FoodLegal Bulletin, February, 2007

Australian Food News Website to be Launched! FREE Show More Info
For the latest in the food and beverage world, get all the information from the new Australian Food News website http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/. It helps you find all the information, goods, services, and the people and food knowledge you are ever likely to need!

Most of the information on the website is accessible for free, and the website has many great features, providing stacks of information and making it all so easy to find.

For the past 12 months, food lawyer Joe Lederman and his team of technologists and programmers have been working to create this unique online resource for the food industry.

Dangers of Geography in a Label or Product Name Show More Info
FREE ARTICLE!
In late December 2006, Australia’s beef producers were first warned that the Japanese Agriculture Ministry would be prohibiting them from using the ‘Wagyu beef’ description for any Australian meat, notwithstanding that this highly-prized Japanese breed has been enhanced by some of Australia’s top breeders and exporters in Australia. The issues of using a geographical reference in a product name have been highlighted by this case. This article 1,400 word article discusses the risks involved.

Why are illegal dietary supplements being sold in Australia? Show More Info
Australians are buying and consuming dietary supplements in large volumes. Many of these products might not be safe and in fact have not been approved either in Australia or in the United States, from where many of these products are being imported. This 3,200 word article explains the laws which are supposed to regulate these supplements, examines some areas of illegality and the gaps in enforcement of the law at the interface of pharmaceuticals and food. We also discuss what steps the government authorities might consider taking.

Corruption and market manipulation by food buyers: What laws might apply? Show More Info
For many years there have been murmurings of unhealthy market practices in relation to the purchase of fruit and vegetables and meat in various retail sectors. To our knowledge, no one has been charged with any offence. In this 3,000 word article we explore the course of action that might be taken by legal means to tackle such problems if such allegations were to be substantiated.

New Mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct: Our Critical Review Show More Info
A long-awaited new mandatory Code of Conduct was introduced for the horticulture industry in December 2006. We provide our analysis and review of the new Code in this 3,000 word article.

Is "Natural" Really Better For You? Show More Info
The word “natural”, when used in relation to food, often conveys a feeling to consumers that the food is more beneficial than one which contains artificial additives. Often, consumers believe that “natural” foods are healthier than foods containing “artificial” additives. How reliable is this assumption? This 900 word article looks more closely at the differences between “natural” and “artificial”.

'Use By' and 'Best Before' Dates on Food - What do they really mean? Show More Info
‘Use-by’ and ‘best-before’ dates are present on most packaged food and drink products, but what exactly do these words mean? Why do some products specify a use-by date, others best-before? Can food retailers sell products past their ‘use-by’ or ‘best-before’ date? The purpose of this 3,000 word article is to answer these questions and to outline some of the legal risks that some retailers may be taking.

Food Law Updates Show More Info
Recent developments in food law and regulatory compliance including new developments in the regulation of trans fat in Australia, wine labeling, and a fine for anti-competitive behaviour for a major retailer.