The government body legally responsible for regulating and enforcing food safety in a particular jurisdiction or sector.
It is the government body legally empowered to regulate, inspect and certify food in a given jurisdiction or sector, such as a state agency, council or the federal export department.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry acts as the competent authority for exported food, issuing or endorsing certification required by importing countries.
No. Responsibility is shared. Different state agencies, local councils and the federal department are competent authorities depending on the food sector and whether it is domestic or exported.
Importing countries usually require certificates signed by a recognised competent authority, so exporters must deal with the correct designated body to access those markets.
Identify your sector and jurisdiction. Meat, dairy, seafood, eggs and horticulture often have dedicated state authorities, while general retail food is regulated by local councils.