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Common food safety terms

Common food safety terms We have put together a list of common food safety terms and what they mean. Contaminant Something that shouldn't be in food and can make the food unsafe to eat. Examples are harmful chemicals, physical objects (e.g. glass, metal fragments) and microorganisms ('germs', bacteria, viruses, parasites - see definition below). Cross contamination When harmful microorganisms or chemicals spread between food, surfaces, hands or equipment. For example, if a cutting board used to prepare raw chicken is then used to prepare salad vegetables, microorganisms from the chicken juice on the board will spread to the salad. Because the salad won't be cooked, the microorganisms will not be killed before it is eaten. Environmental sample A small…

Published 22 December 2020

FAQs about food recalls for consumers

FAQs about food recalls for consumers What is a food recall? A food recall is action taken to remove unsafe (or potentially unsafe) food from distribution, sale and consumption. If a product is recalled, consumers are generally advised to not eat or drink it, and to either return it for a refund or throw it out. Most recalls are initiated by the food business. Only Australian states and territories and the Ministry for Primary Industries have enforcement powers. These jurisidictions have the power to mandate a recall if necessary. FSANZ has no enforcement powers so cannot mandate, order or force a recall to occur. FSANZ coordinates the recall with the…

Published 11 March 2020

Weight change factors

Weight change factors Weight changes the nutrition information panel The cooking process may change the weight of the recipe's ingoing ingredients, due to gains and/or losses in both water and/or fat. You need to take this weight change into account when producing a nutrition information panel.​

About weight change factors Weight change factors can be either negative (such as where a food loses moisture during cooking) or positive (such as where a dried legume absorbs water during…

Published 30 September 2025

Notification Circular 157-21

Notification Circular 157-21 28 May 2021 157-21 This Notification Circular includes notices that are required to be given to the public, submitters and appropriate government agencies, under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act). For information about progress on all current applications and proposals, including anticipated consultation opportunities, see the FSANZ Food Standards Development Work Plan. Call for Comment FSANZ invites written comments on the following Proposal by 6pm (Canberra time) 9 July 2021:

P1049 - Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages

P1049 - Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages On 13 August, changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) were gazetted to clarify that nutrition content claims about carbohydrate and sugar content can be made on alcoholic beverages. What’s changing?

  • Sugar claims: Updates to Standard 1.2.7 to clarify that nutrition content claims about sugar can be made on alcoholic beverages. However, claims about individual sugars, such as fructose, or other components of carbohydrate are prohibited.
What’s not changing?
  • Carbohydrate claims: Remain permitted on alcoholic beverages, as…

    Published 25 July 2023

Alcohol energy content calculator (beta)

Alcohol energy content calculator (beta) We’ve released this calculator in a beta version, which means the calculator is fully functional and you can use it now. However, FSANZ is interested in hearing about your experience with the calculator, so we can refine and improve it further. An optional quick survey will pop-up while you are using the calculator for you to provide us with feedback. On 13 August 2025, changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) were …

Published 26 September 2025

Recall of frozen mixed berries

Recall of frozen mixed berries Frequently asked questions When and where were the berries available for sale? This batch of frozen mixed berries was distributed nationally in October 2016. The product was sold in independent stores such as Foodland & IGA stores. Around 48,000 units were distributed with most sold by March 2017. When did you first become aware of the hepatitis A cases? The first illness associated with these berries was identified in South Australia on 4 May 2017. Food regulation and public health authorities have been investigating since this time to try and establish a definitive link between the cases and the product. How can you be sure frozen berries are the cause? While the evidence to date is limited it does suggest a possible link to the product. Are these…

Published 5 March 2018

Nutrition information panels

Nutrition information panels Nutrition information panels (NIP) on food labels provide information on the average quantity of energy in kilojoules or in kilojoules and kilocalories and these nutrients:

  • protein
  • fat
  • saturated fat
  • carbohydrate
  • sugars
  • sodium - a component of salt.
A NIP will include information about other nutrients if a claim is made. For example, if a food has a 'good source of fibre' claim then the amount of dietary fibre in the food must be shown in the NIP. The NIP must be presented in a standard format which shows the average quantity per serving and per 100 g, or 100 mL if a liquid. There are a few foods that don't require a NIP, for example:
  • foods sold unpackaged
  • foods made and packaged at the point of sale…

    Published 6 October 2020

Food safety requirements for horticulture: berries, leafy vegetables and melons​

Food safety requirements for horticulture: berries, leafy vegetables and melons​ If you grow or process berries, leafy vegetables or melons, you may be subject to new food safety standards. Who are the new standards for? A primary horticulture producer is a business that grows and/or harvests berries, leafy vegetables or melons. A primary horticulture processor is a business that does early-stage processing of berries, leafy vegetables or melons. This includes, but is not limited to: washing, trimming, sorting, sanitising, storing, combining and packing, and transporting berries, leafy vegetables or melons between pack houses. Why have food safety standards been introduced for berry, leafy vegetable and melon production? Fresh…

Published 1 October 2025

Food safety management statement

Food safety management statement If you’re a grower or primary processor of leafy vegetables or melons, you must have and follow an approved food safety management statement. What is a food safety management statement? A food safety management statement is a document that:

  • summarises your business activities, identifies food safety risks and how you manage them
  • is approved (or recognised) by your relevant regulatory authority
  • is checked and updated by you or your staff
  • may be verified by your relevant authority (see below).
What is verification? ‘Verification’ means checking that you do what you say you are doing. It’s a check that the processes in your business to manage food safety are actually done and keep food safe. It…

Published 1 October 2025