Overview
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand Board met on 2 & 3 June 2026 to discuss and decide on standards matters.
The FSANZ Board is the accountable authority for the agency.
Matters for Decision notified to the Food Ministers’ Meeting
Once notified, the Food Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) has 60 days to consider FSANZ Board decisions on standards matters. If no review is sought, the changes are given legal effect in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
The following decisions were notified to the FMM on 16 June 2026:
A1329 — Exclusion of Blacklip Rock oysters farmed in the Northern Territory from the ML for cadmium in molluscs
The Board considered Application A1329 from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Northern Territory (NT) Government of Australia to exclude Blacklip Rock oysters (Saccostrea spathulata) farmed in the NT from a Maximum Level (ML) for cadmium. To ensure levels of cadmium in NT Blacklip Rock oysters, which is naturally occurring, remain as low as reasonably achievable and be safe for consumers, the Board approved a new maximum level of 3 mg/kg for cadmium in Blacklip Rock oysters farmed in the NT. To enable the sale of oyster stocks currently being farmed in the NT and provide time to adjust growing practices to meet the new ML, FSANZ determined an exclusion of Blacklip Rock oysters farmed in the NT from an ML for cadmium for a period of 24 months prior would not pose public health and safety concerns.
A1339 — 2′-FL, 3-FL, LNT, 3′-SL, and 6′-SL from GM Escherichia coli BL21 for use as nutritive substances in infant formula products
The Board approved Application A1339 to allow voluntary use of 2′-FL, 3-FL, LNT, 3′-SL, and 6′-SL, alone or together, as nutritive substances in infant formulas. These substances come from genetically modified E. coli BL21 strains. There were no identified health or safety concerns related to these HiMO ingredients or their addition to infant formula, whether used individually or in combination at the permitted levels
A1340 — 2'-FL from GM Escherichia coli BL21 (gene donor: Akkermansia muciniphila) for use as a nutritive substance in infant formula
The Board approved Application A1340 to amend the Food Standards Code to permit a new source of 2′-FL sourced from genetically modified E. coli to produce 2′-FL for use as a nutritive substance in infant formula products. The safety assessment found no public health or safety concerns and the 2′-FL from this new GM source is chemically, structurally and functionally the same as the 2′-FL naturally found in human milk.
Strategic discussions
The Board held their annual Strategic Planning Day which included presentations from key industry and public advocacy representatives followed by a panel discussion with government leaders from the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries. A key theme that emerged during the discussions was the importance of meaningful collaboration and engagement across all stakeholder groups and jurisdictions.
The Board discussed international regulatory issues, including geopolitical events, trade, and policy changes impacting Australian and New Zealand food systems. It also considered FSANZ's stakeholders, trust-building efforts, key relationships, priorities for international engagement, and related resourcing needs.
The Hon Minister Hoggard attended the FSANZ Board meeting in Wellington, where he joined Board members to discuss the priorities of the New Zealand Government. The Board welcomed his participation and the valuable opportunity to strengthen cross‑jurisdictional collaboration within the bi-national food system.
New Zealand Stakeholder Event
Hon Minister Hoggard, New Zealand’s Minister for Food Safety, hosted a FSANZ Board Stakeholder event at Parliament which was well attended by over 80 NZ food businesses, public health experts, NGO’s, academics and government officials. Minister Hoggard addressed the gathering, as did Deputy High Commissioner Mr Ben Milton and Acting FSANZ Board Chair Robyn Kruk AO. The Board and speakers noted the important opportunity to reflect on 30 years of our strong binational food system.
New Board Members
The FSANZ Board warmly welcomed the following new Board members:
Dr Geoffrey Annison
Dr Geoffrey Annison brings extensive expertise in food science, regulation and industry policy. He has held senior leadership roles with the Australian Food and Grocery Council, including Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Health, Nutrition and Scientific Affairs, and has a career spanning industry, research and public policy. Dr Annison has a PhD in microbiology and deep experience in food regulation, innovation and stakeholder engagement across Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Michael Depalo
Dr Michael Depalo is a highly experienced food scientist with more than 40 years’ experience in food product development, ingredient technology and regulatory affairs. He has held senior industry and advisory roles, including leadership positions with the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology, and continues to advise on food innovation and compliance across the sector. Dr Depalo holds a PhD in biotechnology and brings strong expertise in industry engagement and food standards.
Ms Chandni Gupta
Ms Chandni Gupta is a consumer policy leader with extensive experience in regulatory policy, consumer protection and digital markets. She is Deputy CEO and Digital Policy Director at the Consumer Policy Research Centre, where she leads research on consumer outcomes in evolving markets. Ms Gupta has worked across Australian Government agencies, including the ACCC, and internationally with the OECD and United Nations, and brings a strong focus on consumer interests and public policy.
Other matters
The Board discussed the report on the work of Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation (ISFR) from ISFR Chair, Dr Eva Bennet.
The Board's next meeting will be held on 5 August 2026.