The overriding aim of the system is to:
- protect the health and safety of consumers by reducing food-related risks
- help consumers make informed choices about food by making sure they have information they need and are not misled
- support public health by promoting healthy food choices; maintaining and enhancing the nutritional qualities of food and responding to specific public health concerns
- support a strong, sustainable food industry that offers a diverse, affordable food supply that also benefits the Australian and New Zealand economies
- provides safe food controls to protect health and safety
- reduces the burden of laws and compliance on the food sector
- helps align Australia's and New Zealand’s domestic and export food standards, and facilitate their harmonisation with international food standards
- provides cost effective compliance and enforcement arrangements for industry, government and consumers
- recognises that responsibility for food safety includes all levels of government
- supports the joint Australian and New Zealand efforts to harmonise food standards
