Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)

Science Strategy 2010-2015

FOODSTANDARDSAustralia New Zealand

Science Strategy 2010-2015

FOODSTANDARDSAustralia New Zealand

ii

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND

© Food Standards Australia New Zealand 2010 ISBN 978-0-642-34571-4

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 http://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

FSANZ Australia FSANZ New ZealandPO Box 7186 PO Box 10599, The TerraceCanberra BC ACT 2610 WellingtonAustralia New Zealand

Tel +61 2 6271 2241 Tel + 64 4 978 5630Fax +61 2 6271 2278 Fax +64 4 473 9855Email [email protected] Email [email protected]

FSANZ Science Strategy 2010-2015

iii

Contents

Message from the Chief Scientist 1

Introduction, Purpose & Scope 3

FSANZ Values 7

Strategic Areas 8

Strategic Area 1: Increasing our Scientific Capacity 10

Strategic Area 2: Extending the Evidence Base 16

Strategic Area 3: Building our Collaboration and International Linkages 22

Strategic Area 4: Enhancing our Communication and Stakeholder Engagement 27

Strategic Area 5: Enhance our Capability to Identify and Respond to Emerging Issues 31

Strategic Area 6: Continue to Provide Leadership in Developing Food Regulatory

Science Capacity 35

Strategic Area 7: Measuring our Performance 40

Attachment 1 43


1

Message from the Chief Scientist

The scientific work of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) forms the foundation of our

ability to continue to ensure food safety and protect the public health and safety of consumers.

FSANZ first developed its Science Strategy “Striving for Excellence in Food Regulatory Science”

to cover the period 2006-2009, describing how we intended to further enhance our scientific

resources to maintain the safety of the food supply in Australia and New Zealand in rapidly

changing times.

At the time, the then Chief Scientist of FSANZ, Dr Marion Healy, reflected that we were

witnessing changes in the nature and makeup of food and consumer expectations about what

they want from food, and alluded to the greater interest of governments, both national and

international, in using food and food regulation to achieve long-term public health outcomes

through programs such as mandatory fortification. The situation has not changed, and in fact it

could be argued that the pace of change has increased.

The Science Strategy for 2006-20091 set out to build on a number of initiatives including

enhancing our public health nutrition and social science capability, increasing collaboration with

Australian State and Territory Government agencies and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority

on our respective science programs, and strengthening external engagement with Australian

States and Territories, New Zealand Government agencies and the wider scientific and technical

community. This first Science Strategy has proven to be highly successful and significant

advancements have been achieved in relation to the goals we set. For example, FSANZ has

established a Chief Public Health Nutrition Advisor position to facilitate our current and future

work around public health nutrition. Also the areas of social science and economic research

have been strengthened to reflect their increasingly important roles within FSANZ. At the same

time, given the ever increasing demand for maintaining scientific expertise in the chemical and

biological sciences, we have established the new position of General Manager, Risk Assessment.

FSANZ also recognises that we operate within defined resources, and are putting greater

emphasis on prioritising and managing our activities to consolidate and build on the excellent

reputation we have already achieved in scientific areas.

It is now time to develop a new Science Strategy for the period 2010-2015 that will continue to

build on the good work of the previous strategy, and provide us with a platform for our future

scientific focus going forward.

1 http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/Science_%20Strategy_final.pdf

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/Science_%20Strategy_final.pdf

2


Fundamental principles by which we undertake our science, espoused in the previous Science

Strategy, those of Performance, Integrity, Leadership, Collaboration, International Linkages,

Improvement and Responsiveness, will continue to underpin our future scientific work and will

remain the principles for the Science Strategy 2010-2015. Our strategic aims, as outlined in the

first Science Strategy, will also largely remain the same. However, the second Science Strategy

identifies ongoing mechanisms that we will continue to employ, and future mechanisms that we

will introduce, to maintain and further enhance our scientific capability. In this regard, the second

Science Strategy will not only set out high level principles and aspirations, but contain a second

tier that will outline yearly plans that target areas for specific work in these challenging times,

managed within available resources.

FSANZ will continue to maintain the safety of the Australian and New Zealand food supply in

partnership with Australian States and Territories and New Zealand. To do this, we need to

continue to leverage existing resources and enhance our scientific resources in the most efficient

and effective manner as described in this Science Strategy 2010-2015. I take this opportunity to

commend the document to all our stakeholders.

Dr Paul Brent

Chief Scientist


3

Introduction, Purpose & Scope

About FSANZ

FSANZ is an independent statutory agency with bi-national responsibilities for developing food

regulatory measures. The overarching vision of FSANZ is a safe food supply which supports the

health of people in Australia and New Zealand. In line with this vision, FSANZ has responsibility

for developing food regulatory measures including food standards and joint codes of practice

with industry covering content and labelling of food in Australia and New Zealand. FSANZ also

has responsibility for establishing primary production standards, food safety standards and in

promulgation of maximum residue limits into the Code for agricultural and veterinary chemical

residues set by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority2 (APVMA) for Australia.

Governance of the food regulatory system in Australia and New Zealand is embodied in

an intergovernmental agreement which separates the responsibility of policy development,

standards setting and the implementation and enforcement of standards set for food (Figure 1).

Policy is developed by the Australian States and Territories and the Australian and New Zealand

governments and policy agreement is ultimately made by the Australia and New Zealand Food

Regulation Ministerial Council (ANZFRMC). Food standards setting is the responsibility of FSANZ,

with the primary decision-maker being the FSANZ Board. Decisions by the FSANZ Board

are subject to review by ANZFRMC. The enforcement and implementation of food standards

for all food offered for sale is the responsibility of the States and Territories with the Australian

Quarantine and Inspection Service also responsible for imported produce in Australia; the New

Zealand government is responsible for both imported and domestic products. Collaboration and

integration across all of these areas is essential in developing effective food regulation.

2 The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is an Australian government authority responsible for the assessment and

registration of pesticides and veterinary medicines and for their regulation up to and including the point of retail sale. Part of these responsibilities

is the setting of maximum residue limits for food commodities in Australia.

4


Figure 1: Food Regulatory Framework

POLICY DEVELOPMENTAustralian State & Territories and the Australian and New

Zealand Governments

STANDARDS SETTING

Food Standards Australia New Zealand

IMPLEMENTATION & ENFORCEMENT

Australian States and Territories and Australian

Quarantine and Inspection Service, New Zealand

Authorities

The process FSANZ uses to develop food regulatory measures is very open with input from

government, industry, consumers and other stakeholders. In developing, reviewing or varying food

regulatory measures, FSANZ adheres to three primary objectives3 in descending order of priority:

• protection of public health and safety;

• provision of adequate information relating to food to enable consumers to make informed

choices; and

• prevention of misleading or deceptive conduct.

In developing and varying standards, FSANZ must also have regard to:

• the need for standards to be based on risk analysis using the best available

scientific evidence;

• the promotion of consistency between domestic and international food standards;

• the desirability of an efficient and internationally competitive food industry;

3 Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991


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• the promotion of fair trading in food; and

• any written policy guidelines formulated by the Ministerial Council.

