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World Food Safety Day 2025: Science in action
World Food Safety Day 2025: Science in action Science is at the heart of safe food - trust in our food system depends on it. On 7 June 2025 we’re celebrating World Food Safety Day and the science behind our standards. At Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), we apply world-class science to protect public health, develop standards for industry and regulators and help consumers make informed choices. Our scientists use rigorous methods like microbiological risk assessments, toxicological evaluations and dietary exposure assessments to approve new foods and assess and address food safety issues. Some of our recent projects highlight this science in action. Last year, we finalised a …
Published 5 June 2025
Media statement on Avian influenza (bird flu) and food safety
Media statement on Avian influenza (bird flu) and food safety 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 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 outcome…
Published 18 June 2025
We hear you – Let’s clear up the confusion around food date labels
We hear you – Let’s clear up the confusion around food date labels Our 2023 Consumer Insights Tracker (CIT) survey found up to a third of Australian and New Zealand consumers are unclear about the meaning of date marks. This misunderstanding can lead to an increased risk of foodborne illnesses and undermine confidence in food safety. Whether you’re a consumer making safe choices, a food supplier determining product shelf life, a retailer managing stock, or a food service provider preparing meals, understanding date marks is essential. Under Standard 1.2.5 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, date marks come in two main forms: use-by dates and best-before dates. Use-by dates are all about safety. Foods with a use-by date shouldn’t be eaten or…
Published 31 October 2024
Compendium update supports safer seafood and cell-cultured foods
Compendium update supports safer seafood and cell-cultured foods The latest update of the Compendium of Microbiological Criteria for Food is now live, with new chapters providing targeted guidance for the seafood sector and emerging cell-cultured foods. The compendium is a practical reference for food businesses and regulators, containing nationally consistent microbiological criteria for ready-to-eat foods and specific commodities, along with advice on environmental monitoring. Updated periodically, it supports the implementation of chapters 3 and 4 of the Food Standards Code and helps drive consistent food safety outcomes across Australia. Developed in collaboration with regulatory and industry experts, the seafood chapter provides best practice advice on managing key microorganisms, microbiological…
Published 7 August 2025
FSANZ strengthens role in global food standards development
FSANZ strengthens role in global food standards development Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) plays an important role in shaping global food standards, leading Australia’s participation in several key international committees within the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex). Established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Codex develops international food standards and codes of practice to protect consumer health, ensures fair food trade practices, and encourages coordination between governments and organisations. While the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) manages Australia’s engagement with Codex overall, FSANZ leads our work on a number of highly…
Published 31 October 2024
Call for comment on a processing aid for use in food
Call for comment on a processing aid for use in food Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to permit the use of a processing aid for the production of short-chain fructooligosaccharides (sc-FOS) from sucrose. The proposed use of immobilised fructosyltransferase from a non-genetically engineered strain of Aspergillus oryzae (A.oryzae) as a processing aid in food is technologically justified in the quantity and form proposed. FSANZ's assessment found no safety concerns with using this enzyme from A. oryzae. Similar enzymes from other sources have a long history of safe use in food. To have your say about this proposal, visit the FSANZ Consultation Hub. Submissions close…
Published 8 November 2024
Safeguarding food safety through surveillance and horizon scanning
Safeguarding food safety through surveillance and horizon scanning Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) continues to play a vital role in protecting the safety of the food supply through ongoing surveillance and monitoring activities. This year, FSANZ is leading the 28th Australia Total Diet Study (ATDS) – the most comprehensive survey of chemicals, nutrients and other substances in the Australian diet. Over 2,000 food samples are being collected nationwide and analysed for more than 600 chemicals including pesticides, antimicrobials, metals and mycotoxins. The data from the ATDS will strengthen food safety standards and help ensure that the Australian food supply remains safe. FSANZ also conducts targeted surveys. Examples include surveys on pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Australian foods, as well as metals…
Published 31 January 2025
FSANZ Corporate Plan released
FSANZ Corporate Plan released FSANZ has released its 2025–26 Corporate Plan, outlining the agency’s strategic direction and priorities for the 2025–29 period. The plan aligns FSANZ’s work with the new strategic outcomes set out in the Food Regulation Strategic Plan 2025–28, highlighting our role in protecting public health and ensuring safe and suitable food. It also reinforces FSANZ’s commitment to work collaboratively across the bi-national food regulation system and with stakeholders to achieve our vision – World-leading standards, safe food for life. For details of FSANZ’s…
Published 10 September 2025
Food safety for food businesses
Food safety for food businesses On this page Food safety standards Safe Food Australia guidance InfoBites factsheets - Food safety management tools under Standard 3.2.2A Other resources for food service Animations Translations Food safety standards There are seven food safety standards in the Food Standards Code legislation: 3.1.1 Interpretation and application 3.2.1 Food safety programs 3.2.2 Food safety practices…
Published 30 September 2025