrine, 190
Bartholomaeus, Dr Andrew, 90
I N D E X 201
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
beef and beef product imports, 68, 73
safety of, 9, 38, 41-2
see also bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
Biosecurity Australia and BSE, 42
bisphenol A (BRA), 43, 44, 64
survey of levels of in food, 8, 43
Board, 12, 14, 98-9
and amendments to Food Standards Code, 11
and broader role for FSANZ than food regulation, 93
and ethical accountability, 93
and four-year financial plan, 16
and FSANZ Fellows program, 57
members
attendance, 188
expertise and experience, 189-93
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), 41-2, 53
applications to have status assessed, 9, 23
consultations re, 73
and country of origin food labelling, 38
Boyden, Peter, 190
Brent, Dr Paul, 90
briefing notes, 92, 97
briefs, submissions and reports
documents, 173
bullying and harassment, 81
complaints, 80
see also Workplace Harassment Policy
business continuity management, 100
Business Continuity Plan, 83, 100
business planning and management, 100-2
Butler, Professor Jim
and high-impact low-probability disease events associated with some types of primary produce, 61
C
calcium lignosulphonate, 56
cannabis sativa, 35
Carpenter, Valerie, 88
categories of documents held, 173-5
category 1 raw milk products, 7, 40
category 2 raw milk products, 7, 40
202 I NDE X
AN N U AL REPORT 2010-201 1
category 3 raw milk products, 7, 40
Centralised Interpretation Service see Code Interpretation Service
CEO *s Half-Yearly Award, 88
Certificate of Compliance, 16
Chair *s Annual Development Award, 80, 88
chemical contaminants
survey of in coffee, 8, 52
survey of in packaging materials, 8, 57
Chief Executive Instructions (CEIs), 100
Chief Executive Officer, 12, 89, 98, 99
Review by, 5-8
Chief Scientist, 90
citizen and stakeholder engagement, 18, 19
citizen involvement, 70-2
Cleland, Dr Robyn, 73
the Code see Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
Code Interpretation Service, 34
fee-for-service/cost-recovery, 7, 9, 34
Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), 8, 11,62
committees, 23, 62
coffee
survey of chemical contaminants in, 8, 52
Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC Act)
compliance with, 92, 99
communication, 76-8
Competition and Consumer Act 2010, 47
competitive tendering see consultants, competitive tendering and contractors
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) triglycerides, 22, 36
consultants, competitive tendering and contractors, 102, 176-8
Consumer and Public Health Dialogue, 7, 9, 68, 71, 72
members, 123
consumer and social sciences advice and research, 50, 60-1
consumer expectations re food, 5-6
Consumer Liaison Committee (CLC), 71
members, 123
contact packaging materials
migration of chemicals to food from, 44
survey, 53
contractors see consultants, competitive tendering and contractors
I N D E X 203
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
corporate governance arrangements, 96-102
corporate overview, 9-16
Corporate Plan 2009-12, 15, 100, 101
corporate planning s e e strategic and corporate planning
cost-benefit analysis
food-related health risks, 54
country of origin food labelling, 38, 61
Cunningham, Dr Judy, 80, 88
current publications, 77, 167-72, 175
general publications, 167-70
scientific publications, 171-2
D
Dack, Dr Michael, 88
data collection and reporting, 53
data storage system s e e *Harvest * database and modelling tool
databases, 173
Deeps, Catherine, 88
delays in consideration of applications and proposals
reasons for, 30-2
deliverables
qualitative deliverables, 18
quantitative deliverables, 19
delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) s e e low THC hemp foods
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
collaboration with re beef imports, 68, 73
see also Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
collaboration with re beef imports, 68, 73
Department of Health and Ageing
and Australian Health Survey, 53
FSANZ and, 10
Outcome 1 *Population Health - Program 1.1: Food regulatory activity and services to the Minister and Parliament, 17, 94
review of nutrient reference values (rNRvs), 42
see also Minister for Health and Ageing
Department of Health and Human Services (Tasmania)
staff exchange, 60
Department of Innovation, Industry Science and Research, 37
204 I NDE X
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-201 1
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and funding of nanotechnology activities, 15
Deputy Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Food Standards (Canberra), 89
DIAMOND database and modelling tool, 54, 56
dietary exposure or intake assessments, 56-7
dietary modelling database, 56
remodelling of, 15
see also DIAMOND database and modelling tool; *Harvest * database and modelling tool