Food Regulatory Science in FSANZ

To meet these objectives FSANZ ensures that food regulatory measures are based on the best

available scientific evidence, using a risk analysis framework. Risk analysis frameworks provide

a structured approach to examine and assess the risks and benefits associated with food and

food ingredients, and to formulate, implement and communicate risk management decisions.

FSANZ applies the risk analysis approach to setting standards. The risk analysis framework used

by FSANZ to make food regulatory decisions encompasses the broad spectrum of scientific

areas in which FSANZ works including nutrition, toxicology, microbiology, consumer and social

sciences and economic research. FSANZ uses the risk analysis framework4 (Figure 2) as a

decision-making tool that allows separation of the scientific aspects of risk analysis from the

broad range of factors which impact on the ultimate risk management decisions. However, it is

important to recognise that scientific approaches may also be used to inform the selection of risk

management options. Risk assessment is the evidence based analysis of all relevant scientific

information and data relating to a food health risk. Risk management is the outcome-based

analysis of the risk assessment, policy guidance and other relevant information to develop and

recommend risk management options.

4 http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/aboutfsanz/scientificcapabilities/riskanalysis.cfm

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/aboutfsanz/scientificcapabilities/riskanalysis.cfm

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Figure 2: Risk Analysis Framework

Risk CommunicationInteractive exchange of information & opinions

Risk AssessmentEvidence based

Risk ManagementOutcome based

In its role of standards setting, FSANZ undertakes food regulatory science, defined as the use of

risk analysis, including the analysis of all available information and data, to inform food regulatory

activities including standards development. Food regulatory science recognises that food

regulatory decisions encompass a broad range of scientific areas and that other factors, such

as trade and consistency with international food standards, also need consideration in order

to ensure the best food regulatory decisions. Further information on FSANZ’s food regulatory

science is available in our document, Analysis of Food-Related Health Risks.5

Purpose and Scope of Science Strategy 2010-2015

FSANZ’s vision is a safe food supply which supports the health of people in Australia and New

Zealand. FSANZ achieves this vision through the development of effective food standards in

collaboration with Australian and New Zealand governments. The role of FSANZ scientific work in

the standards development process is critical to achieving this vision. The purpose of the FSANZ

Science Strategy 2010-15 and yearly implementation plans is to position our food regulatory

science to address current and emerging challenges through a focus on seven key strategic areas.

In developing the Science Strategy 2010-15 and yearly implementation plans, FSANZ intends to

build upon the success of its first Science Strategy, “Striving for Excellence in Food Regulatory

Science”, 2006-09.

5 http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/Food%20Related%20Health%20Risks%20WEB_FA.pdf

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/Food%20Related%20Health%20Risks%20WEB_FA.pdf


7

The drivers for the first Science Strategy remain at the commencement of this second FSANZ

Science Strategy, including changes in the nature and make up of food and consumer

expectations, as well as the interest in food regulation as a way to achieve long-term public

health outcomes.

The Science Strategy 2010-2015 identifies seven strategic areas and within each area, three

to four strategic aims which FSANZ will focus on enhancing over the next five years. These

strategic areas and aims are outlined in further detail in this document. This strategy is not

intended to provide extensive details on specific areas of FSANZ scientific work, rather it

identifies some of the key areas we will focus on enhancing. The Science Strategy 2010-2015 is

targeted at FSANZ stakeholders and other interested parties in addition to providing guidance to

FSANZ staff.

The primary intention of the Science Strategy 2010-2015 is to describe how FSANZ will further

enhance its scientific capability and resources to continue to meet future food regulatory needs

and challenges. Underpinning the Science Strategy will be yearly implementation plans, which

will provide further information on the specific objectives and deliverables under each strategic

aim. These objectives and deliverables will clearly identify actions that FSANZ will take in order

to ensure the science strategy is implemented and ensure that FSANZ continues to evolve and

enhance our food regulatory science.

FSANZ Values

Professional values relate to the principles that guide our decisions and actions. In undertaking

our scientific work it is important to recognise the values of the organisation including:

• Striving for professionalism and excellence in whatever we do;

• Collaborating effectively to achieve results;

• Being inclusive in how we work;

• Being transparent in our decision making and processes;

• Being proactive and responsive in identifying and questioning of issues raised;

• Demonstrating innovation and creativity as well as consistency in the work we do; and

• Showing leadership of the highest standard.

Adherence to these values will support achievement of the strategic aims within each strategic

area that is the focus of this Science Strategy.

8


Strategic Areas

FSANZ has identified a number of key strategic areas covering the broad range of scientific areas

in which FSANZ works. The strategic areas are intended to be overarching, covering all areas of

food regulatory science. The Science Strategy informs and supports these areas of work and

other areas that underpin the day to day work of FSANZ. The key strategic areas identified are

closely linked to the strategic imperatives identified in the FSANZ Corporate Plan6 which shape

the overarching strategic framework for FSANZ.

The key strategic areas for the Science Strategy 2010-2015 are:

1. Increasing our Scientific Capacity

2. Extending the Evidence Base

3. Building our Collaboration and International Linkages

4. Enhancing our Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

5. Enhancing our Capability to Identify and Respond to Emerging Issues

6. Continuing to Provide Leadership in Developing Food Regulatory

Science Capacity

7. Measuring our Performance

Each of these key strategic areas is described in the subsequent sections of this Science

Strategy. For each key strategic area a number of strategic aims are identified and described.

6 http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/Corporate%20Plan%20Brochure.pdf

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/Corporate%20Plan%20Brochure.pdf


9

Increasing Our Scientific Capacity• People• Information & Data• Analysis tools

Extending the Evidence Base• Data analysis• Data collection• Data management• Sharing data

Building our Collaboration & International Linkages• Jurisdictions & Government agencies• International agencies• Research & educational bodies• Industry

Enhancing our Communication & Stakeholder Engagement• Engage with stakeholders• Communicating widely• Promoting our science• Transparency

Enhancing our Capability to Identify & Respond to Emerging Issues• Identifying issues• Investigating issues• Building linkages• Predicting issues

Continuing to Provide Leadership in Developing Food Regulatory Science• Building knowledge• Harmonising food regulations• Prioritising capacity building• Building collaborative partnerships

Measuring our Performance• Peer review• Strategic imperatives

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Strategic Area 1: Increasing our Scientific Capacity

Increasing our Scientific Capacity

• People

• Information and Data

• Analysis Tools

The food supply is constantly changing as a result of new technologies, expanding trade

opportunities, ethnic diversity in the population and changing individual diets. The challenge

for FSANZ is to continue to ensure the safety of the food supply by developing effective food

regulations that are based on science. FSANZ’s ability to develop effective food regulations

relies on our capability and our capacity to assess scientific data and information and manage

and communicate the conclusions of the assessment. Maintaining and enhancing our scientific

capacity in relation to our staff, resources and our tools used to undertake food regulatory

science is essential. In maintaining and enhancing our scientific capacity, it is important to

recognise that FSANZ works with limited resources. Due to these limited resources, FSANZ

relies on outside assistance, including analytical laboratories and expertise, to undertake food

regulatory science.

FSANZ also faces the new challenge of expectations that food regulation can be used to

improve long term population health outcomes. This requires careful consideration by FSANZ

and a need to ensure a high level of specialist skills and expertise in the public health area,

particularly when seeking to better understand and address population-specific issues, such as

food intolerance, which are difficult to predict and examine clinically.


