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Case Glossary

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Case: Processed plant product foods for human consumption Effective 01 Aug 2015 to 02 Aug 2015

Glossary

The following provides a definition of words or phrases that are found within the text. Some of these have a special meaning in relation to the importation or treatment of goods entering Australia and may be important to understand in meeting the requirements for import.

Term Definition
Approved Arrangement Site (AA Site)

An arrangement approved under Section 406 of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cwlth) which permits a biosecurity industry participant to carry out specified activities to manage biosecurity risks associated with particular goods, premises or other things.
aseptic

Definition of aseptic packaging:

Aseptic packaging is a process that combines heat sterilised product with a sterile package processed in a way to maintain sterility. To achieve shelf stability such products are typically subject to intense heat to ensure the products are free from contaminating organisms that may spoil the product over time. Shelf stable fruit and vegetable products that have been aseptically packaged mitigate biosecurity risk with the plant material.

Examples of consumer aseptic packaging include:

  1. Carton boxes like Tetra Pak®.

  2. Bags and pouches.

  3. Cups and trays.

  4. Bottles and jars with heat-sealing aluminium lids.

  5. Plastic and composite cans.

“Aseptic-Bag-in-Box” and bulk aseptic bag packaging may be used for bulk juice products; this type of aseptic packaging typically exceeds 25 Litres in volume.
canned

Definition of Canned:


"Canned" includes any product that is contained in a sealed container which is:

  1. made of metal, glass or other material

  2. hermetically sealed

  3. heat treated in that container so that no refrigeration is required

  4. of a kind approved by the Department of Agriculture

Note: Retortable pouches are currently approved by the Department of Agriculture and are subject to the same entry requirements as canned commodities. These pouches are distinct from vacuum packs which must be treated as un-canned product. The distinguishing differences between these packaging methods is given in TABLE 1. below.


TABLE 1: Differentiation between a retortable pouch and a vacuum pack

RETORTABLE POUCH

VACUUM PACK

Constructed from laminated plastic and aluminium foil

Constructed of nylon/plastic laminates

Metallic to the touch

Not metallic to the touch

Refrigeration not required until opened

Usually requires refrigeration prior to opening
imported food

The Imported Food Control legislation does not apply to food that has been taken to be imported for private consumption:

  1. Up to 10 kilograms of solid food, or

  2. Up to 10 litres of liquid food, or

  3. Up to 2 litres of concentrated liquid food, or

  4. Up to 2 kilograms of dried food, or

  5. Up to 1 kilogram of spices