Disability Recruitment Guidelines, 87
disaster recovery plan (ICT), 83, 92, 100
documents s e e categories of documents held
Duffy, Gillian, 80, 88
E
E c o li
recall, 48
economic analysis
food-related health risks, 54
eggs and egg products, 39-40
primary production and processing standard for, 7, 9, 22
regulatory impact analyses, 61
see also Standard Development Committee for Eggs and Egg Products
employee absence, 80, 87
Employee Assistance Program, 86
employment environment, 8 1 ,8 6 -8
Enterprise Agreement, 82, 86
enzyme processing aids
review of safety data requirements, 50-1
equal employment opportunity groups
staff, 85
ethical accountability, 93
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
and safety of steviol glycosides, 35
evidence base
accessing external expertise, 57-60
consumer and social sciences, 60-1
international networks, 62-4
regulatory analysis, 61
relationships in Asia-Pacific region, 64-5
science evidence base, 53-7
strengthening of, 53-65
I N D E X 205
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Executive, 12, 14, 88, 89-90
see also senior management
external audit of financial statements, 101
external expertise, 57-60
external FSANZ committee members, 121-31
F
Facebook site, 5, 68, 69, 76
files
documents, 174
Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee, 15, 99
attendance, 189
and four-year financial plan, 16
and internal audit program, 101
finance documents, 174
Finance Minister *s Orders
compliance with, 92
financial outcomes, 15
financial performance
summary, 15-16
financial plan, four-year, 15-16
financial statements, 132-63
Fisher, Melanie, 89
flexible working arrangements, 86
food additives, 9, 22
safety of, 7, 56-7
food allergens
review of regulatory management of, 37
see also undeclared allergens in products
Food Allergy and Intolerance Scientific Advisory Committee, 37
members, 123-4
Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)AZVorld Health Organization (WHO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives
and safety of steviol glycosides, 35
see also World Health Organization (WHO)ZFood and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
Food and Health Dialogue, 7
206 I NDE X
food incidents, 9, 45, 88
dietary exposure assessments and, 57
see also Food Safety Incident Network (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Safety Cooperation Forum); mandatory reporting requirements re consumer goods (including food) associated with death, serious injury or illness; National Food Incident Response Protocol
food incidents and food recalls, 45-9
see also food recalls
food labelling, 38-9
certain foods re food allergens, 37, 48, 49
country of origin, 38, 61
genetically modified foods, 72
genetically modified ingredients in soy-based infant formula, 52
intense sweeteners, 72
irradiated foods, 36
monitoring of, 39
New Zealand, 72
nutrition and health claims, 39
nutrition information panel and, 72
recall for non-compliance, 48, 49
revision of nutrient reference values (rNRvs) and, 42
see also Labelling Logic report; Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy
food packaging
and nanotechnology, 36
see also bisphenol A (BPA); packaging materials
food recall announcements, 5
food recalls
allergen-related, 48, 49
documents, 173
microbial contamination, 48
non-compliant labelling, 48, 49
peanut in soy flour, 46
review of recall coordination procedures, 47
statistics, 47-9
weight loss products
containing oleander seed, 9, 46
containing sibutramine, 46
see also national food recall system
food regulation
and internet, 5
Food Regulation Ministerial Council see Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council
I N D E X 207
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC), 94
Implementation Sub-Committee, 10, 94
food regulatory activity
summary, 24-34
food regulatory framework, 10-11
food safety, 43-4
imports from Japan see under Japan
surveys of, 8
Food Safety Cooperation Forum see Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Safety Cooperation Forum
Food Safety Incident Management Workshop
Food Safety Cooperation Forum Partnership Training Institute Network, 65
Food Safety Incident Network (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Safety Cooperation Forum), 65
Food Safety Information Council, 77
promotional activities, 68, 78
food safety risks, 89
horticulture production and processing, 23
monitoring and evaluating, 51-3
see also food-related health risks; risk analysis process; risk management
food safety standards, 88
Food Safety Week, 68, 78
Food Sector Advisory Committee (National Measurement Institute), 74
food standards
costs and benefits of, 24
effective evidence-based, 18, 19
mandatory nature of, 23
see also standards development .