11

People

Strategic Aim

Continue to build our scientific expertise in existing and new areas of food

regulatory science.

A key component of maintaining and enhancing our scientific capacity and capability is to ensure

a diverse and highly skilled workplace. FSANZ currently has a broad range of scientific expertise,

covering many disciplines including:

• Toxicology

• Nutrition

• Microbiology

• Consumer science

• Social sciences

• Molecular genetics

• Economics

• Food technology

• Epidemiology

• Chemistry

• Risk Assessment

Due to the constantly changing nature of the food supply and identification of different food-

risks, FSANZ must continually asses its internal capabilities and capacity to ensure that we can

meet current and future challenges relating to food regulatory science. Ensuring highly skilled

scientific staff across the range of scientific discipline areas is essential to ensuring that FSANZ

can assess, manage and communicate the variety of potential health risks associated with

foods. Undertaking regular skills audits of the organisation, and focussing recruitment activities

on skill gaps, will assist in identifying any skills gaps that may exist. Undertaking evaluations for

the purpose of completing a risk assessment is also a recognised and specialist skill, critical for

undertaking food regulatory science consistent with the Risk Analysis Framework.

12


FSANZ will aim to enhance the evaluation skills of our scientists, primarily through professional

development and in-house training opportunities.

In addition to ensuring a diverse internal skill set, it is important that FSANZ staff continue to

undertake professional development to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge. One

of the methods for FSANZ staff to do this is by actively participating at national and international

conferences, meetings and training courses. Providing staff with the opportunity to present

at conferences that relate to food regulatory science will continue to enhance staff skills and

knowledge. Participation at these conferences also provides an opportunity for broader

discussion about FSANZ including discussions with key stakeholders. Additionally it will be

important that FSANZ identifies future food regulatory issues, including the development and

application of new technologies, and ensures that staff development and recruitment processes

provide the skills and expertise within the organisation that can address these as well as any

identified gaps in scientific capacity.

A further opportunity to enhance staff skills and knowledge is through in-house training;

mentoring; placements with other agencies; and formal training courses. Succession

opportunities are an important aspect of enhancing staff skills in both technical areas and

in leadership and senior management. Creating well planned and structured succession

opportunities within FSANZ over the next 5 year period will position the staff well for making

strong advancements in food regulatory science. Under the previous Science Strategy 2006-09,

FSANZ initiated a program of in-house training to cross skill staff in various scientific areas. This

program allows staff to develop their skills and knowledge in areas outside of their core expertise.

It is anticipated that this program will continue to be developed and cover a wide variety of

scientific areas.

Information and Data

Strategic Aim

Undertake the highest quality food regulatory science and ensure it is current

and robust.

FSANZ uses a variety of information and data to inform our food regulatory science. Ensuring

that information and data is assessed in a consistent way and is of the highest quality is essential

in ensuring our food regulatory science is robust.


13

As part of the risk analysis process, the risk assessment requires the examination of scientific

data on a particular physical, chemical (including nutrients) or microbiological hazard in food.

The risk assessment process is comprised of four steps namely: hazard identification; hazard

characterisation; dietary exposure assessment; and risk characterisation. The data used to

inform the risk assessment may be obtained from: laboratory investigations (toxicological

or microbiological studies); human epidemiological studies; analytical data on the levels of

substances in the food supply; and data on the level of exposure to specified food chemicals

from dietary and other sources. For some application and proposal work, FSANZ also utilises

consumer research data, which assists in providing information on consumer perceptions of food

issues and is used in the risk assessment and development of risk management options.

The data FSANZ utilises in its assessments may come from books, scientific journals, national

and international regulatory agencies, scientific opinions, unpublished raw data, and industry

generated research data. The data may be obtained from published sources and unpublished

sources and as such, FSANZ employs different levels of assessment of data to ensure it is

robust and generated according to best scientific practices. Different types of data may be given

different levels of importance based on the uncertainty that arises from the data. For example,

anecdotal evidence would normally have less weight than raw data from industry and published

journal articles. The examination and combining of the data from all relevant scientific sources,

including the identification of uncertainties, provides the risk assessment outcome which is used

to infer a level of human health risk. In order to ensure the highest quality food risk assessment,

FSANZ should continue to source and utilise the most appropriate data and information from all

sources to inform its food regulatory science decisions. To do this, FSANZ requires access to

relevant scientific journals and search databases.

It is recognised that in some cases the evidence base is insufficient to allow a decision to be

made on a food regulatory measure, due to the high level of uncertainty that is associated

with the science. In these cases, it needs to be made clear that there are insufficient data and

information to inform food regulatory science decisions. If possible, the agency will seek to

generate the required data to reduce the level of uncertainty associated with the science, which

could be undertaken by FSANZ alone or in partnership with research institutions. The agency

will actively look for opportunities to undertake joint research activities that will address gaps in

the existing evidence base. Additional data and information may become available after food

regulatory decisions are made. It is important that FSANZ continues to monitor and assess data

in relation to food regulatory decisions to ensure it remains robust and to decide when new data

are required.

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Analysis Tools

Strategic Aim

Maintain the functionality and application of the Risk Analysis Framework.

To ensure the highest quality food regulatory science, FSANZ uses a risk analysis framework.

The risk analysis framework is important in providing a structured approach to considering the

diverse range of risks that may occur in food. The approach to risk analysis used by FSANZ is

based on the general framework adopted by international agencies, although the diversity of

issues FSANZ considers requires some flexibility to encompass the food regulatory environment

in which FSANZ operates. The risk analysis framework is essentially a decision-making

framework that allows separation of the scientific aspects of risk analysis from the broad range

of factors which impact on the ultimate risk management decisions. It is important to note that

there is an inherent relationship between appropriate risk management options being based on

high quality risk assessments.

The risk analysis framework applied by FSANZ incorporates risk assessment, risk management

and risk communication. Risk assessment is the evidence based analysis of all relevant scientific

information and data relating to a food health risk. Risk management is the outcome based

analysis of the risk assessment in conjunction with the consideration of policy guidance and

other relevant information to determine and select appropriate risk management options. Risk

communication involves the interactive exchange of information and opinions throughout the

risk analysis process concerning risk, risk-related factors, and risk perceptions, among risk

assessors, risk managers, consumers, industry, the academic community and other interested

parties. Risk communication also includes the explanation of risk assessment findings and the

basis of risk management decisions.

FSANZ’s internal organisation is arranged around the functional application of the risk analysis

framework, with risk assessment and risk management scientists (Attachment 1). There are

separate risk assessment and management sections for most scientific disciplines and specialist

risk communicators. In undertaking food regulatory science, FSANZ uses multidisciplinary teams

including risk assessors, risk managers (including consumer scientists and economists7) and risk

communicators for individual projects.

7 Consumer and social sciences contribute to both risk assessment and risk management activities, though they are organisationally located in

the risk management branch.


15

This structure ensures input from relevant areas for all stages of the project. In addition to individual

project teams, FSANZ also has over-arching cross-discipline groups including the Senior Science

Group, International Steering Group and the Food Incident Response Group which facilitate wider

staff engagement and discussion of various projects.

