NSW Food Authority 5th Anniversary Review

OUR PURPOSE
Who we are
We are Australia’s first and only through-chain food
regulatory agency, regulating and monitoring food safety
across New South Wales – from primary production
through to point-of-sale.
Background
The NSW Food Authority is a government agency that
works to ensure food sold in the state is safe and
correctly labelled.
We were established on 5 April 2004 through the merger
of SafeFood NSW with the food regulatory activities of
NSW Health.
Responsible to the Minister for Primary Industries, the
Authority provides a single point of contact on food
safety for industry, local government and consumers.
We are now a partner agency of the new department
– Industry & Investment NSW. This follows the
consolidation of the New South Wales public sector
into 13 agencies, designed to deliver more integrated
services and ensure a greater client focus.
Role
The Authority provides the regulatory framework for
industry in New South Wales to produce safe and
correctly labelled food by:
• contributing to national food policies and standards,
• establishing NSW regulations and food safety schemes,
• developing food laws in consultation with stakeholders,
• auditing and inspecting food businesses and enforcing
food regulations, and
• investigating foodborne illness outbreaks.
We also play a role in educating consumers by providing
information on good food handling practices and
assistance in understanding food labels.
Operating structure
The Authority has five branches:
• Science and Policy
• Compliance, Investigation and Enforcement
• Consumer Programs and Communications
• Industry Liaison
• Business Services
The Science and Policy Branch is accountable for
the research and development of scientifically sound
policies, legislation and procedures to ensure the
effective regulation of food industries in accordance with
Australian and international best practice.
The role of the Compliance, Investigation and Enforcement
Branch is to implement measures to ensure compliance
with food safety regulations, investigate outbreaks and
alleged breaches and enforce food safety regulations.
The Consumer Programs and Communications Branch
is primarily responsible for the public interface of the
Authority, including targeted consumer programs, public
affairs, the Consumer & Industry Helpline and website.
The Industry Liaison Branch ensures a consultative
relationship with industry and local government and
encourages an active, open dialogue on food regulation
and compliance with these sectors.
The Business Services Branch includes all finance,
licensing, and corporate resource functions.
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