The state government of Victoria has rejected an independent review of meat and seafood regulator PrimeSafe.
Australian Food News reported that the company will not also be responsible for products sold at farmer's markets and mobile butchers with regulation left up to local councils.
PrimeSafe has accepted 23 out of 24 recommendations from the latest independent review of the meat and seafood regulator. As a matter of fact, it addressed criticism with regards to the company's factors such as poor communication, over-regularization and excessive regulatory paperwork. Moreover, the review has recommended that PrimeSafe should develop a rewards system, wherein those who have a good track record are not subjected to audits as regularly as others.
PrimeSafe Chairman Leinard Vallance said that some recommendations will take time and probably testing before they can come into effect, despite agreeing to take up the recommendations. "We can make some procedural changes immediately - for example approvals for variation to the processing of an existing product," he said.
"Other whole of system modifications may require testing and analysis to ensure that best practice for food safety in Victoria is maintained," he added. "However, we're committed to addressing the recommendations and will regularly engage with our licensees and stakeholders throughout this process."
"Consumers rely on the regular independent assessment of food businesses achieving Australian food safety standards," he continued. "The regulations under which PrimeSafe operates are prescribed by Government but everyone has a role to ensure that food is safe to eat."
The review was based on the results of a total of 45 interviews with meat and seafood license-holders, industry and support groups. Too, it received 20 written submissions.
The Seafood Safety Act 2003 and the Meat Industry Act 1993 has backed up the establishment of the PrimeSafe in July 2013. It is accountable in Victoria for the safety and regulatory implementation of the guidelines and regulations of production and sale of meat, seafood and pet food.
