The FSANZ Consumer and Public Health Dialogue (CPHD) provides a means by which FSANZ can engage in deeper and more meaningful consultation with peak consumer and public health bodies and academics. The objective is to improve FSANZ's awareness and understanding of community food and health issues; public priorities and through this communication, provide a more effective food regulatory response.
Member organisations
- Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance
- Australian Department of Health, Disability Ageing
- Cancer Council Australia
- Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
- Consumer New Zealand
- Consumers' Federation of Australia
- Dietitians Australia
- Flinders University
- Food for Health Alliance
- Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education
- Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation
- Indigenous Allied Health Australia
- Massey University New Zealand
- New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries
- New Zealand Ministry of Health
- Public Health Association of Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health
- The Heart Foundation
- University of Wollongong
Committee Highlights
CPHD39 - November
The Consumer and Public Health Dialogue (CPHD) met on 25 November, chaired by FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert. The CPHD provides a forum for two-way engagement and information sharing between FSANZ and consumer and public health representatives.
CPHD39 was the final meeting of 2025. Members agreed to publish Committee Highlights online as a more dynamic meeting summary following each meeting.
Updates
Members discussed key components of the FSANZ 2030 Roadmap setting out priorities for FSANZ’s future proposal work following endorsement at the Food Ministers’ Meeting in November. They also noted the FSANZ Annual Report, the latest Board Communique, the updated FSANZ Work Program Dashboard, upcoming consultations and updates on FSANZ's current projects.
Interest in the publication of research for FSANZ's Preparatory work for the Health Star Rating System was expressed. It was noted the findings will be published after the food ministers' decision on whether to mandate the system in 2026. Members also discussed the labelling requirements for the recently approved Purple Tomato.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing advised the FSANZ Act Review is progressing with decision makers and the Healthy Food Partnership will continue with a renewed focus on recruitment into the reformulation program for small to medium businesses. The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (NZMPI) shared details about its work and consultation on a digital labelling pilot.
Discussion
Members had an engaging discussion exploring the concept of a principles-based framework for digital labelling, focusing on scope, implications of digital labels compared to on pack labels and the complexities of implementation. The discussion highlighted potential research initiatives for digital labelling from a public health and consumer perspective. Valuable insights from members will help shape FSANZ’s forthcoming paper on the topic.
A deep dive on the background and scope of Proposal P1066 - Review of young child formula provided an opportunity to engage on the direction of this work, noting further information regarding key dates for the proposal are available in the administrative assessment report.
Next meeting
A deep dive on the Review of Commercial Foods for Infants and Young Children was agreed following referral to FSANZ after completion of Food Regulation System policy work in late 2024. Members also agreed to discuss ultra-processed foods and explore current research, definitions, public health and consumer insights and international benchmarks. The proposed 2026 meeting dates were supported with a face-to-face option to be decided after further consultation.
FSANZ would like to sincerely thank all members for their ongoing support and engagement throughout 2025. We look forward to continuing our collaborative work in 2026.
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