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National Food Chain Safety and Security
Australia’s agricultural and food industries are a large and vital part of the economy. They make a major contribution to social, economic and political wellbeing, creating important business opportunities and employment, especially in rural and regional areas. They are an essential element of our national infrastructure.
Australia’s food safety and security systems and food regulatory arrangements are world class. However, the global security environment has changed, particularly since the events of 11 September 2001. The new business reality now includes the risk of deliberate, politically motivated intervention. The potential for acts of deliberate and malicious intervention or contamination in the foodsupply has been recognised and raised world-wide by the World Health Organisation.
The Food Chain Assurance Advisory Group was formed in 2003 recognising that the food supply chain is a critical component of our national infrastructure. The Group forms part of the government – industry partnership initiative, the Trusted Information Sharing Network for the protection of critical infrastructure.
The Food Chain Assurance Advisory Group has undertaken a strategic assessment of the food safety and security arrangements to identify potential gaps and vulnerabilities in the event of acts of deliberate and malicious intervention or contamination. As a result of this assessment, the Group developed the National Food Chain Safety and Security Strategy to address the key gaps and vulnerabilities identified. Actions needed to enhance our preparedness to respond to the potential for acts of deliberate and malicious intervention or contamination are identified under six themes:
- Communication and Consultation
- Coordination
- Prevention
- Preparedness
- Response
- Recovery
The strategy recognises that the food supply chain is potentially at risk and vulnerable. It also acknowledges that it is neither possible nor economically sensible to attempt to deal with every risk. However, in the new global security environment, there is a need to be ever mindful of new and emerging risks. It recognises the need to encourage an awareness of these new risks and the need to sustain a culture of security awareness across all sectors of the industry. The Strategy aims to enhance the safety and security of Australia’s food supply.
The strategy was launched by former Attorney-General on 1 May 2006.
Download the strategy PDF 
[56kb] or fact sheet PDF [54kb].
Hard copies and further information are available by emailing Food Information.