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
accountability, 91-102
and Australian states and territories, 95
Board see Board
corporate overview, 9-16
financial performance
summary, 15-16
financial statements, 132-63
functions and powers, 94, 164-6
funding, 93
goal, 94
and New Zealand, 95
people and organisational capability, 79-90
208 I NDE X
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-
priorities and performance 2010-11, 17-19
representation, 179-87
role .
and priorities, 94-5
and responsibilities, 9-11
structure and processes, 11-15
and website, 5
Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991, 9, 94, 102, 106, 164
compliance with reporting requirements of, 92
Section 18 Objectives, 118
Section 29 matters, 118, 119
Food Standards Branch, 88-9
Food Standards Code see Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
Food Standards News, 76, 77
Food Standards Notification Circular, 118, 119, 120
Food Surveillance Network
case study, 75
and Food Surveillance News, 77
members, 124
Food Surveillance News, 77
foodborne illnesses
cost of, 24
food-related health risks
analysis of, 54
foods requiring pre-market approval
safety of, 7
formulated supplementary sports foods and sports drinks, 60
fortification of food, 60, 61
Freedom of Information
inquiries, 174
requests, 76, 92, 95
frozen crumbed seafood products containing an undeclared peanut allergen recall, 46
FSANZ Fellows program, 57-9
Fellows 2010-11,58-9
FSANZ student projects, 59
Fujitsu Australia and *Harvest * database and modelling tool, 55
Fukushima see Japan nuclear incident
functions and powers, 164-6
functions, 164-5
powers, 166
funding, 93
I N D E X 209
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
G
gap analysis, 83
gazetted amendments to Au s tra lia N e w Ze a la n d Fo o d Sta n d a rd s C o d e from 1 July 2010 to
30 June 2011,9, 22, 24, 103-5
Amendment No. 117 (1 July 2010), 103
Amendment No. 118 (2 September 2010), 103-4
Amendment No. 119 (30 September 2010), 104
Amendment No. 120 (20 January 2011), 104
Amendment No. 121 (10 February 2011), 104
Amendment No. 122 (5 May 2011), 105
Amendment No. 123 (26 May 2011), 105
GEMS/Food s e e World Health Organization (WHO) Global Environment Monitoring System/ Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Program (GEMS/Food)
General Manager (Risk Assessment), 90
General Manager Food Standards (Wellington), 90
General Manager Legal and Regulatory Affairs, 80, 90
general procedure - applications or proposals, 27, 117
general publications, 167-70
genetically modified (GM) foods, 9, 22, 34-5
labelling, 72
safety of, 7
genetically modified ingredients in soy-based infant formula
survey of, 8, 52
Global Food Network/Asia Food Net Workshop on National Food Safety Emergency Response Planning, 63
Gorst, Dr Janet, 88
governance framework, 14-15
Group 1 - applications or proposals, 26
Group 2 - applications or proposals, 26
Group 3 - applications or proposals, 26
H
harassment s e e bullying and harassment
*Harvest * database and modelling tool, 53, 54-5
hazards see food safety risks
health and safety
protection of, 18
health claims s e e nutrition and health claims
Health Claims Working Group, 39
210 I NDE X
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
Health Safety and Environment Working Group and safety of manufactured nanomaterials, 37
highlights
accountability, 92 .
