FoodLegal Bulletin, August, 2007

Latest Food Law Updates: FREE Show More Info
FREE ARTICLE!
Recent developments in food law include: (1) legal action over "nutritive substance" in infant foods; (2) the launch of NSW's "Name and Shame" register; (3) the review of GM Crops; (4) ASEAN Nations taking Australia before the WTO over prawn imports; and (5) the announcement of a review of Halal and Kosher slaughter practices in Australia.

The review of slaughter practices comes as a result of concerns raised by the RSPCA over the legality of some Halal slaughter practices in a Victorian abattoir. The review appears to have mixed up Halal slaughter with the quite different longstanding Kosher slaughter practices and does not appear to appreciate the differences that exist between two different processes involving quite distinctive modes of practice, and this mix up is causing unwanted anguish throughout the Jewish community in Australia.

Why not a Road Traffic style Demerit Points scheme for enforcing food law? FREE Show More Info
FREE ARTICLE!
Concerns are often raised about the inability of many municipal councils to enforce adequately the food laws in their area. A few councils excel but many seem to be failing miserably at the task of getting food-related businesses to clean up their act. In this article, the writer proposes the adoption of on-the-spot fines for non-compliant food-related businesses. This article proposes how such reform could include a road traffic style demerit points scheme.

Labelling of Vitamins and Minerals in Food Show More Info
With the growing public concern about food nutrition, food suppliers are increasingly emphasising the vitamin and mineral contents of their food on product packaging. It is important food suppliers remember there are special labelling requirements for vitamins and minerals. This article examines some of the key labelling requirements for vitamins and minerals.

Sources of Confusion: Deriving Nutrition Information Show More Info
In May 2007, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (‘FSANZ’) launched a new nutrition information database adding to the ever increasing list of possible sources from which nutrition information can be derived. We have previously looked at the inherent inaccuracies of nutrition information panels reflecting nutrient variability in foods. This article looks at the inconsistency of nutrition information from the additional variety of sources approved by FSANZ and the legal consequences of relying on such information.

Exclusive Rights to a Novel Food: Protecting the Innovators in Food Technology Show More Info
The ongoing expansion of intellectual property law in Australia has a new twist. In 2004 the Food Regulation Standing Committee requested that Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) consider the possible inclusion of a specific provision in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code allowing for the exclusive use of a Novel food. In July 2007 FSANZ recommended a new approach for the granting of exclusivity. This article discusses the opportunities.

Antibiotic use in the food-chain Show More Info
In early August 2007, it was revealed in the media that one-third of samples of prawns, fish and other seafood from China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand contained traces of antibiotics (see Concern over antibiotics in seafood). This article seeks to outline some of the issues surrounding the use of antibiotics not just in seafood, but the food chain in general and its possible impact on public health.