Executive Appointment & Expertise

Food safety is our business. Our primary responsibility is to protect public health and safety by ensuring a safe food supply.

The Focus On Food Safety Testing Requirements have been designed with ease of use front of mind, clearly outlining the relevant requirements for each commodity and sub-commodity group and the product types within those groups. It has also been tailored to capture the essentials of food safety and compliance for specific product types whilst avoiding unnecessary complexity or cost.

We are pleased to welcome Chris Woodbridge as an Executive Member of our highly skilled and expert staff who work hard to maintain and enhance public and industry trust in the food regulatory system. Using the best available science and evidence, we aim to develop strong food safety standards and deliver our essential food safety functions.

The protection of public health and safety will continue to be the driving force behind the evidence-based food safety tests we develop.

Richard J. Brett
Executive Director

Meet Chris Woodbridge – Food Industry Senior Technical Specialist

BSc (Hons), CSci, FIFST, MAIFST

I am a food industry senior technical specialist, with over 30 years of experience in:

  • Food science and microbiology
  • Food safety and regulatory requirements
  • Product and packaging design
  • Facility and equipment design
  • Product and process improvement

Based in Melbourne, Australia, I hold a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK). I am a Chartered Scientist and Fellow of the Institute of Food Science & Technology (UK) as well as a member of the Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology, working with both large and small businesses.

Product Experience:

  • Bread, Cakes, Hospital foods, Infant foods, Jams, Marmalade, Preserves and Fillings, Pasta, Patisserie, Pot Puddings, Ready Meals, Salad, Fruit and Vegetables, Sandwiches, Sauces, Soft Drinks, Yoghurt

Processing Experience:

  • Allergen-Free products, Aseptic filling, Catering / Bulk / Tanker packs, Drum Dried products, Dysphagic Meals, Enrobed products, Extruded / Formed Snacks, Freeze-Dried, Glass filling, High-Pressure Processing, Home Baking / Cooking Kits, Ingredient processing, Retort Cans / Pouches, Short Shelf Life (P+4), Single Serve portion packs, Baking / Steaming.
Chris Woodbridge

Meet Cathy McArdle – Food Labelling Consultant

B.Tech (Food Tech), NZCS (Chem)

I am one of the unusual people who actually finds it fun to think about the info on food packaging all day, everyday – sometimes even on the weekends!

After studying science and food technology at tertiary level here in New Zealand I worked in research and industry for a while before realising that working remotely and independently of a corporate structure suits me best.

So, since 2000 I have been contracting to food businesses in NZ and Australia on an hourly or project basis. And for the last 15 years I have concentrated solely on food labelling compliance.

Clients range from 1 person start-ups, through small up to jumbo importers, distributors, manufacturers, as well as universities and major retailers.

My main activity daily is checking artwork files before they go to print but I also calculate label compliance data, give advice on specific queries or do formal training to make teams more aware of the rules and regulations around food labelling.

I can be very picky if the food packaging content is not correct but also try to be pragmatic and consider both the consumers’ needs and the commercial realities of fixing mistakes. It’s a constant juggling act but I enjoy working with people who need my help with this task. Labelling can be stressful, especially if you are not a fan of small details like I am. Let me help you ease that stress.

Quality service, food testing & commitment.

To support your business’s needs, Focus On Food has developed a food safety testing program to confirm the safety of the food produced. This is essential for consumer well-being and business success. It is critical that each stage of the food production process adheres to regulations and industry standards. Prioritising food safety testing demonstrates commitment to providing safe, high-quality products to customers.

 

Contact Our Team