Continuing to ensure the integrity of the risk analysis framework in FSANZ work, including its

suitability for assessing the wide variety of risks associated with food, is important in ensuring

food regulatory decisions are based on the best evidence available, are managed appropriately

and are communicated widely.

Strategic Area 1: Increasing our Scientific Capacity

FSANZ’s scientific capacity is essential to ensuring our continued ability to undertake

the highest quality food regulatory science. Ensuring diverse scientific skills, high quality

information and data assessment and utilising the best available tools will assist FSANZ

in maintaining its scientific capacity. To achieve this FSANZ will:

• Continue to build our scientific expertise in existing and new areas of food

regulatory science

• Undertake the highest quality food regulatory science and ensure it is current and

robust

• Maintain the functionality and application of the Risk Analysis Framework

• Attract and retain staff who are highly trained in technical areas and/or leadership

by offering appropriate professional development and succession opportunities

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Strategic Area 2: Extending the Evidence Base

Extending the Evidence Base

• Data analysis

• Data collection

• Data management

• Sharing data

A wide range of scientific and technical data is utilised by FSANZ to inform food regulatory

decisions. FSANZ sources data from a wide variety of areas including national and international

agencies, research institutions and industry. These data assist in informing science-based

decisions on food regulatory measures.

FSANZ actively coordinates surveillance, monitoring and evaluation surveys as well as

undertaking consumer and economic surveys in partnership with Australian States and Territories

and New Zealand. In developing the data collection program, a forward plan of standards

development activities and emerging issues is considered so that data generated are relevant

and current. Currently, the program collects a wide range of data including:

• Microbiological status of foods

• Food chemical content of foods

• Food composition (nutrient content)

• Economic (cost–benefit)

• Consumer behaviour, attitudes and knowledge towards food related issues

In collaboration with other government agencies in Australia and New Zealand, FSANZ collects

data on the food supply to ensure that foods are safe and comply with standards, including

those for microbiological contaminants, chemical contaminants, residues of agricultural and

veterinary chemicals and substances added to food. Surveillance activities generate scientific

analytical data through targeted surveys relating to particular substances in particular foods, or

wider surveillance of a range of substances in a wide variety of food. These data on the food

supply enable FSANZ to undertake a robust risk analysis to assess food safety and to inform

regulatory activities, ensure confidence in a safe food supply.


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A surveillance program led by FSANZ aims to collect data on the presence and concentration

of substances in foods. A significant component of the FSANZ surveillance program is the

Australian Total Diet Study (ATDS) which is Australia’s most comprehensive assessment

of consumers’ dietary exposure (intake) to pesticide residues, contaminants and other

substances. The regular survey aims to obtain a broad picture of the level and extent of chemical

contaminants in the food supply. The ATDS can also be used to obtain analytical data on a range

of other substances found in food including food additives and nutrients.

FSANZ also manages the work of the surveillance and monitoring component for the Food

Regulation Standing Committee’s Implementation Sub-Committee (ISC)8. The central element of

the ISC surveillance and monitoring component is the Coordinated Food Survey Plan (the Plan).

The Plan is developed, implemented and reviewed as a collaborative approach across Australian

States and Territories and New Zealand for surveillance and monitoring activities that develop the

evidence base used for standards development, effective implementation and interventions.

The Australian nutrient food composition database is maintained by FSANZ. Nutrient data for

foods comes from a variety of sources including: analysed values generated from analytical

programs commissioned by FSANZ; data obtained from other countries food tables; data

supplied by the food industry; data taken from food labels; imputed values from similar foods; or

values calculated using a recipe approach. FSANZ has been improving the quality and quantity

of analysed values for foods by developing analytical programs which focus on the foods

identified as being key nutrient contributors for Australians. Nutrient analysis is then targeted

towards these foods to ensure that the food composition data are accurate.

In addition to surveillance activities, FSANZ also undertakes monitoring and evaluation of the

food supply and regulatory measures. FSANZ regularly undertakes scientific and technical

evaluation of the impact, effectiveness and appropriateness of implementing key food regulatory

measures through its evaluation strategy and associated activities. Evaluation allows FSANZ to

identify and assess the impact of key changes to food regulations on our stakeholders, including

our regulatory partners in Australian States and Territories and New Zealand, the food industry,

health professionals and consumers.

FSANZ continues to build its evidence base in relation to consumer knowledge, behaviours and

attitudes towards a range of issues associated with food.

8 ISC’s primary responsibility is to develop and oversee a consistent approach across Australian States and Territories and New Zealand to the

implementation and enforcement of food regulations.

18


For some issues in the risk analysis process, it is important to be able to predict consumer

behaviour in order to manage the risk effectively. Food labelling, whether it is for consumer

information related to health matters, food safety and/or to enable consumers to make informed

food choices, requires that consumers will understand the information on the label and that

it assists them in choosing appropriate food. The collection of data in relation to consumer

knowledge, behaviours and attitudes in relation to food purchase and use of labels assists in

strengthening the evidence base.

Data Analysis

Strategic Aim

Improve our data collection, analysis and reporting methodologies.

The data FSANZ obtains through its surveillance, monitoring, evaluation and social science

research surveys provide significant data and information to inform food regulatory science

decisions. The data also aid in maintaining confidence that the food supply is being monitored,

ensuring the public health and safety of the food supply. As FSANZ continues to consider a wide

variety of issues, including fortification and health claims, it will become increasingly important to

continue the coordination and collection of this data.

The methods used to collect, collate and analyse data are essential to ensuring the evidence

base FSANZ utilises for its risk analysis is accurate and robust. Data collection methodologies will

vary according to the type of data being collected and where and how it is intended to be used.

As methodologies for surveys including sampling, analytical detection and analysis techniques

continue to be improved, it is important for FSANZ to continue to adapt its processes to suit

best practice. When considering undertaking survey work FSANZ should research appropriate

methodologies for collection and analysis to ensure data produced are fit for purpose.

Analysis of data collected for a particular purpose requires a good understanding of the data

including its limitations. It is important to note that all data collected and utilised by FSANZ

will contain uncertainty and variability. Reporting the data accurately, including articulating the

uncertainty and variability in data, will assist in building understanding of the data used and its

strengths and limitations.


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Data Collection

Strategic Aim

Continue to increase and coordinate the systematic collection of data.

FSANZ also has an active role in coordinating the collection of data with national and

international food regulatory partners. FSANZ works closely with regulatory partners to ensure

collaboration on surveillance activities. Collaboration with regulatory partners assists in: ensuring

the efficient use of resources; reduces duplication of information; ensures consistency in

methodologies for sampling and analysis; assists in identifying and addressing data gaps; and

provides a shared understanding of data needs.

Data Management

Strategic Aim

Improve and integrate our data management and analysis systems to meet

future requirements.

In undertaking risk analysis, FSANZ utilises data from many sources within its evidence base. It

has been identified that the current data management systems which FSANZ utilises to house its

evidence base require updating and were developed using proprietary software systems which are

no longer widely used. FSANZ is currently in the process of developing a new data management

platform which will create a central system to house FSANZ data. The updating of the data

management systems will also include integration of data in order to improve our analysis. The

system will be developed considering the future needs and requirements of the organisation.

