The Food Safety Information Council Ltd is a health promotion charity and the national voice for science-based, consumer-focused food safety information in Australia. We aim to reduce the number of Australians getting sick from food poisoning by providing simple, easy to follow consumer information on the handling, storage and preparation of food. A study by Food Standards Australia New Zealand and the Australian National University in 2022 estimated there are 4.67 million cases of food poisoning in Australia each year that result in 47,900 hospitalisations, 38 deaths and a cost to the economy of $2.1 billion.
The Council was founded in 1997 as the Food Safety Campaign Group and incorporated in 2001 as the Food Safety Information Council. We are a health promotion charity ACN 614 547 241 and a company partially limited by guarantee ABN 58008715647. Our members include state and territory health and food safety agencies, local government, and leading professional, industry and community organisations.
The Council’s major activity is Australian Food Safety Week held annually in the second week of November.
The Council Chair is Cathy Moir. Previous Chairs have been Rachelle Williams, Professor Michael Eyles, Professor Tom McMeekin, Mr Barry Shay and Mr Bruce Bevan. Meet our Executive.
Council Membership is open to any organisation with an interest in promoting safe food handling practices for consumers.
Sponsorship of Council material and events is welcomed.
Why do we care?
The Food Safety Information Council wants to prevent you and your family becoming ill from food borne diseases by empower you through food safety information. We aim to reduce the incidence of food poisoning, and to protect people from what is often a nasty experience involving diarrhoea, vomiting, cramps and fever. In extreme cases, particularly affecting the young, elderly or those with compromised health systems, death can occur.
Food poisoning is also linked to long-term, chronic illnesses such as Reactive Arthritis (Reiter’s Syndrome), Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
All Council members want to ensure the food they regulate, supply or manufacture is treated well and enjoyed fully.
Watch this video presentation by Lydia Buchtmann our Communication Director about how we fit into Australia’s food safety system
Who to contact
The Food Safety Information Council provides food storage and preparation information for consumers. We don’t deal directly with food quality issues linked to manufacturers, handlers or retailers. If you have an issue with the quality of a food either contact the manufacturer or the shop where the food was bought. Often your feedback is appreciated and there is a good chance you will receive a replacement. If your issue is with food from a restaurant, café or take away outlet they too may well appreciate your feedback.
When the matter involves illness or you do not feel your concern is being taken seriously contact your local council Environmental Health Officer, who has legislative power to enforce food safety or your state or territory health department or food agency.
Commercial organisations should seek regulatory advice from Food Standards Australian New Zealand, state and territory health departments and food safety agencies, and/or their local government Environmental Health Officer.