Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code - Standard 1.6.2 - Processing Requirements (Australia Only)

Overview

Standard 1.6.2, introduced in 2000, outlines the requirements for processing foods regulated under Chapter 2 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This Standard was enacted by the Parliament of Australia through the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991, with the objective of ensuring that food safety standards are uniformly applied across Australia and New Zealand. This particular Standard does not apply to food produced in, or imported into, New Zealand, where separate regulations under the Animal Products Act 1999 and the Food Act 1981 govern such matters. The Standard has undergone several amendments since its inception, with each amendment aimed at refining the processing requirements for various types of meat, including dried meat, game meat, and fermented comminuted processed meat, to ensure they meet safety standards for human consumption.

Scope and Application

Standard 1.6.2 Processing Requirements, part of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, applies to the processing of specific foods regulated in Chapter 2, including dried meat, crocodile meat, game meat, and fermented comminuted processed meat within Australia. This legislation does not pertain to foods produced in or imported from New Zealand, where separate regulations under the Animal Products Act 1999 and the Food Act 1981 apply. The Standard outlines mandatory processing requirements and conditions for these foods to ensure they are safe for human consumption. For instance, it mandates governmentally approved post-mortem inspections or quality assurance programs for game meat, and specific heat treatment and cooking processes for fermented comminuted processed meat to eliminate harmful bacteria. The application of this Standard is governed by subordinate instruments that may amend or update the provisions, as seen in the Amendment History, which reflects changes made under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991. The Standard was last updated on 31 July 2015, incorporating all amendments up to Amendment No. 155.

Key Provisions

Standard 1.6.2 outlines specific requirements for the processing of certain types of meat, including dried meat, game meat, and fermented comminuted processed meat. Clause 5 details that dried meat must have a water activity of no more than 0.85 and excludes slow dried cured meat. Clause 7 provides that game meat must be obtained either through governmentally approved post mortem inspection or under a governmentally approved quality assurance program to ensure it is fit for human consumption. It also specifies that game meat offal should not be used in food preparation. Clause 8 specifies that fermented comminuted processed meat must be heat treated or cooked to specific temperatures for a certain duration to ensure food safety. It further mandates that such meat should not contain mechanically separated meat or rendered trimmings unless it has been cooked in accordance with the clause. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties involved, including manufacturers and processors of these meats. They must ensure that their products comply with the specified processing requirements. For game meat, processors must obtain it through approved channels or quality assurance programs. For fermented comminuted processed meats, they must ensure the meat is either heat treated or cooked to the required temperatures. Processors must also ensure that their products do not contain mechanically separated meat or rendered trimmings unless these components have been properly cooked. Breaches of these provisions may result in civil or criminal penalties. The specific consequences for non-compliance are not detailed within the provided text, but generally, failure to adhere to food safety standards can lead to enforcement actions by regulatory authorities, including fines, product recalls, and potential criminal charges for serious or repeated violations. The severity of penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as any previous history of non-compliance.