FoodLegal Bulletin, May - June, 2007

Australian Food Regulation Policy Development FREE Show More Info
FREE ARTICLE!
Food law policy settings in Australia are managed through a Food Regulation Secretariat based in Canberra. Many people are unaware of the role played by a number of separate government bodies that operate through this Food Regulation Secretariat and play a quite separate role to the food standard-setting body Food Standards Australia New Zealand (‘FSANZ’). In this article, we explain more about who really sets the agenda in government for the future food regulatory policy direction.

The Law of Coffee Show More Info
Coffee is the world’s most popular beverage. It is said that in North America and in Europe, its consumption is one third that of tap water. This article looks at the different types of coffee and the relevant laws affecting coffee.

The Legalities of Promoting your Business through Trade Promotion Competitions Show More Info
Just as there are regulations for marketing activities such as advertising, there are laws that regulate how competitions must be run. Typical examples are in competitions that sometimes appear with terms and conditions on cereal packages or newspaper or website competitions offering prizes such as holidays or travel to interesting destinations. This article outlines some of the legal issues for running such promotions. Our firm FoodLegal regularly advises in this area and tailor makes Terms & Conditions for marketing and promotional campaigns. FoodLegal also scrutinises marketing campaigns to ensure compliance requirements are met for a wide range of laws impacting on different industries.

The Law of Oils and Fats Show More Info
In this article, we provide an overview and analysis of the legal issues pertaining to the definitions and labelling and nutritional laws for oils and fats.

Don't Say Cheese! The adverse impact of the proposed new draft for the new health claims standard in relation to Cheese Show More Info
The new draft of the health claims standard (proposed in April 2007) for amendment to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code may have ramifications specific to cheese and cheese products in relation to health claims. This article examines the issues.

Allergen Labelling of Milk Products Show More Info
Milk and dairy products are widely consumed in our society and yet they are foods that may cause allergic reactions or cause for discomfort for consumers with intolerances. It is essential that manufacturers ensure that the special labelling requirements in relation to allergens for dairy products or dairy ingredients in foods are met. This article looks at aspects of the labelling requirements and discusses some inconsistencies in the law.

A Question of Measurement but which is the Correct Weight? Show More Info
Under Australian laws and regulations, there exist 3 different legislative regimes to work out the correct weight of food product and its ingredients. All three schemes have the effect of law and yet they are not always consistent. For some products, it may be impossible to comply with all three schemes without underquoting. This article looks at the three conflicting schemes and discusses the issues that they raise and the potential solution.

Food Law Updates Show More Info
Recent developments in food law include court decisions on the use of colours and on the making of health claims. A new way of calculating nutrient values has been introduced, and new developments on the plantation of GM crops in Victoria.