Australia’s Foodborne Illness Reduction Strategy 2018-2021+

In April 2017 the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation (the Forum) agreed the Food Regulation System (the System) is producing strong food safety outcomes overall. The Forum identified three priority areas for 2018 to 2021 and beyond to further strengthen the System. One of these priorities is to reduce foodborne illness, particularly related to Campylobacter and Salmonella. Ministers requested the development of an Australian strategy, noting New Zealand has an existing strategy. The Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC) facilitated consultation with industry, public health and consumer stakeholders to develop the Australian strategy.

On 29 June 2018 the Forum endorsed Australia’s Foodborne Illness Reduction Strategy 2018-2021+ (the Strategy).

Australia’s Foodborne Illness Reduction Strategy 2018-2021+ (Word 635 KB)
Australia’s Foodborne Illness Reduction Strategy 2018-2021+ (PDF 439 KB)

The Strategy focusses on food safety culture, sector based initiatives (horticulture, poultry, eggs and food service), consumer and industry information, research, monitoring and surveillance, and national engagement.

FRSC is responsible for implementing the Strategy and providing routine updates to the Forum (now known as the Food Ministers’ Meeting).

A scorecard was produced at the end of 2021 tracking the achievements of the Strategy.

Alt text for Australia’s Foodborne Illness Reduction Strategy 2018-2021+ images (Word 15 KB)