Food

Food Safety

Legislation

Food (and Related Matters) Bill 2005

This Bill is presently before Parliament awaiting assent. Accompanying Regulations, Transitional Provisions and comprehensive Guidelines for stakeholders and Regulators are currently being developed.

This significant new Food legislation will bring Western Australia into line with other States and Territories, where legislation is in place based on the Model Food Act. This will ensure national consistency in food legislation.

Fact Sheets

Food Poisoning:

Food Safety:

Publications

The role of the Food Safety (Department of Health) is to protect public health and safety, by ensuring food available for sale in Western Australia is safe for human consumption.

So what is our core business, and how can we assist you?

Food Safety and Food Poisoning

We have available a range of topical brochures and fact sheets on food safety and food poisoning for the information of consumers, and the food industry.
We liaise with the general public and local government on complaint investigation, and;
We provide advice to local government, the food industry, consumers and other stakeholders on food safety matters.

Food Legislation / Regulations

We assist in facilitating the introduction of national food legislation to ensure national consistency and consistent application by local governments. This is achieved by publishing of Guidelines, Circulars and Information Packages to ensure a high level of understanding by environmental health officers State-wide.

Food Standards Code

We provide input into the development of new food standards and amendments of existing standards.
We are one component of the formal food regulation process, consisting of members from the Australian Government, New Zealand Government and each state and Territory.
The Minister for Health represents the Western Australian Government at the Food Regulation Ministerial Council and carries a vote on food standards.

Health Claims Watchdog

We are a member of the recently established Health Claims Watchdog administered by the Commonwealth, and which coincides with the development of the new Health Claims Standard.
We report health claim breaches of the Food Standards Code (FSC) and ongoing investigations to the Watchdog and follow up complaints in accordance with established protocols.

Western Australian Food Monitoring Program (WAFMP)

We conduct extensive monitoring of the chemical and microbiological quality of food in Western Australia through the administration of the Western Australian Food Monitoring Program (WAFMP).
Following the completion of surveys, we produce the Food Watch publication, and Environmental Health guides and brochures.

Food Recalls

We liaise with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and coordinate food recalls for follow up action by local authorities in Western Australia.
We participate in, and administer, the Western Australian component of the national food recall system. By informing Local Governments on food recalls very quickly, we ensure high or special risk foods are safely and rapidly removed at the retail level.

Enteric Disease Investigation

We co-ordinate the investigation of food-borne disease outbreaks in the Western Australian community, including monitoring individual cases to identify high risk foods.

Monitoring and Surveillance

We conduct ongoing surveillance programs to minimise the risks posed by imported oysters.

Western Australian Seafood Quality Assurance Program (WASQAP)

We administer the West Australian Shellfish Monitoring Program as part of an established and formalised partnership with government agencies and the fishing industry.

Food Safety Programs

We monitor and provide education and training to public hospitals to ensure the highest possible standard of food safety for patients, through administration of the Public Hospitals Surveillance Program.

Food Premises on Crown Land

We monitor the activities of food proprietors and the standard of food handling premises in areas such as Kings Park, where there is no Local Government presence.

Local Government / Enforcement

We co-ordinating the Food Advisory Committee and Local Health Authorities Analytical Committee to ensure appropriate compositional standards, labelling and safety, and ensure a suitable level of monitoring of food by Local Governments.

Local Government Environmental Health Officers enforce the Food Standards Code within each local authority’s administrative area. Local governments respond to consumer complaints, investigating potential breaches of the Food and Hygiene Regulations 1993, and the Food Standard Code.

For further information contact the Environmental Health Directorate on (08) 9388 4999.

Related Websites

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
A Statutory Authority responsible for setting food standards. For further information on FSANZ and the Food Standards Code view the FSANZ website.
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)
Monitors imported food at the Australian border. Food imported into Australia must meet the same requirements as locally produced/manufactured food products.

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