Imported Food Inspection Data

When food is inspected under the IFS it may be subject to analytical testing for particular hazards, depending on the risk of the food. Risk categories for food.

The data presented in the reports on inspection activity have been compiled from the results of inspection activity on imported food consignments under the IFIS.

This data reflects AQIS inspection activity only and does not relate to the number of consignments imported or the volume of imports as each consignment can vary in the quantities imported. Information on the volumes of trade are in the publication Australian Food Statistics.

Australian Food Statistics indicates that most food imported is sourced from New Zealand. However, under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement, certain food from New Zealand is not subject to inspection at the border by AQIS. Only food regarded as 'risk food' is inspected. Therefore the inspection activity on food from New Zealand is low compared to actual imports from New Zealand. Australian Food Statistics contains more information about imports from New Zealand.

The imported food inspection data used in AQIS reports refers to entries, lines and test results for all food categories (risk and surveillance) referred by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to AQIS for inspection. Definitions of these terms. The results presented are only for those lines where AQIS performed an inspection or inspection and analysis. Consignments of food that are not referred to AQIS or not inspected by AQIS are not included in this analysis.

Reports on Inspection Activity

Imported Food Inspection Data

2011

2010

2009

2008 and older

Risk categories for food

Risk foods are initially tested at 100% and this rate reduces upon demonstrated compliance with Australian standards. The inspection rate increases again if a food fails inspection.

Surveillance foods are inspected at a rate of 5% of consignments of that food type.

For surveillance foods, food that has failed an inspection will be inspected at a rate of 100% of consignments until a demonstrated history of compliance has been consistently demonstrated. These are called Holding Order foods.

Types of testing

All food referred for inspection is subject to a visual and label inspection.

Some foods are also subject to analytical testing—for microbial, chemical or other hazards.

More than one test may be assigned to a particular food being inspected.

AQIS Imported Food Notices (IFN) advise what tests are applied to particular foods. There is a separate IFN for each category of food.

Key terms and definitions

See also Glossary of Terms

Food—includes:

  1. any substance or thing of a kind used or capable of being used as food or drink by human beings, or
  2. any substance or thing of a kind used or capable of being used as an ingredient or additive in, or substance used in the preparation of, a substance or thing referred to in paragraph (a), or
  3. any other substance or thing that is prescribed,

whether or not it is in a condition fit for human consumption, but does not include a therapeutic good within the meaning of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

Entry—a customs/quarantine electronic document which details information relating to consignments of goods imported into Australia. Entries are generated using the Australian Customs Service Integrated Cargo System.

Line—When a broker lodges an entry with the Australian Customs Service Integrated Cargo System, they will list the items being imported on separate lines within the import entry. An import entry may consist of just one line or many lines of products. As such it is not an indication of the number of import entries as an import entry may have multiple lines.

Test—These are tests that are carried out on a line of food and may include microbiological, chemical, contaminant and food additive analytical tests by a laboratory on a sample of food, a label or visual assessment or a check of government certification accompanying that food.

Analytical testing for antibiotic residues under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme

The department received an FOI application seeking information relating to the inspection of imported food from 1998 to present. In particular, information about the inspection and testing of foods for both antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistant bacteria. The applicant was advised that some of the information they sought is held by another agency.

This information has been released under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Ref: FOI 2010/11-49):

Last reviewed:
07 Dec 2011
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