Published
Overview
The Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Board met on the 3 & 4 June 2025 to discuss and decide on standards matters, as well as governance, organisational, performance, and strategic 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. The following decisions will be notified within 10 business days:
P1055 Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques
The Board approved Proposal P1055 to update the definitions in the Food Standards Code for genetically modified (GM) food. The change to definitions is necessary to keep up to date with emerging genetic technologies including new breeding techniques, while continuing to protect public health and safety.
The Board acknowledged the team's effort on this work, which involved extensive consultation over several years. The Approval of P1055 aligns with FSANZ’s Strategic objectives and those of the Food Regulation System, resulting in a clearer and more contemporary Food Standards Code.
A1323 Food Derived from insect protected soybean line COR23134
The Board approved Application A1323 made by Corteva Agriscience Australia Pty Ltd to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to permit the sale and use of food derived from a new food produced using gene technology: soybean line COR23134. This soybean line has been genetically modified for protection from insect pests.
Strategic discussions
The Board held their annual Strategic Planning Day which included a panel discussion with key government leaders from the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries.
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 His Excellency, Mr Daniel Sloper PSM, Australian High Commissioner and the FSANZ Board Chair Glenys Beauchamp. The Board and speakers noted the important opportunity to reflect on our strong binational food system.
Other matters
The Board welcomed the report on the work of Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation (ISFR) from ISFR Chair, Dr Eva Bennet.