EHAA - Food Safety

Food Safety SIG Coordinator
Phill Oorjitham info@envirohealthaustralia.com.au

Ensuring the safe production, manufacture, distribution, supply and use of food is a multifaceted problem and relies on the combined efforts of a number of sectors of the community.

Contaminated food and water have long been held to be a primary cause of gastroenteritis in the community. Risk assessment is an essential tool in the decision-making process and managing the risk of bacterial and chemical contamination or conditions which may lead to outbreaks of disease.

The Australia New Zealand Food Authority estimated that approximately 20 percent of the population is affected by gastroenteritis per year. The social consequences of food-borne disease include both temporary and serious chronic illness and even death.

The Food Safety Special Interest Group is involved in the development of policy positions regarding National, State and Territory food legislation, the training in skills and knowledge of members and the development of a common understanding across government, industry and community organisation on modern approaches to ensure the safety of the food supply.