There are strict regulations and standards to make sure foods are safe – whether local or imported. Food traders must know about standards, labeling, and food safety standards and codes in different countries.
Keeping food safe and free from contamination is critical to public health. Different countries have legislation and regulations to make sure local and imported food is safe to eat.
The responsible bodies for food safety develop and manage standards for food, called the Food Standards Code. They regulate labeling that goes on packaged and unpackaged food, including warnings and advisory labels. They also manage food recalls in case needed.
The governments and state and territory governments enforce the standards in line with their food legislation. For example, the departments of agriculture ensure that imported products meet their strict biosecurity laws and food standards.
Food labeling
In most countries, legislation requires most packaged foods to have a label so everyone can make informed decisions about what they eat and drink. Labels must include:
– nutrition information – like sugar, salt, and saturated fat,
– ingredients – listed from highest to lowest weight, including additives and those that can cause allergies,
– use-by date – when the food is likely to go off,
– use and storage instructions.
Voluntary health rating systems are quick and easy ways to compare the nutrition in similar foods; say, the more stars, the healthier the food.
Companies can make nutrition claims (like low fat) or health claims (like good for your bones) on the front of the packaging. While the food must meet specific criteria to back these claims up, reading and understanding the nutrition information is still essential.
The national measurement institutes administer the laws for selling foods by weights and measures. They work with the food sector to test, analyze and measure foods to ensure accurate labeling and food safety.
Storing, handling, and serving food safely
Some countries have a reliable, safe, and nutritious food supply. But food poisoning still happens.
There are many cases of food poisoning worldwide yearly, both in businesses and at home. Storing, handling, and serving food safely can prevent this.
Food safety is everyone’s responsibility. By law, businesses and not-for-profit organizations must follow food standards to keep people safe from food-related illnesses. But it’s important for individuals too, as many cases of food poisoning happen at home.
Food safety includes:
– storing food safely,
– practicing good hygiene when handling food,
– cooling and reheating food safely.
Food recalls
To protect public health and safety, businesses must immediately remove from distribution, sale, and consumption any food found to be unsafe. This could be for many reasons, including contamination, incorrect labeling, or a packaging fault.
Food safety organizations coordinate and monitor food recalls.
Food safety in emergencies
Emergencies, such as floods and fires can contaminate food and water supplies or block access to shops.
The government and state and territory governments work to restore access to food as quickly as possible following an emergency.
But there are things one can do to ensure safe food and water at home before, during, and after emergencies.
No comment