people and organisational capability, 80
regulatory standards, 22-3
stakeholder relationships, 67
honey
interim maximum level of tutin in, 22, 44
horticulture production and processing
review of food safety risks in, 41
flowchart of decision-making process, 23
I
Implementation Plan
2010, 53
2011,54
Implementation Sub-Committee (ISC)
Coordinated Food Survey Plan, 51, 75
Food Regulation Standing Committee, 10, 94
Health Claims Working Group, 39
and surveillance, 53
Im p o rte d Fo o d C o n tro l Ac t 1992, 44
Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS), 44-5, 74
imported foods
from Japan
safety of, 6, 9, 22, 45
safety of, 44-5
undeclared allergens in, 8
see also beef and beef product imports
Indigenous representatives
Consumer Liaison Committee, 71
industry and consumer advice, 78
In d u s try Fo o d R e c a ll Pro to c o l
updating of, 47
industry site visits, 78
infant formula
soy-based
survey of genetically modified ingredients in, 8, 52
see also Regulation of Infant Formula Products
I NDE X 211
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
information and communication systems (ICT)
maintenance of, 80
use of, 5-6
information for the community, 76-7
Information Publication Scheme (Australian Government), 9, 68, 76, 78
information service, 78
INFOSAN, 65
intense sweeteners
labelling, 72
Intergovernmental Agreement for Food Reforms, 9, 34
Inter-Governmental Food Regulation Agreement (2008) and Ministerial requests for review of FSANZ decisions, 29
internal audit program, 101
see also Strategic Internal Audit Plan
International Food Chemical Safety liaison Group, 64
international forums attended, including CodexA/VHO/FAO, 23, 179-83
international networks, 62-4
internet
Australian Government use of, 5
and communications, 5-6
and food regulation, 5
see also Facebook site; social media; Twitter site
iodine
survey of levels in beverages enriched with seaweed, 51
survey of levels in seaweed and products containing seaweed, 8, 53
irradiated foods
safety of, 7, 35-6
J
Japan
safety of food imported from, 6, 9, 22, 45
Japan nuclear incident
response to, 6, 9, 45
social media and, 5
Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives
dietary exposure assessments, 57
joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Risk Management Committee
case study, 73
Jurisdictional Forum
members, 125-6
212 I NDE X
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
K
key performance indicators
qualitative indicators, 19 .
quantitative indicators, 19
Key Strategic Directions for 2010-11, 101
King, Senator the Hon. Catherine, 11,55, 76, 96, 164
L
L a b e llin g L o g ic report, 6, 38, 39, 42, 71
legislative audit of Food Standards Code, 50
legislative responsibilities, 9-10
letter of transmittal, i
Listeria monocytogenes contamination
recall, 48
Listeria monocytogenes infection, 46
low THC hemp foods, 35
M
McCutcheon, Steve, 89, 99, 190-1
see also Chief Executive Officer
Mack, Jenni, 190
McKenzie, Dr Andrew, 8, 98, 191
mailing lists, 174
major procedure - applications or proposals, 27, 117, 118
mandatory reporting requirements re consumer goods (including food) associated with death, serious injury or illness, 47
Maori
consultation with, 72
Maori Network newsletter, 72
Market Research Panel, 61
Mars Foods
visit to, 78
Maurer, Kate, 88
maximum residue limits (MRLs), 33
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and variations to in Food Standards Code, 7,15, 33, 74
new arrangements for, 7
May, Peter, 90
I N D E X 213
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
m eat and m eat p ro d u cts, 7, 4 0 -1
see also beef and beef product imports; Standard Development Committee for Meat and Meat Products
