Overview
The Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Board met on 10 and 11 March 2026 to discuss and decide on food standard matters.
Matters for Decision notified to the Food Ministers’ Meeting
The following decisions were notified on 24 March 2026. The Food Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) has 60 days to consider FSANZ Board decisions on standards matters:
P1056 – Caffeine Review
The Board approved Proposal P1056 following a comprehensive review of risks associated with caffeine in the Australia New Zealand food supply, building on urgent action under Proposal P1054. FSANZ consulted widely with stakeholders to develop clearer, risk based permissions, limits and labelling requirements, including new controls for formulated supplementary sports foods, strengthening consumer protections while maintaining access to safe foods.
A1334 - 2′-FL from GM Corynebacterium glutamicum (gene donor: Corynebacterium urealyticum) in infant formula products
The Board approved Application A1334 to amend the Food Standards Code to permit 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) produced from a new genetically modified source organism to be used as a nutritive substance in infant formula products.
Other matters
Strategic discussions
The Board welcomed Janet McColl-Kennedy, Professor of Marketing, University of Queensland Business School and leader of Food AI: A game changer for Australia’s food and beverage Sector White paper. Professor McColl provided key insights into how AI is advancing the food and beverage sector with the use of AI tools in Australia.
The Board also welcomed Dr Paul Hubbard, Assistant Secretary from the Department of Finance and Co-Head of AI CoLab. Dr Hubbard shared his perspectives of integrating artificial intelligence into public sector practice in a responsible and human-centred way.
Governance, risk and performance
The Board considered and approved the Risk Appetite Statement and the Risk Register which form an important part of FSANZ’s Risk Management Framework.
Stakeholder Forum
The Board discussed the upcoming FSANZ Stakeholder forum on 17 June 2026 and are looking forward to engaging stakeholders from across the food system.
The Board welcomes the opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the food system while marking 30 years of the bi‑national food system.
Acknowledgement
The Board recognised and expressed appreciation for the contributions and dedication of FSANZ staff involved in the items considered by the Board.
The Board acknowledged and thanked the former Chair, Glenys Beauchamp AO PSM, for her unwavering dedication, leadership, commitment and significant contributions to the work of the Board and agency during her tenure from 2021-2026.