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Sharing Data

Strategic Aim

Increase our collaboration with national and international food regulatory

partners, industry and research institutions to collect and share data.

In addition to undertaking surveys and data collection, FSANZ also collaborates with other

organisations, including industry, to collect data. Collaborating and sharing information and

data including methodologies, can assist in filling data gaps, or can add further evidence to

food regulatory science. There are a number of national and international organisations which

collect data of relevance to food regulatory science, including other regulatory agencies, industry

and research institutions. FSANZ will aim to continually enhance relationships with these

organisations to continue to increase our evidence base.

FSANZ shares data with a number of national and international organisations including DAFF

in the area of residues surveys, Australian States and Territories and New Zealand in relation to

surveillance and monitoring activities, and international food regulatory agencies in relation to

analytical surveys which may be relevant to Australia or New Zealand. These data are important

in informing FSANZ food regulatory science.


21

Strategic Area 2: Extending the Evidence Base

Continuing to build and extend the evidence base is essential to ensuring FSANZ

is utilising the best available information and data to inform food regulatory science.

Ensuring that data are collected, collated, analysed and reported in a way that is fit

for purpose and is of the highest standard and quality is essential in food regulatory

science. Coordinating, managing and sharing of data are also important to ensure data

are maintained and available for use in relevant food regulatory matters. To continue to

extend the evidence base, FSANZ will:

• Improve our data collection, analysis and reporting methodologies

• Continue to coordinate the systematic collection of data

• Improve and integrate our data management and analysis systems to meet future

requirements

• Increase our collaboration with national and international food regulatory partners

and organisations to collect and share data

22


Strategic Area 3: Building our Collaboration and International Linkages

Building our Collaboration & International Linkages

• Jurisdictions & Government agencies

• International agencies

• Research & educational bodies

• Industry

The range and diversity of foods available in Australia and New Zealand has greatly expanded

in recent decades as the food supply becomes increasingly global. Inherent with the expansion

of the food supply is the expectation that food is safe for all to consumers all the time. FSANZ

recognises that food-related health risks may be under consideration by a number of people,

organisations and countries at any given time. Building collaboration and linkages with national

and international agencies to share information, data and best practice, identify emerging risks

and develop clear communication on risks in the food supply is important. FSANZ regularly

engages and collaborates with external experts including national and international regulatory

agencies, government departments, industry, universities and educational institutions to enhance

our food regulatory science.

Government Agencies

Strategic Aim

Enhance relationships with relevant national and international scientists

and agencies.

National

Building and enhancing our linkages with Australian States and Territories and New Zealand

government agencies is important to ensure food regulatory science meets its objectives.

Collaboration assists in encouraging the exchange of views on scientific matters of interest to

Australia and New Zealand food agencies and to develop a national/bi-national view.


23

Enhancing collaboration also facilitates a greater understanding and consensus on the science

which underpins food regulations including the information and methodologies used.

FSANZ currently collaborates with many scientists from Australian States and Territories and

New Zealand government agencies in forums including:

• Science Network Forum Workshops

• Scientific Advisory Groups

• Expert Advisory Groups

• Standards Development Advisory Committees

• Risk Management advisory groups e.g. Jurisdictional Forum

• Food Incident Group

• Australian Government Food Communication Group

• Annual or bi-annual meetings with agencies including the New Zealand Food Safety

Authority (NZFSA), the National Measurement Institute (NMI), the Department of

Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA)

and the New Zealand Ministry of Health (NZMOH).

A number of networks are established through FSANZ in various specialist areas of work

including surveillance, dietary modelling, food composition, epidemiology and evaluation.

FSANZ also participates as an observer on the Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC)

and is a member of the Implementation Sub Committee (ISC). FRSC is responsible for co-

ordinating policy advice to the Ministerial Council and ensuring a nationally consistent approach

to the implementation and enforcement of food standards. ISC is a subcommittee of the Food

Regulation Standing Committee. Its role is to develop and oversee a consistent approach across

Australian States and Territories to the implementation and enforcement of food regulations and

standards, regardless of whether food is sourced from domestic producers, export-registered

establishments or from imports.

International

Collaborating with international agencies involved in ensuring food safety is increasingly

important as the food supply expands and becomes more global. There are many international

scientific bodies FSANZ collaborates with to continue to develop data collection and analysis

methodologies.

24


While it is recognised that food-related risks around the world may vary, sharing information, data

and best practices in relation to food science regulation can promote consistent approaches

to the analysis of risks. A number of individual FSANZ staff are also engaged in international

activities including participating on expert bodies of the major food-related multilateral

organisations, which adds a further dimension to our collaboration with scientists around the

world.

FSANZ regularly collaborates with international agencies to share knowledge and

expertise including:

• The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)

• The World Health Organisation (WHO)

• The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

• The Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR)

• The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meetings on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA)

• Codex Alimentarius Commission

• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

• World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)

In addition, FSANZ collaborates with international agencies through established networks (e.g.

the International Food Chemical Safety Liaison Group and the Food Safety Quadrilateral Group9),

participates in staff exchanges and attends relevant meetings and workshops with other agencies

Research and Educational Bodies and Industry

Strategic Aim

Maximise our access to and utilisation of experts to provide advice on issues

relating to food regulatory science.

9 The Food Safety Quadrilateral Group comprises senior officials from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America

governments and convenes annually to discuss strategic issues around food safety and to collaborate on specific projects of mutual interest/

benefit.


25

As a small agency, it is recognised that there may be specific food regulatory issues that arise for

which FSANZ does not have the expertise. There are many research agencies and universities

nationally and internationally with expertise in specific areas of relevance to food regulatory science.

Strengthening our linkages with these research agencies, universities and other educational

institutions by teaching, collaborative projects, invitations to participate in our activities or become

part of our expert groups can assist with increasing the FSANZ knowledge base.

A number of existing mechanisms are in place to enhance FSANZ’s collaboration with research

agencies, universities and educational institutions including:

• FSANZ Fellows Program

• Student projects

• Scientific or Expert Advisory Committees

These programs and groups provide a foundation for FSANZ to seek advice and guidance

on specific areas of food regulatory science. FSANZ staff are also invited to become part of

professional institutions, including becoming fellows of universities, which assists in enhancing

collaboration.

Collaboration with industry is also valuable to FSANZ, as the food industry provides expertise

and data on a range of areas including industrial processes and practices. Industry experts

can provide valuable data and information which assists in building the FSANZ evidence base.

Continuing to build collaboration with industry including sharing knowledge and information

in relation to FSANZ methodologies and risk analysis process will aid in developing a better

understanding of food regulatory science.

FSANZ regularly collaborates with industry to share knowledge and expertise including through

the Retailers and Manufacturers Liaison Committee (RMLC)10 and other networks established for

specific food regulatory issues.

10 The RMLC is a network of major food retailers who meet regularly to discuss issues relating to the Code.

26


Specific Networks

Strategic Aim

Develop new and enhance existing networks, including international, to facilitate

information sharing.

The establishment of specific networks consisting of national and international government

agencies, educational institutions or industry are useful for facilitating information sharing. FSANZ

has a number of existing networks established to facilitate the sharing of expertise, information,

data and best practice in relation to food regulatory science. Increasing our utilisation of existing

networks and identifying and establishing new networks, where appropriate, will continue to

enhance FSANZ linkages and further enhance food regulatory science.