m edia events, 77
m edia releases, 175
m elam ine in fo o d and beverages
survey of, 51
microbial contamination
recall, 48
m ilk and m ilk p ro d u cts see raw drinking m ilk; raw (unpasteurised) m ilk p ro d u cts
M inister fo r Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and inclusion public health issues in Australian N ational
Food Plan, 71
M inister fo r H ealth and Ageing and Board, 98
M inisterial consideration o f approved fo o d standards, 1 1 9 -2 0
m inisterial corre sp o nd e n ce , 92, 9 6 -7
Ministerial Council see Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), New Zealand
partnership with, 74
m inor procedure - a pplications o r proposals, 2 7 ,1 1 7
m inutes, 97
M onash R eport, A review of possible impacts of nanotechnology on Australia *s regulatory framework, 37
m onitoring and evaluating hazards, 5 1 -3
Monitoring of Emerging Issues Newsletter, 77
M urray, D r Jam es (Gardner), 191
N
nanotechnology, 7, 15, 53
N ational D isability Strategy, 87
N ational Enabling Technologies Strategy, 37
N ational Food Authority, 5
N ational Food Incident R esponse Protocol, 9, 22, 4 5 -6
national fo o d recall system , 8
N ational Foods
visit to, 78
N ational H ealth and M edical R esearch C ouncil
review of nutrient reference values (rNRvs), 42
N ational H ealth and M edical R esearch C ouncil (N H M R C )
collaboration with, 74
N ational Industrial C hem icals N otification and Asse ssm e n t Schem e (NICNAS)
engagement with, 74
214 I NDE X
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
N ational M easurem ent Institute (NMI)
memorandum of understanding with, 74
N ational N utrition Survey, 15
net benefits
regulatory standards and, 24
n e tw o rk security, 83
N ew Zealand
application of Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to, 10
financial contribution from, 15
and FSANZ food standards, 95
exemptions, 95
Public Health Nutrition Agencies Forum in, 72
N ew Zealand Food Safety Au th o rity (NZFSA), 95
memorandum of understanding with, 74
N ew Zealand honey
interim maximum level of tutin in, 44
N ew Zealand Institute o f Food Science and Technology C onference, 78
N ew Zealand M inister o f Food Safety
funding and performance agreement with FSANZ, 95
N ew Zealand M inistry o f Agriculture and Forestry
and interim maximum level of tutin in honey, 44
and New Zealand Food Safety Authority, 74, 95
N ew Zealand M inistry o f R esearch, Science and Technology
review of regulatory framework for manufactured nanomaterials, 37
N ew Zealand Treasury
and regulatory analysis, 61
N ga Kaitohutohu Ko unga Kai, 72
members, 126
nitrates, 57
nitrites, 57
novel fo o d s, 7
conjugated linoleic acid triglycerides as, 36
determining the novelty, 51
see also Advisory Committee on Novel Foods
N ow ell, Tony, 8, 98, 192
nuclear incid e n t in Japan see Japan nuclear incident
n utrient co n te n t o f fo o d s, 9, 22
n utrient d atabase fo r estim ating fo o d and nutrient intakes from AH S, 57
nutrient reference values (rNRvs)
revision of, 42
I N D E X 215
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
nutrients, 9, 22
nutrition, 88
nutrition and health claim s, 6, 39
nutrition database
remodelling of, 15
nutrition inform ation panel
and labelling, 72
N utrition Panel C alculator (NPC), 56
nutritional risk analysis, 54
N U TTAB 2010, 9, 22, 55
O
objectives, 22
accountability, 92
people and organisational capability, 80
regulatory standards, 22
stakeholder relationships, 67
occu p a tio n a l health and safety (OH&S), 86
Occupational H ealth a nd Safety C om m ittee, 86
Office o f Best Practice R egulation, 24
FSANZ and, 11,75
