About FSANZ
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is an independent statutory agency established by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991. FSANZ is part of the Australian Government's Health and Ageing portfolio.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, has executive responsibility for FSANZ. An agreement or Treaty between the governments of Australia and New Zealand establishes FSANZ's role in setting joint food standards, i.e. standards that apply in both countries.
What we do
FSANZ develops food standards to cover the food industry in Australia and New Zealand. We develop the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code which regulates the use of ingredients, processing aids, colourings, additives, vitamins and minerals. The code also covers the composition of some foods e.g. dairy, meat and beverages as well as standards developed by new technologies such as novel foods. We are also responsible for labelling for both packaged and unpackaged food, including specific mandatory warnings or advisory labels.
In Australia FSANZ has broader coverage and prepares standards across the food supply chain. We develop standards for primary production and processing and for food hygiene. We also set residue limits for agricultural and veterinary products. In New Zealand, these activities are undertaken by the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture.
FSANZ develops standards in consultation with other government agencies and stakeholders, the Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation (formerly the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council) sets policy guidelines for the development of food standards by FSANZ.
FSANZ also has many other functions in Australia including coordinating food surveillance and food recall systems, conducting research and supporting the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service in its duty to inspect imported foods.
Our ultimate goal is to ensure Australia has a safe food supply and well-informed consumers.
How we’re organised
FSANZ has offices in Canberra, Australia, and Wellington, New Zealand. We are governed by a Board with a wide range of expertise and experience in food matters, with members drawn from Australia and New Zealand. The Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation sets policy guidelines for the development of food standards by FSANZ.
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Vision: A safe food supply which supports the health of people in Australia and New Zealand.
Mission: To develop effective food standards in collaboration with Australian and New Zealand governments [ more ]
Corporate documents
Through the Corporate Plan, the FSANZ Board sets the culture and directions for the agency over three years.
Parliamentary Secretary, Catherine King provides FSANZ with a Statement of Expectation outlining how FSANZ should operate to achieve its key objectives. Download the Statement of Expectation (pdf 368kb) | word (36kb).
FSANZ’s Statement of Intent sets out how FSANZ proposes to meet these expectations. Download the Statement of Intent (pdf 565kb) | word (107kb)
Our Annual Report provides a summary of our achievements of the past year and a preview of the year ahead.