Applying quality assurance principles to food control: Andrew Green describes the Australian experience

Abstract

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is the major food control body in Australia. AQIS has been promoting an alternative to traditional inspection of food products for export since 1987, whereby client companies document and implement quality assurance systems which are approved by AQIS. Instead of inspecting each consignment, AQIS periodically audits the company quality systems to provide a basis for issuing certification and meeting its regulatory obligations. AQIS has recently developed additional quality-assurance-based inspection options tailored to meet specific needs in the food industry, or to satisfy certain quarantine requirements. These options are briefly outlined and some of the difficulties faced and experience gained in fostering a quality assurance approach to food and quarantine inspection in Australia are explored.