Expertly facilitated by renowned journalist and broadcaster Geraldine Doogue AO, the FSANZ biennale forum held in Melbourne on 20 June brought together representatives from public health, consumer groups, academia, government and industry to explore the theme ‘Collaboration in food regulation: Working together for impact’.
AFGC CEO Tanya Barden participated in a panel with representatives from the Public Health Association of Australia, Dairy Australia and Food Bank. While not venturing into a ‘bare-knuckled fight’ as referenced by the public health representative on the panel, Tanya instead embraced the opportunity to state that collaboration is essential as the AFGC deals with complex issues, requiring an evidence-based approach. We [the AFGC] wish to understand stakeholders’ perspectives that then enable issues to be worked through and resolved. While we may not always see eye to eye with others, we value respect, listening and placing the consumer at the centre.
Regarding regulation, Tanya explained that it impacts the sector in many ways, not only through costs but also the ability to introduce innovative technologies and products to meet rapidly changing consumer demands. The AFGC agrees there is a role for regulation, as it provides consistency, certainty and clarity. However, regulation must be evidence-based, risk-proportionate and transparent.
Tanya took the opportunity to introduce Digital labelling as a future initiative that could strengthen the regulatory system. Digital labelling through 2D barcodes is a modern solution to meet consumer and regulatory demands. This presents a unique opportunity for the industry to work with regulators consumers and other stakeholders to develop a digital label that can complement on-pack information, reduce packaging waste, and enable supply chain efficiency through enhanced data availability (e.g. can embed date marking/batch details into the barcodes.
A summary report will be published on the FSANZ website in the coming weeks.
