Food Safety Australia and New Zealand create a GFSI local group

Fifty local industry members have expressed interest in participating in the group, whose Steering Committee already comprises leading retailers, manufacturers and food service companies including Woolworths Group, The Coca-Cola Company, Coles Supermarkets, Kerry, Campbell Arnotts, Fonterra, McDonalds and Goodman Fielder.

The creation of this group results from a desire to better leverage GFSI in the region at a time when the industry is experiencing pivotal change. The food industry in Australia and New Zealand has a strong agricultural base and a ‘clean and green’ reputation. In recent years, concerns linked to foodborne pathogens, contamination and food defense have received attention while the food supply has come under increased observation.

The region is following a global trend to focus increasingly on preventative measures and leverage industry-lead initiatives such as GFSI to complement regulatory oversight. The industry has a long association with GFSI through Technical Working Groups and the GFSI Conferences. The formation of the GFSI AusNZ Local Group will formalise that relationship and assist in establishing GFSI initiatives across the local industry while addressing local issues.