The possible impacts and consequences for public health, trade and agriculture of the Government's decision to relax import restrictions on beef

Final report

• Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee

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27 March 2010On 20 October 2009 the government announced that Australia was adjusting its imported food policy settings regarding bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) for beef and beef products. The changes follow a review of current settings, including an update of the science of BSE and consideration of the risks associated with importing beef and beef products undertaken by Professor John Mathews. The new policy came into effect on 1 March 2010.

In its final report, the committee further considers the risk assessment processes that will be undertaken by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) and Biosecurity Australia (BA). The committee also notes developments in relation to the review of food labelling law and policy in relation to unpackaged meat, particularly beef.

Membership of the Committee

Senate Members

• Fiona Nash, Chair
• Glenn Sterle, Deputy Chair
• Bill Heffernan
• Julian McGauran
• Christine Milne
• Kerry O'Brien

Participating Senate members participating in this inquiry

• Chris Back 
• Richard Colbeck