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Premises and equipment

Premises and equipment Growers and primary processors need to make sure the structures, equipment and vehicles used for growing, harvesting and primary processing produce do not make the food unsafe to eat. What are premises and equipment? These are equipment, infrastructure, sheds or packhouses and other structures and vehicles that are used for the growing, harvesting, handling and storage of fresh produce. This also includes irrigation pipes, and equipment such as cutting knives, conveyor belts, bins and boxes. These items can be a potential source of contamination from harmful bacteria, chemicals and physical hazards (e.g. wood, glass or metal fragments). What are the requirements? Primary producers and primary processors of berries, leafy vegetables and melons must do…

Published 1 October 2025

Notification Circular 211-22

Notification Circular 211-22 12 August 2022 211-22 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). Details on the gazettal notification from the notice below were published on 12 August 2022. For information about progress on all current applications and proposals, including anticipated consultation opportunities, see the FSANZ Food Standards Development Work Plan. Amendment No. 210 Amendment No. 210 to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code was published by FSANZ on 12 August 2022 (FSC 150). It included amendments resulting from the…

Published 12 August 2022

P1062 – Defining added sugars for claims  ​​​​​

P1062 – Defining added sugars for claims  ​​​​​ Proposal P1062 – Defining added sugars for claims assessed changes to conditions for making voluntary nutrition content claims about added sugars in food. The FSANZ Board approved the draft standard on 14 November 2023 and it was considered by Australian and New Zealand food ministers on 1 December 2023. The approval report is available below.  At gazettal, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code will be amended to incorporate the revised standard which will not permit 'no added sugar(s)' claims when a food:

• contains, or is, an 'added sugar' as defined in the Code
• does not contain 'added sugar' but contains more sugars (i.e. monosaccharides and disaccharides) than:
  • ​10.0 g /100 g for solid food
  • 7.5 g /100 mL for liquid food.
  …

  Published 24 November 2023

Skills and knowledge

Skills and knowledge If you’re a grower or primary processor of berries, leafy vegetables or melons, you must ensure your staff and supervisors have the knowledge and skills in food safety and hygiene to keep produce safe What are food safety and hygiene skills and knowledge?

• Food hygiene means the things done during growing and processing that prevent produce becoming contaminated and keep it safe to eat – for example, using safe water and clean equipment.
• Food safety is the guarantee the produce will not harm consumers who eat it – it’s the result of practicing good food hygiene.
• Skills means being able to do a task in a way that ensures the produce stays safe – for example, people trimming produce…

  Published 1 October 2025

Nanotechnology and Food

Nanotechnology and Food What is nanotechnology? Nanotechnology describes a range of technologies used to manipulate materials that are generally less than 100 nanometres (nm) in size in one dimension. One nm is one billionth of a metre. Are nanotechnologies being used in foods? There is little evidence to suggest nanotechnologies are being used in the food industry on a wide scale, although a lot of research is being undertaken on potential applications. Future applications of nanotechnologies could include nanostructured food products, nanoscale or nano-encapsulated food additives, or food packaging with improved properties. There are, however, certain foods including food additives that naturally contain nanoscale particles.  Are nanoscale materials new? Nanoscale materials are not new. Food is…

Published 28 September 2022

Glossary

Glossary This document contains definitions for some of the terms used in these explanatory notes. More information is available in the individual topic pages. Active ingredients The therapeutically active ingredients found in dietary supplements, including nutrient substances as well as ingredients that contribute caffeine and cholesterol. AUST-L A unique numeric code found on a dietary supplement label which indicates the dietary supplement is listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is Australia's official national statistical agency. ABS was responsible for managing the 2011-13 Australian Health Survey (AHS), including the collection, compilation,…

Published 27 April 2016

Dioxins in food: Dietary exposure assessment and risk characterisation

Dioxins in food: Dietary exposure assessment and risk characterisation (Findings released 28 May 2004) Executive summary 'Dioxins' refers to a group of persistent chlorinated chemical compounds that have similar chemical structures and properties, and have similar biological characteristics, including toxicity. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has conducted an analytical survey of dioxins in a range of food sampled in Australia with the purpose of assessing the level of risk to human health associated with the dietary exposure of the Australian population to dioxins. The overall conclusion of this report is that, on the basis of the available data, taking into account all the inherent uncertainties and limitations, the public health and safety risk for all Australians from exposure to dioxins from foods is very low. 'Dioxins' includes…

Published 6 April 2013

Notification Circular 05-17

Notification Circular 05-17 10 February 2017 [05-17] 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.   Amendment No. 167   Amendment No. 167 to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code was published by FSANZ on 9 February 2017 (FSC 109). It included amendments resulting from the following Applications:

• A1117…

  Published 10 February 2017