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Safety assessments of GM foods
Safety assessments of GM foods How does FSANZ ensure GM foods are safe? FSANZ has established a rigorous and transparent process for assessing the safety of GM foods. The safety assessment is undertaken in accordance with internationally established scientific principles and guidelines developed through the work of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, World Health Organization (WHO) and the codex Alimentarius Commission. The data requirements to guide the safety assessment are provided in Guideline 3.5.1 of the Application Handbook and additional information on these data requirements is provided in Part 2.3 (GM Applications - Additional Information)…
Published 2 September 2025
Results of latest Australian Total Diet Study released
Results of latest Australian Total Diet Study released Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today released the results from its 26th Australian Total Diet Study (ATDS) which looked at levels of persistent organic pollutants including dioxins, dioxin-like compounds and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in food. Chief Executive Officer Mark Booth said the results are good news for Australians, showing exposure to these chemicals through food is low and presents no safety concerns. “The 26th ATDS provides evidence to assure consumers they can continue to be confident that food sold in Australia is safe to eat. “We looked at 33 foods typical of the Australian diet, taking 600 samples across all Australian states and territories. “Our results show that while the selected chemicals are present in the environment, the levels are low and there…
Published 30 July 2021
Call for comment on an enzyme processing aid
Call for comment on an enzyme processing aid Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow an existing enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new source in the Food Standards Code. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the applicant is seeking approval to produce the enzyme - beta-amylase, from soybeans. “If approved, the processing aid will be used in the production of maltose syrup (a type of sweetener that is added to food). “After undertaking a risk assessment, we found no safety concerns from using this new source of beta-amylase which has a long history of safe use. “As this processing aid will be used at low levels, we found it is either not present in the final food or present in insignificant quantities,” Mr Booth said. To have your say, see our…
Published 27 October 2020
Caffeine powders and high caffeine content foods
Caffeine powders and high caffeine content foods Pure and highly concentrated caffeine food products (including pure caffeine powders) are banned from retail sale in Australia and New Zealand. These products are typically bought online and can have serious health effects, including death. Pure and highly concentrated caffeine powders are typically marketed as sports supplements and can contain the same amount of caffeine as 25 – 50 cups of coffee in a single teaspoon. Because these powders come in bulk packets, it is almost impossible for people to measure a safe dose from a toxic dose and has resulted in death. About the ban To protect consumers in Australia and New Zealand, foods that contain 5% or more of caffeine in solid or semi-solid…
Published 27 November 2023
Vitamin B6 in the food supply
Vitamin B6 in the food supply Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient that must be obtained from the diet. It supports normal growth, development and overall health. As a water-soluble vitamin, it is not stored in the body and any excess from food is excreted in urine. This means you need to regularly eat foods that contain vitamin B6. Sources of vitamin B6 in the diet Vitamin B6 is found in many foods, including meats, vegetables, fruits, cereals and fortified products. To ensure sufficient intake of all nutrients, including vitamin B6, the Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend enjoying a wide variety of nutritious foods from these five food groups every day: Plenty of vegetables of different types and…
Published 24 June 2016
Thermometers and using them with potentially hazardous food
Thermometers and using them with potentially hazardous food Chapter 3 (Australia only) Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code NOTE: The Food Safety Standards do not apply in New Zealand. The provisions of the food standards treaty between Australia and New Zealand do not include food hygiene standards. Who needs a thermometer? If your food business stores, transports, prepares, cooks or sells potentially hazardous food, then you must have a thermometer so you can measure the temperature of this food. Potentially hazardous food includes food that contains meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. It also includes cooked rice and pasta. The thermometer must be kept at your food premises. If you have several premises, you will need a thermometer at each place. Why do I need a thermometer…
Published 11 February 2016
Call for comment on genetically modified banana application
Call for comment on genetically modified banana application Date: 25/09/2023 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to permit food from a disease-resistant genetically modified (GM) banana. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said banana line QCAV-4 was genetically modified to provide resistance to the fungal disease Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4) also known as Panama disease. “This is the first whole GM fruit assessed by FSANZ and, if approved, would also be a world-first approval for a GM banana," she said. Dr Cuthbert said safety assessments were a key part of the approval process for all GM foods. “The FSANZ assessment for the GM banana…
Published 26 September 2023
Trust and confidence in the food system, dietary behaviours and values
Trust and confidence in the food system, dietary behaviours and values 2025 Key insights Farmers and producers are the most trusted part of the food system, with 83% of consumers saying they trust them. Seven in 10 people (70.3%) are confident that food sold in Australia and New Zealand is safe to eat. This confidence has remained steady since 2023. Among people who are aware of FSANZ, around 78% trust FSANZ. Trust levels have not changed since 2023. Cost of living continues to be the biggest factor influencing food choices, with 57% of consumers reporting it as a key influence. After taste and price, nutrition is the most important food value, rated as important by 75% of consumers. Most people (74%) say they make an effort…
Published 15 May 2025
About food recalls
About food recalls A food recall is action taken by a food business to remove unsafe food from distribution, sale and consumption. All food businesses must be able to quickly remove food from the marketplace to protect public health and safety. FSANZ coordinates food recalls in Australia. In New Zealand, food recalls are coordinated by the Ministry for Primary Industries. FSANZ cannot order or force a recall because it has no enforcement powers. These powers rest with the jurisdictions. However most recalls are initiated by food businesses. Please note: the information below applies only within Australia. Find out about the latest food recalls All consumer level recalls are listed on our…
Published 19 September 2023
Call for comment - new source for an enzyme processing aid
Call for comment - new source for an enzyme processing aid Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow an existing enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new microbial source. FSANZ interim CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the enzyme beta-fructofuranosidase has a long history of safe use and is already approved to be sourced from other microorganisms. “The applicant is seeking approval to produce the enzyme from a strain of bacterium known as Aspergillus fijiensis,' Dr Cuthbert said. “FSANZ's safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers.' If approved, the enzyme would be used as a processing aid to perform any technological purpose in the manufacture of any food, in accordance with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards…
Published 4 November 2021