Fed: New food standards to combat food poisoning ANZFA

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2000
Fed: New food standards to combat food poisoning ANZFA

The national food authority says Australia's new food standards code will help combat
food poisoning and is the most progressive in the world.

The Australian New Zealand Food Authority has released details of its draft new national
code for public comment ahead of the code's final release next February.

The standards are set to replace various state laws and will force an overhaul of the
food preparation industry.

ANZFA chairman MICHAEL MACKELLAR says the new codes give Australia a national set of
modern regulations that will also add value to the government's reforms to food supply.

He says food-borne illness is a growing problem with society now geared more towards
eating out and consuming pre-prepared meals.

Mr MACKELLAR says the cost to small business alone of complying with the current array
of food safety regulations amounts to more than $330 million a year.

The code includes requirements for food handlers to undergo training in food hygiene and safety.

Food must also be better stored and protected from contamination, and businesses must
maintain washing facilities on their premises and have proper ventilation in place.

The standards are available on the ANZFA website - www.anzfa.gov.au.

AAP RTV lm/mfh/smf/jn

KEYWORD: FOOD (CANBERRA)

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