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Media Statement
Media Statement Australia’s food standards agency has welcomed the ACCC initiating inquiries into claims raised on the recent ABC Four Corners program Duped. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) sets food standards for both countries which are enforced by national, state and territory food regulators. The ACCC enforces the Australian Consumer Law, alongside state and territory consumer protection regulators, including specific laws regarding country of origin labelling for food. The ACCC stated on Friday it was looking into Four Corners’ food claims. When making the announcement, the ACCC emphasised the importance of consumer confidence in the truth and accuracy of food labelling,…
Published 11 August 2026
Media statement on aspartame
Media statement on aspartame The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reaffirmed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for aspartame following two scientific reviews of the artificial sweetener. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) monograph and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee for Food Additives (JECFA) summary assessment of aspartame were released today (Friday 14 July 2023). Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the JECFA assessment found the current ADI for aspartame in food and beverages was appropriate. “This is good news for consumers in Australia and New Zealand who can be assured our food standards for aspartame align with international benchmarks,” Dr Cuthbert said. “The JECFA conclusion is in line with numerous international studies which have found aspartame to be safe at current permitted levels of use with…
Published 24 July 2023
Media statement on Avian influenza (bird flu) and food safety
Media statement on Avian influenza (bird flu) and food safety There is currently no evidence of H5 avian influenza (bird flu) infection in Australian poultry or the wider agriculture industry, and detections to date have been limited to individual migratory seabirds. The commercial poultry industry is maintaining strong biosecurity controls and there is currently no impact on production. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) a/g CEO Dr Matt O’Mullane said Australia’s world-class biosecurity and food regulation systems ensure the safety of the food supply. “Consumers can be assured poultry and egg products on sale are safe to eat, noting consumers and food businesses should always follow good hygiene practices when handling and preparing food,” Dr O’Mullane said. “It is always important to ensure proper storage, handling and…
Published 9 July 2026
Media statement on 2024 Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak
Media statement on 2024 Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak Published 14 June 2024 Avian influenza (bird flu) is not a food safety concern and it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked chicken meat, eggs and egg products. There is no evidence to show the virus can be transmitted to people through properly prepared food. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said Australia’s world-class biosecurity and food regulation systems ensure the safety of the food supply. “Farms affected by bird flu have been quarantined and the movement of animals and products restricted,” Dr Cuthbert said. “Poultry flocks affected by bird flu are being destroyed as part of the emergency response to contain the disease as it is highly contagious in poultry. This approach is to restrict the spread of the disease between birds, not to…
Published 14 June 2024
Media statement on tomato brown rugose fruit virus and food safety
Media statement on tomato brown rugose fruit virus and food safety Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is aware of reports concerning the detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in tomato crops in South Australia. ToBRFV is a virus that infects plants, particularly tomatoes and other crops such as capsicums and chillies. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the virus does not pose a food safety risk. “Consumers can continue to eat tomatoes and other produce with confidence,” Dr Cuthbert said. “The virus reduces crop yields and marketability, and the restrictions that have been put in place aim to protect other producers from these impacts. “Australia’s world-class biosecurity and food regulation systems manage plant viruses like tomato brown rugose fruit virus to support the sustainability of our agricultural…
Published 30 September 2024
Media statement on recall of specialist infant formula due to potential toxin
Media statement on recall of specialist infant formula due to potential toxin Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is coordinating an Australia-wide recall of 5 batches of Nestlé’s ALFAMINO infant formula for babies with milk allergies due to the potential presence of the toxin cereulide. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the action is connected to a larger international recall by Nestlé after cereulide, produced by the microorganism Bacillus cereus, was found in an ingredient used in a range of products available overseas. “Cereulide can cause gastrointestinal illness but there have been no reports of associated illness in Australia or internationally,” Dr Cuthbert said. “Imported products subject to the recall are not sold in supermarkets, but are available through hospitals, pharmacies and GPs, generally via…
Published 7 January 2026
Media statement on recall of infant formula due to potential toxin contamination
Media statement on recall of infant formula due to potential toxin contamination Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is coordinating an Australia-wide recall of 2 batches of Alula infant formula products due to the potential presence of the toxin cereulide. The affected Sanulac Nutritionals Australia Pty Ltd products are Alula Gold Reflux and Alula Colic and Constipation. Acting FSANZ CEO Christel Leemhuis said the action follows an international recall by Lactalis, which prompted Sanulac to recall their affected batches. “The potential presence of the cereulide toxin has been linked to an ingredient used in the Alula products, the same situation which led to a recent recall of specialist infant formula products,” Ms Leemhuis said. “Cereulide can cause gastrointestinal illness but there have been no reports of…
Published 22 January 2026
Media Statement on FSANZ approval of updated definitions for genetically modified food
Media Statement on FSANZ approval of updated definitions for genetically modified food Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved updated definitions for genetically modified (GM) food in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). Following an extensive review under Proposal P1055 – Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques, the GM definitions have been modernised to address advances in gene technologies and maintain strong food safety protections. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the new definitions reflect the latest science and will provide greater clarity for industry, regulators and consumers. “The updated definitions are…
Published 18 June 2025
Statement on Cultured Quail as a Novel Food application
Statement on Cultured Quail as a Novel Food application Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has commenced its assessment of an application from Vow Group Pty Ltd seeking approval of cultured quail meat. Assessment of application A1269 - Cultured Quail as a Novel Food will include chemical, nutritional, microbiological and dietary exposure assessments, detailed examination of the applicant's production process and a review of the food science to ensure that the product is safe to consume prior to it going on sale. To help inform aspects of its assessment, FSANZ is commissioning research to better understand consumer attitudes to products produced by new technologies, including whether any specific labelling requirements are needed. The assessment is expected to take around 12 months and will include two…
Published 2 March 2023
Statement on genetically modified banana application
Statement on genetically modified banana application Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has commenced its assessment of an application from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to permit food from a disease-resistant genetically modified (GM) banana. Banana line QCAV-4, modified to provide resistance to Panama disease TR4, is the first whole GM fruit submitted to FSANZ for assessment and approval. QUT is concurrently seeking food approval for the banana fruit from FSANZ and a licence for the commercial cultivation of the GM banana plant from the Gene Technology Regulator. Assessment of application A1274 - Food derived from disease-resistant banana line…
Published 12 May 2023