Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on a proposed variation to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code).
The NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has applied to amend Schedule 19 of the Code to exempt Blacklip Rock oysters from the maximum level (ML) for cadmium in molluscs due to the presence of natural (non-anthropogenic) sources of cadmium in growing areas.
Tropical oyster farming is a priority area for research and Indigenous industry development in the NT, supporting efforts to meet demand for locally-sourced oysters.
FSANZ has prepared a draft variation to exclude Blacklip Rock oysters farmed in the NT from the current ML of 2 mg/kg for cadmium in molluscs for a period of 2 years. At the end of the exemption period a new ML of 3 mg/kg for these oysters would apply. The assessments concluded the public health and safety risk associated with the consumption of Blacklip Rock oysters farmed in the NT is low for Australian consumers.
To have your say on this application, visit the FSANZ Consultation Hub. Submissions close at 11.59pm (Canberra time) 13 April 2026.
What happens to my feedback?
FSANZ will consider all feedback received through this submission process before deciding on whether to approve the application.
Submissions will be published to our website as soon as possible at the end of the public comment period.
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