FoodLegal Bulletin, July, 2006

Biosecurity Australia Recommends Approval of "Risky" Chicken Imports Show More Info
An assessment by Biosecurity Australia of the risks of importing uncooked chicken meat into Australia has recognized the disease risks involved but has nonetheless recommended that uncooked chicken meat from risky areas can be allowed into Australia to be treated in Australia.

Legal Arguments over ACCC v Woolworths case Show More Info
The Federal Court recently found Woolworths had contravened the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) for conduct which Woolworths claimed was in accordance with procedures set out in State legislation. This 2,400 word article criticizes the Court decision and the ACCC approach, and discusses the broader legal and market implications for food companies and other businesses as a consequence of the judgment.

How Laws Affect Product Endorsements and Sponsorships Show More Info
How and when can the public reputation of a popular celebrity be used to promote a product? This article is a "How To" guide on making product endorsements and testimonials given by celebrity sportspeople and others, and an analysis of where laws might impact further now and in the future as well as explaining other marketing angles.

How and When to Use Sugars and Sweeteners Legally Show More Info
As public awareness of nutrition and obesity increases, the food industry is increasingly looking towards sugar alternatives to sweeten foods without the calories. FoodLegal discusses the how and when of the use of different sugars and sweeteners and foods that are also used as sweeteners. We also discuss some of the legal implications for each of these products and ingredients.

Nutrition Information Panels - The Fifth Column Is Stealthily Coming! Show More Info
Nutrition Information Panels (NIPs) in Australia are required to be labelled on most food packages. A FSANZ proposal seeks to make up to 4 columns mandatory for certain foods with an optional fifth column. We explain in this 1,000 word article the different types of NIPs and when they can be used.

The Legalities of Food Tracking from Paddock to Plate (Field to Fork): Scope for Potential Abuses Show More Info
New tracking technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) promise benefits to suppliers and consumers. However, the data collected from such technologies may be open to abuse. What are the possible legal issues involving such technologies and how can laws be framed to protect them against abuse? This 3,500 word article highlights some real risks for suppliers who might have thought that better tracking simply facilitated better product quality. The reality is that such technologies can enhance buyer market power and this may rebound against the suppliers who are paying for such systems.

When Hormones in Beef are Legal Show More Info
News reports in the UK recently claimed that imported beef from countries including Australia contained hormones which were harmful to health. This article examines how such hormones are regulated in Australia. What is the legal substance of these UK claims?

More Food Legal Areas Currently Under Review Show More Info
Various different government authorities have recently announced reviews of laws relevant to food suppliers, including laws governing franchises (including food franchises), gene technology, allergen labelling, food safety auditing and compliance issues, and mandatory folic acid fortification. This article provides details of these different areas of law that are being reviewed and important dates.