Review of Act that provides for the safety and suitability of food for human consumption begins
A Statutory Review of the Western Australian Food Act 2008 begins today and interested individuals, organisations or local governments are invited to provide feedback as part of a public consultation process.
The Act provides for the safety and suitability of food for human consumption and related purposes and is the key initiative in achieving national consistency in the regulation of food in accordance with the Food Regulation Agreement.
The statutory review will examine the operation and effectiveness of the Act in meeting its objectives to ensure food for sale is both safe and suitable for human consumption and prevent misleading conduct in connection with the sale of food.
It will identify, through analysis of stakeholder submissions, any issues with the operation and effectiveness of the Act and make recommendations that will strengthen and support the objects of the Act being met and promote greater regulatory effectiveness.
Submissions may address:
- Interpretation;
- offences related to food;
- emergency powers;
- powers of entry;
- inspection and seizure;
- improvement notices and prohibition orders;
- taking and analysis of samples;
- auditing;
- registration of food businesses;
- administration;
- procedural and evidentiary provisions; and
- any other relevant matter.
Submissions must be made in writing and may be quoted in the final report to be tabled in Parliament and confidentiality can be requested.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“The McGowan Government is committed to ensuring Western Australians can safely enjoy food knowing that supporting legislation is robust and effective.
“This Review will seek to identify what works well with the Act and any changes that might be required.
“I encourage anyone with an interest to take advantage of this opportunity to affect any necessary change by putting forward any concerns, suggested improvements, and any examples or studies which support those suggestions by March 14, 2022.”
