FoodLegal

Food recalls are one of the largest contributors to food waste in Australia, as they involve the complete removal and disposal of unsafe products from traders and/or consumers. Where a recall is implemented due to defective labelling, an undeclared allergen, or some other issue that does not render the food itself unsafe to consume, can the recalled product be repurposed for usage elsewhere or for donating it to a charitable body such as Foodbank? This article explores the laws governing the reusage of foods that have been the subject of a food recall in Australia.

Following the issuing of its new sports supplement order in September 2020, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has demonstrated that it simply does not care whether food products are compliant, outside of their jurisdiction, or completely safe. This article explores how the new order crosses the fragile line between food and therapeutic good and undermines any food company’s confidence in its own regulatory compliance.

An overview of regulatory developments in food law in Australia and around the world, as at December 2020.

Consumers are increasingly looking for “healthy”, nutritious and wholesome food options. Many food producers are meeting this demand by offering products with probiotics or prebiotics. But what are the requirements for making claims about these substances in order to signal their presence to consumers? This article explores the different regulatory considerations for making claims about probiotics and prebiotics.