Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on its annual proposal to amend the schedule for agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code).
Schedule 20 of the Code lists the maximum levels of agvet chemical residues allowed in or on foods. After consideration, FSANZ is proposing amendments to Schedule 20 to align maximum residue limits (MRLs) with:
- those adopted at the 2024 Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting
- requested by stakeholders seeking alignment with standards set by international trading partners
- requested by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to reflect changes in agvet chemical usage in Australia.
The proposed changes would allow foods to be sold where residues of agvet chemicals may be present at levels needed to effectively control pests and diseases and help reduce trade barriers.
Our assessment found that residues at these levels pose no public health or safety concerns and are safe for human consumption.
The draft variation also includes amendments to correct typographical and transcription errors and to update commodity names and references to exceptions for certain chemical entries.
The proposal relates to Australia only.
To have your say on this application, visit the FSANZ Consultation Hub. Submissions close at 11.59pm (Canberra time) 5 March 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.
More information
- How to make a submission
- Read the assessment documents: M1023 2024 MRL Harmonisation Proposal
- Maximum residue limits - variations
Media contact
- 0401 714 265 (Australia)
- media@foodstandards.gov.au