Food Incidents: What They Are, How Governments Respond, and How Businesses Can Prepare

Food Incidents: What They Are, How Governments Respond, and How Businesses Can Prepare. What you need to know! Well, Food safety is fundamental to protecting public health, ensuring consumers can trust that the food they buy is safe to eat. It underpins not only the wellbeing of individuals but also the reputation and economic stability of Australia’s vast food industry, which serves millions daily and exports to global markets.

Despite Australia having some of the world’s highest food safety standards, problems can still arise in the complex food supply chain. These problems are called food incidents.

A food incident is any event within the food production or distribution chain that could potentially, or has been confirmed to, pose a risk to people’s health. This might involve:

• Biological hazards, such as bacteria (Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli), viruses, or parasites that contaminate food.
• Chemical hazards, like pesticide residues, cleaning agents, or naturally occurring toxins (e.g. in poppy seeds or certain wild plants).
• Physical hazards, such as metal fragments, glass, or plastic pieces.
• Undeclared allergens, which can trigger serious allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Mislabelling or fraud, where food is incorrectly described, leading to consumer deception or health risks.

Why Being Prepared is So Important

When a food incident occurs, it can have serious consequences, including:

• Illness outbreaks, hospitalisations or, in severe cases, fatalities.
• Loss of consumer confidence, affecting the reputation of brands and the broader industry.
• Economic impacts, from recalls, wasted stock, compensation claims, and lost markets.
• Legal implications, with businesses potentially facing prosecution for breaches of food laws.

This is why strong food safety systems, early detection, and rapid response plans are essential. It ensures contaminated or unsafe products can be quickly traced and removed from the supply chain before more people are affected.

Who Needs to Understand Food Incidents?

Understanding what food incidents are and how to respond isn’t just for large manufacturers. It matters for:

• Food processors and packers
• Importers and exporters
• Supermarkets and retail outlets
• Restaurants, cafes and caterers
• Primary producers and growers

Essentially, anyone who handles, prepares, stores, or sells food has a responsibility to understand food incidents and have processes in place to protect their customers and business. Food safety is critical to protecting consumers and maintaining trust in Australia’s food supply. But sometimes, issues arise in the food supply chain that pose risks to public health. These are known as food incidents. Understanding what food incidents are, how governments manage them, and what food businesses can do to be prepared is essential for anyone involved in the food industry.

What is a Food Incident?

A food incident is any situation within the food supply chain that presents a possible or confirmed risk to consumers. This could involve:

• contamination by harmful bacteria or chemicals,
• undeclared allergens,
• or other hazards that could make food unsafe.

Food incidents may also impact multiple government jurisdictions, requiring coordinated responses across states and territories. These incidents can be identified through various channels, including:

• Food recalls initiated by businesses or regulators,
• Outbreak investigations spanning multiple jurisdictions,
• Intelligence from the food industry, local or state governments, or international partners.

How Do Governments Respond to Food Incidents?

The Bi-National Food Safety Network

In Australia and New Zealand, governments work together through the Bi-National Food Safety Network. This network includes:

• Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
• The Department of Health and Aged Care
• The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Food enforcement agencies from each Australian state and territory, and New Zealand.

FSANZ plays a key role by coordinating activities, sharing critical information, and often issuing public statements. Each state and territory enforcement agency acts within its own jurisdiction under its specific food laws, response plans, and protocols.

By working together, the network ensures consistent, timely responses across Australia and New Zealand.

National Food Incident Response Protocol

When a food incident requires a national response, the National Food Incident Response Protocol is activated. This protocol sets out a clear process for:

• rapid information sharing,
• consistent decision-making,
• and coordinated public communication.

FSANZ takes on critical roles under this protocol, including:

• National Food Incident Coordinator
• Risk Assessment Coordinator
• Communications Controller

Whenever unsafe food products need to be removed from the market, FSANZ also coordinates recalls in consultation with the affected food business and state/territory authorities.

Working with Food Businesses During a Food Incident

It’s essential for governments and food businesses to collaborate closely during a food incident. Rapid action protects public health and maintains consumer and trade confidence.

Why is this so important?

• Tracing a product back to its source can be complex.
• Every second counts in preventing further risk.
• Early alerts allow swift containment and minimise disruption.

FSANZ actively works with food businesses, including major retailers, to ensure they can be notified immediately if a food safety issue arises.

How Can Food Businesses Prepare for a Food Incident?

One of the best ways a food business can be ready is by having a comprehensive food recall plan. This plan helps ensure you can respond quickly and effectively if a food incident occurs, protecting your customers and brand.

FSANZ has developed a straightforward recall plan template to assist food businesses in creating their own robust plans.

For guidance, visit:

• Food Industry Recall Protocol

Recent Food Incidents in Australia

Australia has seen several significant food incidents in recent years, including:

• Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) in spinach products
• Toxic weed contamination in spinach
• Thebaine toxicity linked to poppy seeds
• Vibrio parahaemolyticus in raw Pacific oysters from Coffin Bay, SA (2021)
• Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs (2019)

These cases highlight why rigorous food safety systems and preparedness are essential.

Need More Information?

• Food Industry Recall Protocol
• State and Territory Recall Contacts

Final Word on Food Incidents

Food incidents can happen despite strong systems. What matters is how quickly and effectively they’re managed. By maintaining clear communication and preparedness, governments and food businesses can work together to protect the health of consumers and uphold confidence in our food supply.

Here are some ways we support you!

• Compliance assessment: we conduct a thorough assessment of your current food safety practices, policies, and procedures to identify any gaps or areas that need improvement.
• Regulatory guidance: we provide you with up-to-date knowledge and guidance on food safety regulations and standards, ensuring that your operations align with the relevant legal and industry requirements.

Need help before your compliance audits?

• Documentation Review: we review and analyse your food safety documentation, HACCP plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and record-keeping systems, to ensure they are comprehensive and accurate.
• Auditing Services: we conduct internal audits of your food safety management system to assess its effectiveness, identify any non-compliance issues. SHK Group help you prepare for external audits by regulatory bodies or certification agencies.
• Supplier Audits: If you work with suppliers, SHK Group can conduct audits to assess their compliance with food safety standards. This ensures that the products or ingredients you receive meet the necessary quality and safety criteria.

What about training?

• Training and education: we provide training programs and workshops on food safety practices, HACCP implementation, hygiene protocols, and other relevant topics. This helps to enhance your employees’ knowledge and awareness, ensuring compliance at all levels.
• Continuous improvement: SHK Group can assist in developing and implementing corrective actions and improvement plans based on audit findings or regulatory changes. They can help you establish a culture of continuous improvement to maintain high food safety standards.