On behalf of all of us at Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), happy new year and a warm welcome to 2026. I am looking forward to productive and collaborative engagement with you, our valued partners and stakeholders across the food regulation system, as we work together to ensure the food Australians and New Zealanders enjoy is safe and trusted.
This year, our focus is on progressing key standards work that supports informed consumer choice, protects public health and drives innovation. Several major pieces of work in these areas are moving toward key decision points, while others are in the early stages of development. Our work program dashboard provides an overview of our current projects and priorities. As always, these activities are underpinned by rigorous scientific assessment, broad consultation and careful consideration of impacts across the food system.
Alongside standards development, we are progressing work to support future food minister decisions on front and back-of-pack nutrition labelling, while also strengthening the evidence base that underpins standards development. This includes ongoing surveillance and data collection to ensure our standards and advice remain robust and contemporary.
Supporting the food regulation system continues to be a core part of our role, including coordinating Australian food recalls and incidents, providing advice on emerging and imported food risks and maintaining national food composition information. This work helps ensure risks are managed effectively and confidence in the food supply is maintained.
We are also focused on strengthening how we work. This year, we will continue work on an evaluation framework to ensure standards remain fit for purpose over time, prepare for digital innovation in food labelling and contribute to the FSANZ Act review as it moves forward through government consideration. These initiatives align with our commitment to being trusted, evidence based and responsive in a changing food system.
Engagement across the food system remains central to our role. In 2026, you can expect continued opportunities to engage as standards development work progresses, supported by clear information about our decisions and regulatory processes.
I look forward to working with you throughout the year ahead as we continue to support a safe, trusted and evolving food system.
Dr Sandra Cuthbert, CEO. FSANZ