S14 - International Food Law - A Global Overview

Glen 203-204
Organizers: Gordon Hayburn and Louise Fielding
Convenors: Louise Fielding and Anna Lammerding

8:30 Key Food Safety Legislation and Enforcement Practices in Europe — Gordon Hayburn, UWIC, Cardiff, Wales, UK

9:00 Key Food Safety Legislation and Enforcement Practices in USA — Frederick Degnan, King & Spalding, Washington, D.C., USA

9:30 Key Food Safety Legislation and Enforcement Practices in Canada — Ronald Doering, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, Ottawa, ON, Canada

10:00 Break

10:30 Key Food Safety Legislation and Enforcement Practices in Brazil — Mariza Landgraf, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil

11:00 Key Food Stafey Legislation and Enforcement Practices in Africa — Francina Makhoane, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

11:30 Key Food Safety Legislation and Enforcement Practices in Australia — Marion Healy, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, Canberra, MC, ACT, Australia

Abstract
Food production, distribution and retail are now global activities. Every country relies upon both the import and export of foodstuffs for trade. Operating in this market is potentially problematic due to very distinct differences in food laws and food law enforcement in each country. Technical, quality, purchasing and general managers in the food industry all need to be aware of the intricacies of food legislation. While it is difficult to be conversant in such a diverse topic it is the responsibility of these managers to ensure that they are fully compliant with the appropriate legislation. This can be particularly difficult, for example additives permitted in certain countries are banned in others. A single theme will run through each presentation in the symposium with the aim of critically evaluating the differences and similarities between food safety legislation across the globe. The panel will be made up of six speakers, each covering a different geographical area of the world. The speakers will give an overview of key food safety legislation, make reference to other relevant legislation e.g., compositional, and discuss enforcement strategies and practices in their region. While it is difficult to cover every country, it is hoped that the major food producing regions will be represented.This symposium draws on a wide range of expertise in the area of food law and enforcement issues. The topics covered will ensure that the attendees will be more thoroughly informed of global legislation, enforcement practices and will gain an awareness of this complex subject.