Strategic Area 3: Building our Collaboration and International Linkages

Building our collaboration and linkages with stakeholders assists in facilitating the sharing

of information, data and best practice in relation to food regulatory science. Collaboration

and developing networks also assists in identifying emerging risks and developing clear

communication messages on risks related to food. Developing linkages and networks

with jurisdictions, national and international scientists, academia and industry will assist

in ensuring FSANZ has access to the best available information and data to make food

regulatory decisions. To continue to build and enhance our linkages, FSANZ will:

• Enhance relationships with relevant national and international scientists and

agencies

• Maximise our access to and utilisation of experts to provide advice on issues

relating to food regulatory science

• Develop new and enhance existing networks, including international, to facilitate

information sharing


27

Strategic Area 4: Enhancing our Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Enhancing our Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with stakeholders

• Communicating widely

• Promoting our science

• Transparency

The food regulatory framework that operates in Australia and New Zealand is a collaboration

between FSANZ, the Australian and New Zealand governments, State and Territory enforcement

agencies, industry and consumers. Communicating our science, including any subsequent risk

management options, with our stakeholders is an essential and ongoing component of the risk

analysis process. The purpose of communication is to allow for the sharing of information and

opinions related to the scientific evidence and the perceived risks associated with the foods.

Communication with our stakeholders is also important in informing the planning, prioritisation

and direction of FSANZ scientific work.

It is the responsibility of all of our staff to ensure that there is effective communication of our

science, involving an interactive dialogue between risk assessors, risk managers, specialist risk

communicators and stakeholders throughout the risk analysis process. FSANZ has developed

two strategies to assist in ensuring our communication and stakeholder engagement meets the

requirements of our stakeholders.

Engage with Stakeholders

Strategic Aim

Enhance linkages with our key stakeholders.

28


Sound stakeholder relations form an integral part of FSANZ work, particularly in relation to the

scientific work undertaken. Stakeholders, including government, industry and consumers, play an

important role in providing opinions which can influence the strategic direction of food regulatory

science. FSANZ recognises that effective stakeholder engagement is about constantly engaging

with and listening to stakeholders throughout the risk analysis process. Stakeholder engagement

is also about reaching out and involving stakeholders in the whole process including providing

adequate time to consider the issues. FSANZ recognises that stakeholders are playing an

increasingly important role in food regulatory science by providing different perceptions and views.

Communicating Widely

Strategic Aim

Communicate our science to a range of stakeholders in an appropriate manner.

Our scientists have a role in ensuring that we communicate issues in a way that maintains the

trust and confidence of the broader community. Our scientists aim to communicate our science

throughout the risk analysis process and in a manner that is accessible to all. To do this, FSANZ

uses a variety of mechanisms including our website which provides detailed information such

as reports as well as fact sheets and webinars to explain aspects of our scientific assessments

and risk management options. We recognise that it is important to ensure that our information is

provided in a way that takes into account the knowledge base of all our stakeholders.

To ensure that we communicate our science in a way that is accessible for consumers, FSANZ

has established a Consumer Liaison Committee (CLC)11. The CLCs main role is to provide advice

and comment on a range of information and publications intended for publication including

factsheets and website information.

Promoting our science

Strategic Aim

Enhance our reputation by promoting our science.

11 The CLC is committee made up of ‘grassroots’ consumers who provide input and advice to FSANZ on various issues including the

development of factsheets for consumers.


29

FSANZ undertakes scientific analysis of a range of issues which relate to food regulatory science.

The nature of food regulatory science is such that often the work we undertake is unique. FSANZ

aims to publish its work through reports, peer reviewed journal articles, factsheets and brochures

so that this is available to the wider community.

All scientific reports supporting standards development activities are publicly available on our

website and we also publish our major surveillance, monitoring and evaluation activities. We

have developed a ‘Technical Series’ of reports to ensure that our scientific reports continue to

be accessible and are provided in a consistent format. Similarly, reviews of the scientific literature

commissioned by FSANZ from external experts are generally available on the FSANZ website.

Peer reviews of our approach to specific areas of food regulatory science are also made available

on the website once completed.

Transparency

Strategic Aim

Be open to the range of views and assess these with rigour, diligence and

transparency.

We recognise that it is important to be transparent in our application of science and, as such,

our scientific reports are publicly available through the FSANZ website. The FSANZ consultation

process opens our scientific analysis up to a wide range of stakeholders, who can hold differing

views. In assessing stakeholder opinions to our scientific analysis, it is important that FSANZ

considers and addresses all views and issues identified. FSANZ recognises that during the

consultation process, additional information may become available which will need to be

included in the scientific analysis. FSANZ will consider all additional information and views of

stakeholders with diligence and transparency.

30


Strategic Area 4: Enhancing our Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Communicating to a wide range of stakeholders is an essential element of the FSANZ

process and assists in maintaining transparency within the food regulatory system.

FSANZ has a diverse range of stakeholders who have varying knowledge levels of food

regulatory science. In communicating widely, FSANZ needs to ensure that its uses

a wide range of mechanisms and communication media to ensure all stakeholders

have appropriate access to information on scientific issues. FSANZ also needs to

promote its science and ensure that a broad range of views are considered as part of

the risk analysis process. To continue to enhance our communication and stakeholder

engagement, FSANZ will:

• Enhance linkages with our key stakeholders

• Communicate our science to a range of stakeholders in an appropriate manner

• Enhance our reputation by promoting our science

• Be open to the range of views and assess these with rigour, diligence and

transparency


31

Strategic Area 5: Enhance our Capability to Identify and Respond to Emerging Issues

Enhancing our Capability to Identify & Respond to Emerging Issues

• Identifying issues

• Investigating issues

• Building linkages

• Predicting issues

Food-related issues which start locally may quickly become national issues and, in many cases,

international issues. The ability to identify and respond to existing emerging issues quickly is

critical to ensuring there is no public health and safety risk and to ensure public confidence in the

food supply. FSANZ uses information from a wide range of sources to alert us to emerging food

issues that may arise within Australia and New Zealand or worldwide. The two factors which play

a significant role here are communications and trade.

Within Australia, there are established protocols for the coordination of Australian Government

agencies responsible for food safety and food issues in the event of a national food incident.

The National Food Incident Response Protocol may be used to coordinate action at the

national, State and Territory or local levels when triggered. The Protocol provides guidance on

the response to national incidents linked to microbiological, chemical, radiological, physical

or unknown hazards. In the case of outbreaks of foodborne illness, health authorities and the

Australian Health Protection Committee are responsible for managing the outbreak investigation.

In relation to imported food issues, FSANZ works closely with the Australian Quarantine and

Inspection Service (AQIS) within the framework of the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.

FSANZ provides advice to AQIS on the level of public health risk posed by specific foods,

whereas AQIS has operational responsibility for inspection and sampling of imported food.

32


Identifying Issues

Strategic Aim

Continue to identify issues relating to food regulatory science.

The ease of international communication means that the reporting of food-related issues is very

rapid, alerting both food regulators and consumers, often at the same time.

FSANZ is proactive at monitoring various media, both nationally and internationally, to identify

any trends in food issues which may be relevant to Australia or New Zealand in relation to food.