Office o f Legislative D rafting and Publishing (OLDP)
audit of Food Standards Code, 50
Office o f th e C hief Scientist
and FSANZ, 12
Office o f th e Gene Technology R egulator (OGTR)
sharing of information with, 75
oleander seed
recall of weight loss product containing, 9, 46
*o rg a n ic *
definition of, 23
organisational ca p a b ility and capacity, 8 2 -5
organisational structure, 1 2 -1 3 , 8 8 -9 0
chart, 13
outcom es, 17, 22
accountability, 92
financial, 15
people and organisational capability, 80
regulatory standards, 22
stakeholder relationships, 67
216 I NDE X
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
OzFoodN et
and Listeria monocytogenes infection, 46
P
packaging m aterials
migration of chemicals to food from, 44
survey, 53
migration of phthalates to food and beverages from, 64
survey of chemical contaminants in, 8, 57
see also food packaging
parliam entary q u estions on notice, 97
Parnell, Asso cia te Professor Winsom e, 8, 98, 192
Partnership Training Institute N e tw o rk w ebsites
Food Safety Cooperation Forum, 65
p a rtnerships w ith o th e r national agencies, 7 3 -5
peanut contam ination
recall, 46, 49
people and organisational capability, 7 9 -9 0
highlights, 80
objectives, 80
outcome, 80
strategic imperative, 80
people over 5 5 years o f age
employment of, 80
perform ance, 1 8 -1 9
see also financial performance; key performance indicators; priorities and performance 2010-11
performance audit of FSANZ
Australian National Audit Office and, 102
perfo rm a n ce m easurem ent
Portfolio Bu d g e t State m e n ts and, 101
see also deliverables; key performance indicators
phthalates
presence o f in fo o d and beverages from Taiw an, 64
Portfolio Bu d g e t Statem ents, 15, 17, 18, 94, 100
and performance measurement, 101
see also deliverables; key performance indicators
pregnancy advisory sta te m e n ts on alcohol p ro d u cts, 6
I N D E X 217
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
prim ary industries
food standards for, 39-41
see also eggs and egg products; meat and meat products; raw (unpasteurised) milk products; seed sprouts
regulatory impact analyses, 61
print and electronic m edia
use of, 77
priorities and pe rfo rm a n ce 2 0 1 0 -1 1 , 1 7 -1 9
procedures fo r assessing applications, 1 1 6 -2 0
see also general procedure - applications or proposals; major procedure - applications or proposals; minor procedure - applications or proposals
processing aids
safety of, 7
Program 1.1, 17, 18, 19
project m anagem ent
review, 50
proposals
new and old procedures, 25-7
reasons for delays in consideration of, 30-2
proposals prepared see a pplications received and p ro p o sa ls prepared
Protiviti
audit provider, 101
public aw areness cam paigns, 78
public health, 4 1 -2 , 88
FSANZ and, 7, 9
see also Consumer and Public Health Dialogue
public health and safety, 4 1 -9
Public H ealth N utrition Agencies Forum in N ew Zealand, 72
Public R egister
of documents for applications and proposals, 174-5
publication o f app lica tio n s and subm issions, d o cu m e n ts o f public interest and d o cu m e n ts released
u n d e r Freedom o f Inform ation requests, 9, 68, 76, 93
p ublications see cu rre n t p ublications
pyrrolizidine alkaloids
safety of, 43-4, 53
Q
Quads Food Safety R egulatory Econom ics Working Group, 63
Quads Social R esearch C oordination Group (QSRCG), 63
workshop, 63
qualitative deliverables, 18
218 I NDE X
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
qualitative indicators, 19
q uantitative deliverables, 19
q uantitative indicators, 19
quantitative sp o rts fo o d s c o n su m e r survey, 60
Question Tim e Briefings (QTBs), 98
R
radionuclides
