Stakeholder Engagement Strategy for the Food Regulation System


Page last updated: 28 August 2013

How, and at what stage in the food standard implementation process can I influence decision making?

Australian state and territory and New Zealand government agencies are responsible for implementing, monitoring and enforcing food regulation through their individual Food Acts and other food related legislation. The agencies responsible for administration and enforcement of the legislation vary between jurisdictions. DAFF enforces the Food Standards Code at the border in relation to imported food.

The steps in implementing a food standard are shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Steps in the food standard implementation process

1. Determine the need for an implementation approach
2. Identify process and stakeholder
3. Consultation
4. Analyse results of consultation
5. Develop appropriate implementation process
6. Approval of implementation process by FRSC/Forum

Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation (ISFR)

ISFR’s role is to develop and oversee a consistent approach across jurisdictions to implementing and enforcing food standards, regardless of whether food is sourced from domestic producers, export-registered establishments or from imports.

ISFR is not an enforcement authority in its own right. It is a mechanism whereby Australian and New Zealand food regulators can discuss common approaches to implementation and develop agreed strategies to achieve a consistent approach to the way food standards are implemented, interpreted and enforced across jurisdictions. ISFR has developed a Strategy for Consistent Implementation and Enforcement of Food Regulation in Australia.

How can I provide input to the development of an implementation plan for a food policy or standard?

The development of an approach towards consistent enforcement and implementation is generally triggered by the development of a new food standard. If it is decided that an implementation approach is needed, ISFR will develop, or assist in developing guidelines and other tools to aid in the consistent implementation of a food standard.

Each of these processes is unique and the types of activities are developed on a case-by-case basis to suit the project scope or nature of the specific issue being examined. Stakeholder engagement is often targeted and includes engaging with stakeholders in the development of approaches and checking that these are workable and practical.

How can I find out more about the implementation and enforcement of food standards?