World Food Safety Day highlights importance of food standards for better health

World Food Safety Day is a chance to highlight Australia’s role in producing clean, safe, nutritious food for consumption here and abroad.

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Deputy Secretary, David Hazlehurst, said strong food safety standards is a key component of strong human health.

"Food safety saves lives,” Mr Hazlehurst said.

"While there are lots of ways to ensure food safety, a key part is having sound food regulation, and international food standards that facilitate safe food trade.

"The department plays a significant role in ensuring food is safe for consumers not just here in Australia but across the world.

"Given that Australia exports around 70 per cent of its produce, it is important that we contribute strongly to the development of international food safety standards. That is why Australia is part of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, or Codex – the international food standards setting body.

"Codex Australia works with stakeholders both here and internationally to contribute to consumer food safety by ensuring international food standards are based on sound scientific principles and support the export of our safe produce to the world.

"Australia’s food safety standards are some of the highest in the world. We will continue to do our part in creating strong food safety systems and ensuring safe food both in Australia and around the world".

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