FSANZ prepares and distributes information bulletins and newsletters including Food Standards

News, Food Surveillance News and the Monitoring of Emerging Issues newsletter capturing

various aspects of food regulatory science. FSANZ staff also receive electronic updates of media

clips relating to food regulatory issues.

Investigating Issues

Strategic Aim

Investigate and respond to existing and emerging issues.

FSANZ is often required to investigate and respond to existing and emerging issues by

undertaking a risk analysis. When considering existing and emerging issues, the extent and

depth of the risk analysis will depend on a number of factors, particularly the time constraints

on responding to the issue. In undertaking any investigation, FSANZ needs to ensure that

risk analyses are based on the best available scientific evidence. Ensuring adequate risk

management options and communication to stakeholders surrounding FSANZ action in

response to emerging issues is also important. FSANZ advice is delivered via regular media

releases and fact sheets to ensure our stakeholders are up-to-date and well informed of our

position on emerging issues.


33

Building Linkages

Strategic Aim

Continue to build linkages with national and international agencies and food

regulatory partners to share information on emerged and emerging issues.

The extensive global trade in food means that any local issue can quickly become an issue in

many parts of the world. Communicating widely with our regulatory partners internationally and

other stakeholders can assist in the early identification of emerging issues. FSANZ has a number

of networks which facilitate the discussion on issues related to food incidents. These networks

provide a sound forum for the identification of emerging issues as well as the sharing of risk

analysis processes to determining effective outcomes to these issues. It is also important that

FSANZ continues to identify and establish new networks which may assist in enhancing our

ability to identify emerging issues.

Predicting Issues

Strategic Aim

Increase our capability to predict and investigate potential emerging issues.

The ability to predict potential emerging issues can assist in being prepared for any issues which

may occur in Australia or New Zealand. Strategic foresight is the ability to develop a forward

outlook of potential food regulatory issues which may arise. Increasing FSANZ’s capability to

undertake strategic foresight activities relies on our ability to proactively put in place strategies

that allow us to monitor wider networks for re-occurring food issues and to actively investigate

these issues. In undertaking strategic foresight activities, it is important that FSANZ has capacity

and resources to investigate these further to ensure that if a food risk does occur, FSANZ can be

prepared with appropriate management strategies.

34


Strategic Area 5: Enhance our Capability to Identify and Respond to Emerging Issues

FSANZ needs to continue to enhance our capability to identify and respond rapidly to

emerging and existing issues via rapid risk assessments to ensure the public health and

safety of consumers. Additionally, building linkages and networks which allow the flow

of information assists in ensuring FSANZ has access to as much relevant information

regarding issues as possible. Enhancing our ability to predict issues will also assist

FSANZ in being prepared for any issues which may arise quickly. To continue to enhance

our capability to identify and respond to emerging issues FSANZ will:

• Continue to identify issues relating to food regulatory science

• Investigate and respond to existing and emerging issues

• Continue to build linkages with national and international agencies and food

regulatory partners to share information on emerged and emerging issues

• Increase our capability to predict and investigate potential emerging issues


35

Strategic Area 6: Continue to Provide Leadership in Developing Food Regulatory Science Capacity

Continuing to Provide Leadership in Developing Food Regulatory Science

• Building knowledge

• Harmonising food regulations

• Prioritising capacity building

• Building collaborative partnerships

The sharing of knowledge and resources relating to food regulatory science is important to

continue to enhance food safety within the global food environment. FSANZ is widely recognised

as a centre of excellence in food regulation, and a leader in food science regulation issues.

FSANZ has a significant role in providing leadership in developing regional food regulatory

science. FSANZ works with various other national and international government and non-

government organisations to assist in building technical knowledge and skills in relation to food

regulatory science within the global food community.

National

Building knowledge and capacity within Australia and New Zealand in relation to food regulatory

science is essential in ensuring a collaborative and effective food regulatory system. FSANZ’s

role within the food regulatory system is to assess the science and to provide risk management

options. Building our regulatory partners’ knowledge of the risk analysis process including risk

assessment methods for different areas and how these are used in developing risk management

options will further enhance our capacity to work collaboratively within the Australian and New

Zealand food regulatory system.

International

FSANZ is particularly active in providing leadership in developing food regulatory science

capacity in the Asia-Pacific region. FSANZ is the co-chair of the Asia Pacific Economic

Cooperation (APEC) Food Safety Cooperation Forum (FSCF), which aims to strengthen food

safety within the APEC region.

36


The broad goals of the FSCF are:

• to develop transparent information-sharing and communication networks that provide

accurate and timely information to consumers and producers on food safety;

• to harmonise food safety standards, to the extent possible, with international standards

and encourage food safety systems consistent with members’ rights and obligations

under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and the Technical Barriers to Trade

Agreements of the World Trade Organisation; and

• to enhance skills and human resource capacities to enable the development of national

food safety regulatory systems that are harmonised with international standards.

The APEC cooperative approach recognises the need to develop a more robust approach to

strengthening food and consumer product safety standards and practices in the region, using

scientific risk-based approaches and without creating unnecessary barriers to trade.

FSANZ also actively participates in the development of international food standards through the

work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) and its various committees. Participation

in the work of Codex ensures that FSANZ has influence in the methods and approaches used in

food regulatory science as well as involvement in the development of individual standards.

Building Food Regulatory Science Knowledge

Strategic Aim

Contribute to building food regulatory science knowledge with regulatory

partners both nationally and internationally to increase capacity.

Increasing knowledge of issues in relation to food regulatory science is important in building

capacity both nationally and internationally. FSANZ has an active role in hosting and contributing

to activities relating to increasing knowledge and skills in relation to food regulation science. In

undertaking this work, FSANZ aims to strengthen local technical and scientific capacity and

develop effective educational tools and programs.


37

Harmonising Food Regulations

Strategic Aim

Assist in improving capacity to harmonise food regulations in the region to

improve health and food safety outcomes.

Many countries, particularly developing countries, are not equipped to respond to or analyse the

risks associated with food. Lack of technical knowledge and effective infrastructure significantly

hinders a country’s ability to undertake analysis of issues relating to health and food safety.

Building capacity to undertake high quality food regulatory science is important to assist in

improving health and food safety outcomes. Additionally, improving this capacity may also assist

in harmonising food regulations and facilitating trade.

Capacity building aims to develop sustainable skills, organisational structures and resources

to assist organisation in undertaking work in relation to food safety issues. FSANZ has an

active role in providing capacity building activities within the Asia-Pacific region. Food safety

capacity building activities aim to promote the strengthening of food safety control systems

at the national level by improving sustainability and international compliance. Additionally,

FSANZ works closely with APEC to build robust food safety systems amongst APEC member

economies so as to accelerate progress towards harmonisation of food standards with

international standards.

FSANZ also contributes to the work of global harmonisation of food standards through

Codex. A key role of the Codex is to ensure fair trade practices in the food trade and promote

the coordination of food standards work undertaken by international government and non-

government organisations. FSANZ plays an active role in many Codex committees, in some

cases leading the Australian Government delegation.

38


Prioritising Capacity Building

Strategic Aim

Continue to develop a more robust approach to strengthening, prioritising and

coordinating regional food regulatory activities.

