Search
Search results 341-350 of 2548
New plant breeding techniques
New plant breeding techniques (July 2013) Executive Summary Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) convened an expert scientific panel to provide advice on a number of new plant breeding techniques that have come to the attention of regulators. Appendix 1 provides details of the membership of the panel. The techniques discussed were:
- Pioneer Hi-Bred International's proprietary seed production technology (SPT) - developed for use in corn to improve the efficiency of hybrid seed production. It involves using a genetically modified (GM) plant line to propagate a male-sterile plant line which is then used as one of the parents to produce hybrid seed. The genetic modification is not inherited by the hybrid plant line.
-
Reverse breeding - a novel…
Published 6 March 2018
Vibrio parahaemolyticus and raw Pacific oysters from Coffin Bay, SA
Vibrio parahaemolyticus and raw Pacific oysters from Coffin Bay, SA
Latest update: As of 15 December 2021, South Australian authorities are permitting some oyster farmers in the Coffin Bay growing area to recommence harvesting and sale of oysters. For more information refer to the PIRSA and SA Health websites below.Commonwealth, state and territory food regulators and health authorities are investigating an increase in cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus linked to the consumption of raw Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) produced in Coffin Bay, SA. On 19 November 2021, SA Health issued an emergency order to recall raw Pacific oysters produced in Coffin Bay, including…
Published 20 December 2021
Perfluorinated compounds
Perfluorinated compounds Perfluorinated compounds and their derivatives are man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of products, including garments and textiles, fabric protection, furniture, and some types of fire-fighting foam. There are three principal contaminants that may be found in contaminated food: PFOS; PFOA and PFHxS. The scientific literature on the effects of these chemicals on people is inconclusive. However, testing on animals has shown some effects at low doses. National Heath Measures Survey The National Heath Measures Survey (NHMS) 2022–24 measured 11 different types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the blood of Australians. The key findings were:
- Three out of the 11 types PFAS tested (PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA) were…
Published 3 June 2025
The 2030 Roadmap
The 2030 Roadmap Setting direction for FSANZ proposals work Proposals to amend or develop food standards are central to FSANZ’s role within the food regulation system. Through this work, FSANZ ensures the Food Standards Code remains fit for purpose, supporting strong food safety and public health protections while enabling innovation and efficiency across the food industry. Proposals are wide-ranging, complex pieces of work requiring detailed review and assessment of scientific evidence, regulatory options and stakeholder input from public consultations. While applications to change the Code are generally completed within 12 months, proposals can often span multiple years due to their scope, complexity, evidence requirements, and policy significance Given the scale and duration of…
Published 19 March 2026
Notification Circular 199-22
Notification Circular 199-22 6 May 2022 199-22 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). For information about progress on all current applications and proposals, including anticipated consultation opportunities, see the FSANZ Food Standards Development Work Plan. Call for submissions FSANZ has extended the final deadline for the 1st call for submissions by one week and invites written comments by 6pm (Canberra time) 17 June 2022.
Information for health professionals
Information for health professionals Health professionals (including allied health professionals) have an important role in helping people manage their food allergies. The Allergen Collaboration has agreed to a number of key messages on food allergy for health professionals and these are listed below. Key messages
- Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment with adrenaline (epinephrine)
- People at risk of anaphylaxis need to be referred to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist or doctor with experience in food allergy management
- General practitioners or specialists should complete and provide ASCIA Action Plans and prescribe adrenaline autoinjector scripts if needed. In Australia, authorisation…
Published 22 August 2022
FSANZ Board Communique: 16 & 17 September Meeting
FSANZ Board Communique: 16 & 17 September Meeting Overview The Food Standards Australia and New Zealand Board met on 16 and 17 September 2025 to discuss and decide on food standard matters. Matters for Decision notified to the Food Ministers’ Meeting Once notified, the Food Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) has 60 days to consider FSANZ Board decisions on standards matters. The following decisions will be notified within 10 business days: P1060 Egg Food Safety and Primary Production Requirements The Board approved Proposal P1060 which strengthened…
Published 25 September 2025
Intense Sweeteners
Intense Sweeteners Intense sweeteners are many times sweeter than sugar which means they can be used in much smaller amounts. They are classed as food additives and added to foods to replace sugar to provide low or lower energy/kilojoule foods or foods that are reduced in sugar or sugar-free. Some intense sweeteners occur naturally in some plants and can be extracted to produce a highly concentrated extract. Examples are steviol glycosides extracted from the South American plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (stevia) and monk fruit extract (also called luo han guo extract) which is derived from the fruit of a perennial vine native to southern China. FSANZ, together with the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand recently conducted a review of all the intense sweeteners…
Published 5 April 2023
P1044 - Plain English Allergen Labelling
P1044 - Plain English Allergen Labelling New requirements for the labelling of allergens in food come into force on 25 February 2024. These requirements were developed through FSANZ Proposal P1044 – Plain English Allergen Labelling. The new requirements include that allergen information is to be declared:
- in a specific format and location on food labels, and
- using simple, plain English terms in bold font.
Published 26 February 2021
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