Overview
The Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Board met on 29 October 2025 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 decision was notified to the FMM on 10 November 2025:
A1324 – 3-fucosyllactose as a nutritive substance in infant formula products
The Board approved an amendment to permit 3-fucosyllactose produced from a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli K-12, as a nutritive substance in infant formula products at a maximum amount of 80 mg/100 kJ. Stakeholder submissions were considered, with views supporting innovation in infant nutrition while emphasising the importance of ensuring infant formula products remain a safe and nutritious substitute for infants who are not breastfed.
A1333 – Food derived from purple tomato lines containing event Del/Ros1-N
The Board approved amending the Code to include tomato transformation event Del/Ros1-N within Standard 1.5.2 – Food Produced Using Gene Technology. The Purple Tomato™ refers to a genetically modified tomato variety engineered to produce higher levels of anthocyanins, the naturally occurring antioxidants responsible for the fruit’s distinctive deep purple colour.
Stakeholder feedback highlighted interest in consumer choice and transparency, alongside general support for rigorous safety assessment processes. In addition, as part of the risk assessment for this application, information and findings were shared with Health Canada. This collaboration ensured international best practices were considered, helping to maintain high standards of food safety and public confidence.
The Board acknowledged the importance of providing clear and transparent information to consumer through our website and communications.
The Board’s decisions have been notified to the FMM for consideration, in accordance with statutory processes.
Strategic Discussion
The Board held a strategic discussion on FSANZ’s approach to cost benefit analysis, focusing on how these assessments support evidence-based decision-making in standards development. Recent enhancements to FSANZ’s CBA framework, including improved transparency, consistency, and stakeholder engagement were welcomed and the Board discussed opportunities to further strengthen the integration of economic analysis in regulatory decision-making.
The Board's next meeting will be held on 9 & 10 December 2025.