Capacity building must start with an assessment of gaps and needs to ensure that the activities

are appropriate and will address deficiencies in knowledge, skills or infrastructure. The assessment

of gaps assists in developing regional priorities for strengthening food regulatory science. FSANZ

has an active role in undertaking needs assessments and responding to requests for assistance in

relation to identifying and responding to food regulatory science needs. FSANZ also has an active

role in the coordination of activities aimed at addressing any gaps identified.

Building Collaborative Partnerships

Strategic Aim

Maintain and enhance linkages with other countries to enable the sharing of

knowledge and resources.

In developing capacity, it is important to continue to develop and enhance linkages to facilitate

the flow of information. These linkages can assist in the sharing of knowledge and information in

response to existing and emerging issues and may also assist in identifying gaps in food science

analysis. FSANZ has an active role in establishing new international collaborative relationships in

food safety capacity building, in undertaking a range of capacity building activities in the region

and in providing training to visiting food safety officials. FSANZ also encourages linkages within

the region during training activities to continue to assist other countries in developing wider

networks and sharing information.


39

Strategic Area 6: Continue to Provide Leadership in Developing Food Regulatory Science Capacity

Continuing to build capacity and knowledge of food regulatory science with national

and international partners is essential in building collaboration and harmonising food

regulatory systems. FSANZ has an active role in building food regulatory knowledge,

including identifying and prioritising capacity building activities and ensuring sharing of

information with regulatory partners. To continue to provide leadership in developing food

regulatory science, FSANZ will:

• Contribute to building food regulatory science knowledge with regulatory partners

both nationally and internationally to increase capacity

• Assist in improving capacity to harmonise food regulations in the region to

improve health and food safety outcomes

• Continue to develop a more robust approach to strengthening, prioritising and

coordinating regional food regulatory activities

• Maintain and enhance linkages with other countries to enable the sharing of

knowledge and resources

40


Strategic Area 7: Measuring our Performance

Measuring our Performance

• Peer review

• Strategic imperatives

Ensuring our scientific output is of a high standard and meets the objectives outlined in the

FSANZ Act is critical. Measuring our performance is a key way of ensuring that we meet our

objectives. FSANZ uses two main methods of measuring performance of our scientific outputs:

1. Peer Review

2. Strategic Imperatives

Peer Review

Strategic Aim

Continue to subject our scientific outputs and processes to review.

FSANZ utilises both internal and external peer review mechanisms to review scientific outputs

related to food regulatory science. Internally, FSANZ has a number of discipline groups,

chaired by a senior FSANZ scientist from the relevant disciplines. These disciplines include:

food technology; chemical safety; nutrition; biotechnology; and microbiology. A key function of

the discipline groups is to provide an internal peer review function on our scientific analysis of

particular issues. In addition to the discipline groups, FSANZ’s Chief Scientist, Risk Assessment

Branch Manager and Chief Public Health Nutrition Advisor also act as internal peer reviewers.

In addition to internal peer review mechanisms, FSANZ also utilises external expertise to provide a

critique of our scientific outputs. Our statutory consultation procedures require us to consult on the

scientific reports associated with the development and amendment of food regulatory measures.

FSANZ utilises this process to seek expert opinions from scientists throughout Australia and

Zealand. FSANZ also seeks formal peer review of a number of our key scientific assessments and

reports from independent experts both domestically and internationally.


41

The review process may take several different formats, ranging from individual experts to an expert

committee. External peer review is usually sought on highly complex food regulatory science

issues.

External peer review mechanisms are also utilised for our scientific processes or specific work

areas. Under the last Science Strategy (2006-09), FSANZ subjected a number of our scientific

processes to external peer review including:

• dietary modelling procedures and processes

• genetically modified (GM) food safety assessment procedures and processes; and

• food composition procedures and processes.

These types of peer reviews provide a rigorous critique of the processes used by FSANZ in

undertaking food regulatory science, including identifying areas for improvement in the processes

used by FSANZ. Continuing to subject our scientific outputs and processes to peer review will

allow FSANZ to further develop the tools used in our food regulatory science.

Strategic Imperatives

Strategic Aim

Continue to monitor and evaluate the quality of our science.

Strategic imperatives are four key areas of strategy which shape the overarching strategic

framework of FSANZ, and are identified in the FSANZ Corporate Plan 2009-2012. One of the

primary strategic imperatives established for the development of food regulatory standards

is that they are supported by good science and are based on a strong scientific evidence

base. This imperative aims to ensure that the standards FSANZ develops are: clear and easy

to understand; soundly based on evidence; and anticipate innovation and new technologies.

FSANZ utilises both internal and external reviews of our scientific methodology, processes and

practices to facilitate the continual enhancement of our scientific analysis processes. FSANZ

also benchmarks its performance against international best practices, while having regard to the

resources available to us.

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/Corporate%20Plan%20Brochure.pdf

42


Strategic Aim

Evaluate strategies adopted to improve our food regulatory science.

To ensure that FSANZ continues to measure our performance in relation to food regulatory

science, a number of strategies have developed to measure this. These strategies cover a

number of specific areas of FSANZ food regulatory work including:

• Reputation management

• Stakeholder engagement

• Communication

• Project Management12

In measuring performance FSANZ will utilise these strategies, including the Science Strategy

2010-2015, to evaluate its performance.

Strategic Area 7: Measuring Our Performance

To continue to maintain a high standard of food regulatory science, it is essential that

FSANZ evaluates its performance to ensure that our key objectives are met. Subjecting

FSANZ outputs and processes to peer review will assist in ensuring the highest level of

food regulatory science. To measure our performance FSANZ will:

• Continue to subject our scientific outputs to review

• Continue to monitor and evaluate the quality of our science

• Evaluate strategies adopted to improve our food regulatory science

12 FSANZ has developed a Project Management document to assist both new and experienced staff to plan, implement and complete projects

in FSANZ. This document includes a project management methodology as well as definitions, checklists, templates and tips on good

practice.


43

Attachment 1

FSANZ Scientific Organisational Structure*

Risk Assessment

Risk Communication

Chief Scientist Branch

Scientific Strategy, International & Surveillance

Food Composition Evaluation & Monitoring

Chief Public Health Nutrition

Advisor

Risk Assessment Chemical Safety

Risk Assessment Microbiology

Risk Assessment Production

Process

Risk Assessment Public Health

Nutrition

Food Safety

Public Health Nutrition

Standards

Consumer and Social Science

Regulatory Analysis

Labelling and Information Standards

Product Safety Standards

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Risk Assessment Branch

Food Standards - Canberra

Food Standards - Wellington

Risk Management

* This representation of FSANZ shows only the scientific sections and is not the entire FSANZ organisational structure. Additional sections (not included in this figure) are involved in the risk management of food regulatory science including the Office of Legal Counsel and Standards Management & Parliamentary Liaison.

Australia

PO Box 7186 Canberra BCACT 2610Australia

Tel: +61 2 6271 2241 Fax: +61 2 6271 2278

[email protected]

New Zealand

PO Box 10559 The TerraceWellington 6036 New Zealand

Tel: +64 4 978 5630 Fax: +64 4 473 [email protected]

Documents

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)