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What we do (and don't do)

What we do (and don't do)   Transcript The Australian and New Zealand joint food regulation system involves governments at all levels. Our role is to develop and manage standards for food. Some of the standards we develop are for both Australia and New Zealand. Others are for Australia only. Standards become part of food laws in Australian states and territories and in New Zealand.  They are enforced by state and territory governments and the New Zealand government. The joint Food Standards Code includes requirements for labelling, composition (for some foods) and permissions for things like processing aids, additives and vitamins and minerals in food.   The code also has food safety standards and primary production and processing standards that apply only in Australia. We also help coordinate…

Published 21 January 2019

Survey of nitrates and nitrites

Survey of nitrates and nitrites Nitrates and nitrites occur naturally in plant foods as part of the nitrogen cycle between air, land and water environments. Most of our dietary exposure to nitrates and nitrites is through fruit and vegetables. Eating fruit and vegetables is widely recommended due to the strong evidence of beneficial health effects against a range of diseases. Nitrates and nitrites have also been used as food additives in cured meats and some cheeses for many years, primarily to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum.Adding nitrites or nitrates improves the microbiological safety of these foods and extends their safe shelf life. In the past, some concerns have been raised about possible health risks associated with nitrates and nitrites in foods. To estimate…

Published 22 March 2013

FSANZ advice on imported human milk and human milk products

FSANZ advice on imported human milk and human milk products In late 2017, we were asked by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to consider the risks associated with the importation of human milk and human milk products into Australia. This advice has been provided to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment who manage food safety risks at the border. What we looked at We assessed 30 potential hazards in imported human milk and human milk products. When determining the level of risk, we assumed the most vulnerable category of infants (preterm infants in hospital neonatal intensive care units) would be receiving the products. What are human milk products? Human milk is expressed milk from lactating women that is fed to…

Published 3 April 2020

Amendment 101

Amendment 101 Download Amendment No.101 [ pdf ] Amendment 101 contains amendments to the following Standards in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code: Standard 1.1.1 - Preliminary Provisions - Application, Interpretation and General ProhibitionsStandard 1.1A.2 - Transitional Standard for Health ClaimsStandard 1.1A.6 - Transitional Standard for Special Purposes Foods (Including Amino Acid Modified Foods) (New Zealand only)Standard 1.2.3 - Mandatory Warning and Advisory Statements and DeclarationsStandard 1.2.4 - Labelling of IngredientsStandard 1.2.5 - Date Marking of FoodStandard 1.2.6 - Directions for Use and StorageStandard 1.2.8 - Nutrition Information RequirementsStandard 1.2.9 - Legibility…

Published 8 August 2013

Inside Out Nutritious Goods Pty Ltd - JS Health Inside Out Unsweetened Almond and Oat Milk products 1L

Inside Out Nutritious Goods Pty Ltd - JS Health Inside Out Unsweetened Almond and Oat Milk products 1L   Updated: 17 February 2023 Please note this food recall was expanded to include additional products following further investigation of the initial single product recall, conducted due to potential biotoxin contamination. More information on the initial recall is at 'Related links' below. Product information Inside Out Nutritious Goods Pty Ltd is conducting a recall of multiple products: JS Health x Inside Out Unsweetened Almond Milk Collagen + Calcium + Prebiotics, 1 L.  JS Health x Inside Out Unsweetened Oat Milk Collagen + Calcium + Prebiotics, 1 L JS Health x Inside Out…

Published 20 February 2023

Plant-based milk alternatives

Plant-based milk alternatives Several beverages derived from cereals, legumes or nuts or a combination of these products are available on the market as dairy milk alternatives. These beverages are made from:

  • legumes such as soy
  • cereals such as rice or oat
  • nuts such as almond.
Are plant-based milk alternatives suitable for use as a complete milk replacement? Generally, plant-based milk alternatives don't have the same nutrient content as cow or goat milk. Milk generally contains higher levels of protein and a wider range of vitamins and minerals. Legume-based beverages, such as those made from soy, can contain added vitamins and minerals if they contain a similar level of protein to milk (at least 3%). Cereal, nut and seed-based beverages, such as those made from…

Published 5 December 2018

Aspartame

Aspartame Aspartame is an intense sweetener added to low-energy or sugar-free foods. It is used in foods including yoghurt, confectionery and carbonated beverages. The safety of aspartame has been comprehensively reviewed by FSANZ and other international organisations, including:

  • Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization
  • Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
  • European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
  • US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).
All scientific evidence to date supports the safety of aspartame for use as a sweetener, however re-evaluation work is proposed. In…

Published 4 May 2022

Food safety in horticulture

Food safety in horticulture On this page

Horticulture standards The ‘Horticulture Standards’ refers to specific standards under the…

Published 1 October 2025

Microplastics in food

Microplastics in food Microplastics are generally considered to be small plastic particles less than about 5mm in size. Primary microplastics are small to begin with, such as microbeads that are added to personal care products. Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, start off as larger plastic items, such as plastic bags, but degrade into microplastic particles over time. Recently, there's been increasing interest in the effects of microplastics pollution. Media reports have examined microplastics pollution, especially in the marine environment, and possible contamination of the food supply. Most research to date has been on microplastics in the marine environment. Plastic litter can enter our seas and oceans, where it never completely breaks down. Instead, it 'breaks up…

Published 3 November 2023

Clostridium botulinum in food

Clostridium botulinum in food What is it?

  • Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) is a type of bacteria found in soil, water, on plants and in the gut of animals
  • It can form spores and toxins that are not destroyed by cooking or boiling
What's the risk?
  • C. botulinum can cause a serious illness called botulism (caused by eating the bacteria's toxin) and infant botulism (generally in children, caused by eating the bacteria's spores)
  • Anyone can get botulism although it is extremely rare in Australia. Generally only infants under 12 months old get infant botulism
  • If not treated early, botulism can lead to paralysis and death
  • Foods at higher risk of contamination…

    Published 22 December 2020