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
The Food Amendment (Kilojoule Labelling Scheme and Other Matters) Act 2017 (‘Scheme’) became law in Victoria earlier this month, creating obligations on “chain food premises” and “chain supermarkets” to display kilojoule content statements on food labels and internal store displays. Retailers will glad to hear they have until July 2018 to ensure compliance with the … Read more
If ever you needed a reason to have your product labels legally reviewed, the ACCC’s recent action against Heinz should be enough to convince you. Product label claims are clearly in the ACCC’s sites, as the regulator issued Federal Court proceedings against food manufacturing conglomerate, H.J. Heinz Company Australia Ltd (Heinz), alleging false and misleading … Read more
‘Cruelty free’, ‘non GMO’, ‘Fair Trade’, ‘free range’ Advertising your goods using any of these promises will likely help you win over an increasing number of conscientious consumers who are willing to pay more for products they trust. But you’d better be sure that representations like these are accurate. Background ‘Free range’ is commonly understood … Read more
