Food Act 2001 and Food Regulations 2002 (including the Food Safety Standards)

Food Act 2001

The Food Act 2001 was passed by the South Australian Parliament on the 9^th August 2001. The Act, which is based on the national Model Food Bill came into operation on 1st December  2002.

Food Act 2001

Food Regulations 2002

On the same date new Food Regulations 2002 came into force. Key provisions of the Regulations include:

• Adoption of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code ("the Code").

• The specification of Department, councils and their relevant regulatory subsidiaries as enforcement agencies 

• Providing a discretion for councils to impose an inspection fee, with a prescribed maximum of $80 for a small business (as defined by the regulations) and $200 for other businesses 

Food Regulations 2002

The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (including the Food Safety Standards)

The Food Standards Code adopted under the Food Regulations 2002 has four chapters:

• Chapter 1 - General Food Standards
  General labelling and composition standards applying  to all foods

• Chapter 2 - Food Product Standards
  Standards applying to specific foods or categories of foods

• Chapter 3 - Food Safety Standards
  Three Food Safety Standards are included in this Chapter:

3.1.1: Interpretation and Application

(The interpretation and application provisions that apply to the other food safety standards set out in this Chapter of the Code.)

3.2.1: Food Safety Programs

(Information on this Standard can be found on the Food Safety Programs page.)

3.2.2: Food Safety Practices and General Requirements

(Specific requirements for food businesses and food handlers that, if complied with, will ensure food does not become unsafe or unsuitable.)

3.2.3: Food Premises and Equipment.

(Requirements for food premises and equipment that, if complied with, will facilitate compliance by food businesses with the food safety requirements of Standard 3.2.2)

3.3.1: Food Safety Programs for Food Service to Vulnerable Persons

(Information on this Standard can be found on the Food Safety Programs page.)

• Chapter 4 - Primary Production Standards
  Primary production standards for agricultural commodities

Further information

The document "Safe Food Australia - A Guide to the Food Safety Standards, 2nd Edition" provides a copy of the Food Safety Standards 3.1.1, 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 with interpretation notes on each Standard.

A copy of Safe Food Australia is available from this web site or from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)

A copy of the full Australia New Zealand Food Standard Code can be found at FSANZ

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