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Call for comment on a new type of genetically modified corn

Call for comment on a new type of genetically modified corn Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow food from a new type of genetically modified corn line to be sold in Australia and New Zealand. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the corn line has been genetically modified to increase yield and be resistant to a herbicide (glufosinate). “When assessing any Applications to allow new foods or ingredients to be sold in Australia and New Zealand, the safety and health of consumers is at the centre of our decision making process. “FSANZ undertook a comprehensive safety assessment which looked at the intended and unintended changes to the food, including potential toxicity and allergenicity of any new proteins. “We found that corn derived from this GM line is as safe as traditional non-GM…

Published 6 August 2020

Update on national recall of poppy seeds

Update on national recall of poppy seeds Australian food authorities today announced preliminary findings on the cause of contamination which led to a national recall of poppy seeds. While investigations are ongoing, it has been confirmed a batch of poppy seeds not intended for food use and containing high levels of thebaine entered the supply chain. Thebaine is a natural chemical found in poppy seeds which can be toxic in high concentrations.   A total of 37 cases of illness were reported nationally among people who consumed large amounts of poppy seeds. The national recall of several brands was successful in removing affected products from the market. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) announced the…

Published 15 December 2022

Call for comment to permit the use of a new processing aid

Call for comment to permit the use of a new processing aid Date: 10/10/2023 ​Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to permit the use of the enzyme transglut​aminase (EC 2.3.2.13) as a processing aid. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the enzyme would be used in brewing and the manufacturing and/or processing of food products. “If approved, the enzyme may be used as a processing aid in brewing and in the production of bakery and other cereal-based products such as pasta and noodles, cheese, fermented dairy products, dairy analogues, egg substitutes, meat products, fish products, meat analogues and fish analogues," Dr Cuthbert said. The enzyme is sourced from genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis containing the transglutaminase gene from Streptomyces mobaraensis. “B. licheniformis has a long history…

Published 11 October 2023

Call for comment on new sources for enzyme processing aids

Call for comment on new sources for enzyme processing aids Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on three applications to allow new enzyme processing aids from genetically-modified (GM) microbial sources.   FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the applications seek approval to permit the use of three different enzymes; endo-1,4-beta-xylanase enzyme (gene donor Talaromyces leycettanus), alpha-arabinofuranosidase enzyme (gene donor Talaromyces pinophilus) both sourced from GM Trichoderma reesei and the carboxypeptidase enzyme sourced from Aspergillus oryzae.  “Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus oryzae have a long history of safe use as a source of enzyme processing aids, including several that are already permitted in the Food Standards Australia New Zealand code,' Dr Cuthbert said.…

Published 8 February 2023

Patties Food Group - On The Menu various Entree Frozen Meals 260g

Patties Food Group - On The Menu various Entree Frozen Meals 260g Patties Food Group is conducting a recall of the above products. The products have been available for sale at Coles, Woolworths, independent retailers including IGA and No Waste Australia nationally. Date Markings: On the Menu Entrée 3 Cheese Macaroni (260g) - Best before date: 27/03/26 & 14/03/26On The Menu Entrée Beef Lasagne (260g) - Best before date: 12/03/26 & 20/03/26On The Menu Entrée Spaghetti & Meatballs (260g) - Best before date: 19/03/26 Problem:  The recall is due to an error on the packaging, oven cooking instructions are not compatible with product tray. Food Safety Hazard: Tray may melt if oven cooking instructions are followed. What to do:…

Published 4 April 2024

2026 World Food Safety Day

2026 World Food Safety Day Science and data play a critical role in keeping food safe across Australia and New Zealand. This World Food Safety Day, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is highlighting how we use scientific evidence, data and consumer insights to identify risks and develop food standards that protect public health. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said this evidence-based approach underpins the work of FSANZ, drawing on the latest science here and internationally. “By combining our scientific expertise with research, data and food supply monitoring, we can identify emerging risks and ensure food standards continue to protect people across Australia and New Zealand,” Dr Cuthbert said. “Science and data are at the heart of our work, underpinning every decision we…

Published 3 June 2026

Call for comment on a new enzyme processing aid from a GM source 

Call for comment on a new enzyme processing aid from a GM source  Date: 10/10/2023 ​​Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow a new enzyme processing aid from a genetically-modified (GM) microbial source. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said if permitted, the enzyme beta-fructofuranosidase would be used as a processing aid in the production of short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) and to reduce sugar (sucrose) levels in treated fruit and vegetable products. “The enzyme is sourced from a genetically modified (GM) strain of Trichoderma reesei containing the beta-fructofuranosidase gene from Aspergillus niger," Dr Cuthbert said. “T. reesei has a long history of safe use as a production microorganism of enzyme processing aids, including several that are already permitted in the Australia…

Published 11 October 2023

About us

About us Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is an independent statutory agency established by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act). FSANZ is part of the Australian Government's Health portfolio. Title Corporate resources Card Who we are We're at the centre of the world class bi-national food regulation system that protects the ‘safe food’ brand for Australia and New Zealand. …

Imported foods

Imported foods Foods imported for sale in Australia must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). All imported foods must also comply with strict biosecurity requirements. Food importers are responsible for ensuring that all food they import complies with the relevant standards in the Code. For all foods on sale in Australia, whether locally produced or imported, state and territory departments and agencies are responsible for enforcing the Code. Complaints about potentially non-compliant food, including imported food, can be directed to your relevant state or territory enforcement agency. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) administers a risk-based border inspection program - the Imported Food Inspection Scheme - to ensure that food importers only import…

Published 13 August 2025

Call for comment on a new type of genetically modified corn

Call for comment on a new type of genetically modified corn Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow the sale of food in Australia and New Zealand from a genetically modified (GM) corn. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the corn line (DP23211) has been genetically modified to give the plant the ability to protect itself from the herbicide glufosinate and the insect pest, corn rootworm. “If approved, this type of GM corn could be used to make starch, grits, meal, flour, oil and sweetener.  “When assessing this application, our safety assessment is a critical part of the approval process. “We looked at key safety aspects including the process used to transfer the gene into the plant, potential unintended changes, the nutritional content compared to non-GM corn and any potential allergic or toxic…

Published 1 October 2020