The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) formed a local group in Australia and New Zealand as part of its regional outreach model to elevate food safety and consumer trust. The new group—GFSI AusNZ—is the seventh GFSI Local Group, joining existing groups in Japan, China, Europe, U.S.-Canada, Mexico and South Latam.

GFSI AusNZ consists of 50 local industry members from retailers, manufacturers and foodservice companies such as Woolworths Group, Australia; The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta; Coles Supermarkets, Australia; Kerry Group, Ireland; Campbell Arnotts, Australia; Fonterra, New Zealand; McDonald’s, Chicago; and Goodman Fielder, Hong Kong/Singapore.

The formation of the GFSI AusNZ local group will assist in establishing GFSI initiatives across the local industry while addressing local issues.

The GFSI AusNZ local group will initially focus on three strategic priorities:

  1. Develop awareness of GFSI and harmonizing certification programs.
  2. Build capability in companies who want to put in place or improve their food safety systems by leveraging the Global Markets Program as a pathway to certification.
  3. Engage state and federal food safety authorities in a dialog around GFSI to promote public-private-partnerships.