potential dietary exposure to from food imported from Japan, 6, 9, 22, 45, 64
raw drinking m ilk
health risk, 7
raw (unpasteurised) m ilk p ro d u cts, 7, 40
regulatory im p a ct analyses, 61
see also Standard Development Committee for Raw Milk Products
recalls see fo o d recalls
R egulation o f Infant Form ula Pro d u cts
Policy Guideline on, 33, 115
regulatory analysis, 61
regulatory im p a ct analyses
primary production area, 61
regulatory im p a ct statem ents, 24
regulatory standards, 2 2 -6 5
highlights, 22-3
objectives, 22
outcomes, 22
strategic imperative, 22
R etailers and M anufacturers Liaison C o m m itte e
members, 126-7
review and research
documents, 175
R eview o f Food Labelling Law and Policy, 6, 38
review s o f fo o d standards
requested b y M inisterial C ouncil, 28, 120
risk analysis process, 1 1 -1 2 , 2 3 -4 , 54
R isk Asse ssm e n t Branch, 89
risk m anagem ent
food safety standards in the Food Standards Code, 88
regulatory analysis and, 61
risk m ana g e m e n t (corporate), 101
I N D E X 219
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
R isk M anagem ent Standard, 73
R oberts, D r D avid, 1 9 2 -3
S salm onella contam ination
recall, 48
Sampling design and survey administration guide, 50
Sanitarium
visit to, 78
science evidence base, 5 3 -7
Science Strategy 2 0 1 0 -1 5 , 5 3 -4
Scientific Advisory Gro u p fo r Epidem iology
members, 127-8
scientific publications, 1 7 1 -2
seaw eed
survey of levels of iodine in, 8, 53
survey of levels of iodine in beverages enriched with, 51
2nd Assessment Report, 119
seed sprouts, 7, 41
regulatory impact analyses, 61
Senate C om m u n ity Affairs C om m itte e
inquiries into proposed legislation, 98
participation in inquiries of, 92
Senate Estim ates C om m ittee, 98
appearances before, 92
senior m anagem ent, 8 9 -9 0
see also Executive
Service C harter, 92, 96
SharePoint 2 0 1 0 environm ent, 80, 8 2 -3
sibutram ine
in weight loss products, 46
Sm ith, Philippa, 8, 98, 189
social m edia
use of, 7, 9, 68, 69, 76
Allergy Alert notifications, 8
in relation to Japan nuclear incident, 5
Social R esearch Panel, 61
social sciences see co n su m e r and social sciences a d vice and research
Social Sciences Expert Advisory Group, 50
members, 128
220 I NDE X
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
so d iu m /sa lt
survey of levels of in food, 8
soy flour
peanut in
recall, 46
so y-b a se d infant form ula
survey of genetically modified ingredients in, 52
speaking engagem ents, 1 8 3 -7
sp o rts fo o d s and sp o rts drinks see form ulated su pplem entary sp o rts fo o d s and sp o rts drinks;
quantitative sp o rts fo o d s co n su m e r survey
sp ro u ts see seed sp ro u ts
sta ff attraction, d evelopm ent and retention, 8 3 -5
see also staff professional development; staff retention rates
sta ff e xchange w ith jurisdictions
case study, 60
Staff Forum , 8 1 ,8 2
Staff Long Term Service certificates, 88
staff professional developm ent, 81
staff retention rates, 81
Staff R ew ards and R ecognition Schem e, 88
staff survey, 81
staff w o rklo a d , 81
staffing statistics, 8 3 -5
sta ke h o ld e r engag e m e n t see citizen and sta ke h o ld e r engagem ent
sta ke h o ld e r relationships, 6 7 -7 8
highlights, 67
objectives, 67
outcomes, 67
strategic imperative, 67
stakeholders and regulatory partners, 7 0 -5 , 9 5 -6
Standard D evelopm ent C o m m itte e fo r Eggs and Egg Pro d u cts
members, 129-30
Standard D evelopm ent C o m m itte e fo r M eat and M eat Products
members, 130-1
Standard D evelopm ent C o m m itte e fo r R aw M ilk Products
members, 128-9
Sta n d a rd s Australia
memorandum of understanding with, 75
