Yep, every day we take for granted that the food on our shelves, in our fridges, and on our plates is safe to eat. But keeping it that way isn’t magic it’s science in action.
It’s Australian Food Safety Week this month and the theme Don’t Swallow the Myth – Food Safety Myth Busting could not be more relevant to the work NATA accreditation does in this essential space. From spotting hidden risks, identifying myths, to preventing illness before it starts, NATA accredited food labs keep our food supply safe and trusted.
So how does this work?
NATA accredits the laboratories that test and analyse the food we eat. Our test reports aren’t just data, they’re a guarantee that methods, equipment, and expertise are up to the job, helping prevent illness, avoid costly recalls, and build confidence in Australia’s food supply.
Science You can Rely on
Food safety risks aren’t always visible. Allergens, bacteria, chemical residues can lurk unseen until something goes wrong. But the good news is most of it’s preventable.
Science gives us the tools to stay ahead and NATA-accredited labs use those tools every day. They test nearly every type of food and drink measuring nutritional content, detecting allergens, finding chemical and biological contaminants, and ensuring both raw materials and finished products meet stringent regulatory requirements.
Precision matters. Whether it’s a routine check on imported foods or testing meat for export to highly regulated markets like the US or Europe, NATA accreditation gives regulators, producers, and consumers confidence in the results.
Busting the Myths
Food safety doesn’t just protect what we eat, it safeguards entire industries, supports agriculture, and preserves Australia’s reputation for high-quality, “clean and green” exports.
NATA accreditation touches critical areas like:
- Allergen testing
- Food packaging safety
- Microbiological testing of imports
- Monitoring chemical residues
- Verifying nutritional content
It also underpins key government programs such as the Imported Food Program and the National Residues Survey, keeping overseas products in check at the border.
Why it Matters
Accreditation may work quietly in the background, but its impact is everywhere. It means Australians can trust the food they buy has been rigorously tested, by experts using science that works.
This Australian Food Safety Week we celebrate the people, labs, and science behind the scenes. From producers to lab technicians to parents packing school lunches, we all rely on safe food. And thanks to NATA-accredited labs, science is on the job and myths are busted every day.