A recent case in the Magistrates Court of Victoria is a timely reminder to check that safety guards are fully operational and to promptly remove faulty machinery from production for repair. What happened? A machine that individually wrapped small cakes and muffins in plastic film was fed the food product by two conveyors to the … Read more
A study published earlier this month in the Medical Journal of Australia revealed a concerning truth. Melbourne researchers tested 256 commonly-bought manufactured “gluten free”-labelled products and reported that almost 3% of these products actually contained small amounts of gluten, meaning that these products did not comply with the Australian standards. The Australian standards require that … Read more
By Stephanie Koumbarakos (Trainee Lawyer) and Jack Stuk (Principal Solicitor) Mixologists of bespoke cocktail or craft beer are taking their talents from the bar and delivering it to consumers to enjoy at home with handcrafted and locally produced alcoholic drinks being bottled for retail sale. This shift to production for retail sale may not be … Read more
By Stephanie Koumbarakos (Trainee Lawyer) and Koula Politis (Senior Associate) Australia’s largest honey company, Capilano, is one of the retail brands stung for producing adulterated honey products sold in Australian retail outlets. The complaints arose after 28 samples of various brands tested by a leading international laboratory were found to contain ingredients other than honey. … Read more
Recent court decisions regarding serious safety incidents involving companies in the food industry are an important reminder of the safety risks and serious injuries that can result from unguarded food machinery and equipment during use, cleaning and maintenance. In these cases, the companies involved were found to be in breach of their duties under the Occupational … Read more
By Stephanie Koumbarakos (Trainee Lawyer) and Amelia Edwards (Lawyer) Whether or not to conduct a food recall is a nightmare most food producers and manufacturers don’t want to contemplate. As at 3 April 2018, a rockmelon-related listeria outbreak has resulted in six confirmed deaths and caused serious illness in at least 13 others. The incident, … Read more
By Josephine Mammone (Trainee Lawyer) and Amelia Edwards (Lawyer) A significant decision of the Federal Court, handed-down on 19 March 2018, has found that Heinz misled consumers as to the nutrition and health benefits of its SHREDZ products, aimed at children aged 1-3 years of age. Heinz marketed its SHREDZ ‘Little Kids’ range to parents … Read more
Variations to the Food Standards in Australia and New Zealand commenced on 12 November 2017, permitting the use of low-THC hemp seeds as food for sale or as an ingredient in food for sale. Hemp has already legally been used in food for many years in countries such as the USA, Canada and certain countries … Read more
One of WA’s largest egg producers has been handed a record $750,000 fine for making false or misleading representations regarding “free range” egg claims. The Federal Court imposed the penalty on Snowdale Holdings Pty Ltd, which produces eggs under various labels including Eggs by Ellah, Swan Valley Free Range and Wanneroo Free Range. In May … Read more
