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Call for comment on proposal to vary maximum residue limits of agvet chemicals in foods
Call for comment on proposal to vary maximum residue limits of agvet chemicals in foods Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on its annual proposal to amend the schedule for agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). Schedule 20 of the Code lists the maximum levels of agvet chemical residues allowed in or on foods. After consideration, FSANZ is proposing amendments to Schedule 20 to align maximum residue limits (MRLs) with: those adopted at the 2024 Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting requested by stakeholders seeking alignment with standards set by international trading partners requested by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to reflect changes in agvet chemical usage in Australia. The proposed…
Published 22 January 2026
Call for comment on food made from a GM potato
Call for comment on food made from a GM potato Published Date: 18/07/2024 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to permit the sale and use of food made from a new genetically modified (GM) potato. Potato line BG25 has been genetically modified to have disease-resistance to late blight and Potato Virus Y, as well as low-reducing sugars and reduced browning. If approved, food made from this type of GM potato could be imported into Australia and New Zealand in the form of potato starch, potato flour or pre-cooked potato chips. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said safety assessments are a key part of the FSANZ approval process for all GM foods. “Our safety assessment considered the specific genetic modification process, the nutrient content compared to a non-GM food of its type, and any potential allergic or toxic…
Published 18 July 2024
Call for comment on food made from a genetically modified wheat
Call for comment on food made from a genetically modified wheat Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow the sale and use of food made from a genetically modified (GM) wheat. FSANZ interim CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the application seeks approval to permit food derived from wheat line IND-00412-7 which has been genetically modified to provide drought and herbicide tolerance. “If approved, food made from this type of GM wheat could be imported into Australia and New Zealand in products including flour, bread, pasta and biscuits.' Dr Cuthbert said. “Our safety assessment found no potential public health and safety concerns with this variety of GM wheat. It is as safe as non-GM wheat varieties.' A safety assessment forms part of the approval process for all GM applications.…
Published 12 October 2022
Call for comment on food derived from a GM corn line
Call for comment on food derived from a GM corn line Published 19 March 2024 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions on an application to permit the sale and use of food derived from a genetically modified (GM) corn line. Corn line MON94804 has been genetically modified to reduce the plant’s overall height. This potentially provides higher yields, due to improved access for farming equipment and reduced risk of crop losses from high winds and adverse weather. “If approved, food from this type of GM corn could be imported into Australia and New Zealand via products including starch, grits, meal, flour, oil and sweetener," FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said. “Our safety assessment focused on human food safety and nutritional issues and found food derived from MON94804 is considered to be as safe for human…
Published 19 March 2024
Food irradiation
Food irradiation New provisions permitting the irradiation of fresh fruit and vegetables as a means of controlling the spread of insect pests like fruit fly across our quarantine borders were gazetted in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) on 22 July 2021. This follows FSANZ's May 2021 approval of an application by the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to irradiate all types of fresh fruit and vegetables as a phytosanitary (pest control) measure. For more information about this application see: Application A1193 - irradiation as a phytosanitary measure for all fresh fruit and vegetables Irradiation of fruit and vegetables…
Published 22 July 2021
Call for comment on a new source for an enzyme processing aid
Call for comment on a new source for an enzyme processing aid Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow an already approved enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new source. FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the enzyme (maltogenic alpha-amylase) has a long history of safe use and is already approved to be sourced from a genetically modified (GM) bacterium known as Bacillus subtilis. 'The manufacturer has applied to FSANZ to produce the enzyme from a different GM strain of yeast known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. 'If approved, the enzyme would be used as a processing aid in the manufacture of bakery products to improve shelf life. 'FSANZ has completed a safety assessment and found the enzyme to be safe and suitable for use in food,' Mr Booth said. To have your say, see our…
Published 27 January 2021
Food traceability
Food traceability Being able to track food through all stages of production, processing and distribution will make it easier and quicker for you to recall it if something goes wrong. What are the requirements? Traceability requirements are listed under the following standards: Standard 1.2.2 - Food Identification Requirements, for labelling food Standard 3.2.2 - Food Safety Practices and General Requirements, for food receipt and food recall Primary production and processing Standards 4.2.1 to 4.2.9. What does it mean for me? You should know the details about the food on your premises including where it came from and where it…
Published 30 September 2025
Food handling skills and knowledge
Food handling skills and knowledge 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. Under Standard 3.2.2 Food Safety Practices and General Requirements, the owners of food businesses are responsible for making sure that people who handle food or food contact surfaces in their business, and the people who supervise this work, have the skills and knowledge they need to handle food safely. The only exception to this requirement is for charitable or community fundraising events, which sell food that is not potentially hazardous or that will be properly cooked and then eaten straightaway. The…
Published 11 February 2016
Baby spinach recall concluded
Baby spinach recall concluded Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) can confirm that all affected products, linked to the Riviera Farms baby spinach, have been identified and recalled. FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the national food regulation system worked collaboratively to identify the source of the affected baby spinach, and products it was subsequently incorporated into. All affected products have now been recalled.It has been confirmed the recalled spinach products were sourced from one producer with the spinach all located in one field. The producer has been proactive and cooperative in addressing the issue.Dr Cuthbert said Australia has a world leading food regulation system and farmers and food regulators across the country work tirelessly to ensure Australian's have access to safe and nutritious food. Incidents like these occur infrequently,…
Published 22 December 2022
Home-based food businesses
Home-based food businesses If you're a home-based food business, you need to meet the same food safety requirements as other food businesses - regardless of the size of your business or how often you sell food. Am I a home-based food business? Home-based food businesses use their home (or someone else's) to handle food for sale. This includes preparing food for local markets or school canteens, catering for events, B&Bs, farm-stay or childcare businesses and online food sales from home. What are the requirements? Home-based businesses must comply with relevant parts of the Food Standards Code, including: Standard 3.2.2 - Food Safety Practices and General Requirements…
Published 30 September 2025