see also joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Risk Management Committee
I NDE X 221
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
standards developm ent, 3 4 -4 1
improving outcomes, 50-1
Standards D evelopm ent Wo rk Plan, 2 5 -8 , 30
Standards M anagem ent Officer, 116
Standards N ew Zealand see jo in t Standards Au stralia/Standards N ew Zealand R isk
M anagem ent C om m itte e
steviol glycosides
safety of, 35, 57
Stockw ell, D ean, 90
stra te g ic and co rp o ra te planning, 100-1
strategic im peratives, 22, 94, 101
accountability, 92
objectives, 92
people and organisational capability, 80
regulatory standards, 22
stakeholder relationships, 67
Strategic Internal Au d it Plan, 99
Strategy M ap 2 0 0 9 -1 2 , 15, 94, 194
Streets
visit to, 78
surveillance
dietary exposure assessments and, 57
surveys o f safety o f fo o d , 8
T
Taiwan
presence of phthalates in food and beverages from, 64
Therapeutic Go o d s Adm in istra tio n (TGA)
consultations with, 75
tim efram es fo r paid a p plications, 3 0 -2
toxicological research
on nanoscale materials, 37
toxicological testing
and data requirements for safety assessment of enzyme processing aids, 50-1
transparency, 93, 116
Trevisan, Luisa, 88
tutin
interim maximum level of in honey, 22
safety of, 44
Tw itter site, 5, 68, 69, 76
222 INDEX
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011
U
undeclared allergens in p ro d u cts, 8
non-compliant labelling, 48, 49
peanut, 46
U niversity o f Wollongong
hosting of nutrition and dietetics undergraduate students from, 60
u rgent a p p lications o r proposals, 27
US Food and D rug Ad m inistration (USFDA)
and safety o f steviol glycosides, 35
U ser Guides, 167
V
voluntary schem es
and regulatory standards, 23-4
W
We b 2 .0 reform s, 83
w ebsite, 5, 9, 76, 78, 167
information on food-related health risks, 54
information on making applications, 116
Nutrition Panel Calculator on, 56
w e ig h t loss p ro d u cts
recall of
containing oleander seed, 9, 46
containing sibutramine, 46
use of pharmaceuticals in, 64
Wellington Em ergency M anagem ent Office, 100
Wellington office
development of disaster recovery plan for, 92,100
William s, Asso cia te Professor Peter, 8, 99, 193
Wo rk Plan see Standards D evelopm ent Wo rk Plan
w o rkp la ce diversity plan, 87
Wo rkp la ce H arassm ent Policy, 87
see also bullying and harassment
Wo rkp la ce Wellness Program , 87
World Bank
and Food Safety Cooperation Forum, 65
World H ealth Organization (WHO) C ollaborating C entre fo r Food C ontam ination M onitoring, 64
I N D E X 223
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
World H ealth Organization (WHO)ZFood and Agricultural Organization (FAO), 63
case study: workshop on food emergencies, 63
see also Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)AZVorld Health Organization (WHO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives
World H ealth Organization (WHO) Global Environm ent M onitoring Syste m /Fo o d C ontam ination
M onitoring and Assessm ent Program (GEM S/Food), 64
World Organisation o f Anim al H ealth
and a country *s BSE risk status, 42
World Trade Agreem ents on th e Ap plication o f Sanitary and Phytosanitary M easures and Technical
Barriers to Trade, 62
World Wid e Web, 5
see also internet
Wright, Brian, 88
Y
Yates, Dianne, 8, 99, 193
yellow oleander, 46
224 I NDE X
Australia
PO Box 7186 Canberra BC ACT 2610 Australia
Tel: +61 2 6271 2222 Fax: +61 2 6271 2278
i nfo@foodstandards. gov. au www.foodstandards.gov.au
New Zealand
PO Box 10559 The Terrace Wellington 6036 New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 978 5630 Fax: +64 4 473 9855 info@foodstandards.govt. www.foodstandards.govt.
