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Victorian Committee of Food Regulators

In response to a recommendation from the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission’s (VCEC) 2007 enquiry into food regulation in Victoria, the Victorian Committee of Food Regulators was established by the Government for an initial 2 year term in 2010 “to strengthen existing arrangements between food regulators”.

The committee reports to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security. It is to present an annual report to both Ministers by December of each year commencing 2011.

Food regulation in Victoria is currently managed by two state government departments, two state statutory authorities and seventy-nine local Councils. For more information go to http://www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety, http://www.dairysafe.vic.gov.au, and http://www.primesafe.vic.gov.au

Role and Purpose of the Committee

The initial work of the committee is to:

  • develop a strategic plan for food regulation for Victoria
  • review the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between food regulators in Victoria

The committee has developed a food regulation strategic plan.

The Committee has also been given the task of:

  • overseeing the MoU between Victorian food regulators and its ongoing operation
  • regularly monitoring the performance of the food regulation strategic plan and coordinating reports to responsible ministers
  • overseeing a common food safety performance reporting system
  • identifying and addressing any significant problems that require a coordinated or statewide response
  • examining the scope to use coordinated education and information strategies to complement regulation
  • consulting with the Food Safety Council on matters as appropriate
  • serving as a forum to share knowledge and lessons.

Under the committee’s Terms of Reference, its work will focus primarily on improving the coordination of regulators, the consistency of implementation, and the efficiency of food regulation. This approach is consistent with the government’s election commitments to reduce the regulatory burden on industry.

The committee is not a statutory committee and therefore relies on the goodwill of participating agencies to achieve its outcomes. It operates by consensus and has no power to direct the food regulatory agencies. Nevertheless the committee is expected to deliver on its Terms of Reference.

Committee Membership

Find information on the committee’s membership.

Committee Terms of Reference

Read the committee’s Terms of Reference.

Victorian Food Regulation Strategic Plan

Read the Victorian Food Regulation Strategic Plan

Committee Meeting Reports

Reports from past committee meetings.

Committee Decisions

Find information of the committee’s decisions.

Contact

For all enquiries contact tel. 9658 4857.