Imported Food Inspection Data

When food is inspected under the IFIS it may be subject to analytical testing for particular hazards, depending on the risk of the 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 DAFF 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 can be found 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 DAFF. 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 DAFF 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 DAFF for inspection. The results presented are only for those lines where DAFF performed an inspection or inspection and analysis. Consignments of food that are not referred to DAFF or not inspected by DAFF are not included in this analysis.

Imported Food Inspection Data

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.

DAFF 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

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):

• Analytical testing for antibiotic residues under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme summary report XLS [756 KB]
• Analytical testing for antibiotic residues under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme summary report PDF [1.7 MB]