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Mercury in fish

Mercury in fish (Last reviewed December 2020) Fish is an excellent source of protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, important vitamins and is low in saturated fat. Although mercury is present at low levels in most fish, there is no need for anyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) to stop eating fish altogether. Mercury occurs naturally in the environment and builds up in fish over time. All fish contain some mercury with most fish having low levels. Only a few species have higher amounts. The amount of mercury depends on the age of a fish, the environment in which it lives and what it eats. Big fish that have long lifespans and predatory fish such as swordfish and shark/flake tend to have higher levels of mercury than other smaller, younger fish. Most people only eat moderate amounts of…

Published 13 December 2020

Glazing agents

Glazing agents (May 2021) Glazing agents are a type of food additive used to coat the outside of food to give it a shiny appearance and/or a protective coating that can extend shelf life. They are typically used on fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery products, chocolate, chewing gum and other confectionary products. Glazing agents include vegetable oils or animal fats (471) and waxes such as beeswax (901), shellac (904) and carnauba wax (903). Before any food additive can be used in food sold in Australia and New Zealand, they must be assessed for safety and approved by FSANZ. As part of the safety assessment, we make sure there is a sound technical reason for their use and that the levels are safe and suitable for food.

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    Published 14 May 2021

Food safety in horticulture

Food safety in horticulture On this page

Horticulture standards The ‘Horticulture Standards’ refers to specific standards under the…

Published 20 September 2023

FSANZ calls for comment on changing the definitions for genetically modified food

FSANZ calls for comment on changing the definitions for genetically modified food Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is seeking public comment on its proposed approach to changing the definitions for 'food produced using gene technology' and 'gene technology'.  These definitions determine what foods are classed as genetically modified (GM) foods under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). Currently, all GM foods permitted for sale in Australia and New Zealand must undergo a pre-market safety assessment by FSANZ and be listed in the Code.  FSANZ interim CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said a 2019 review found the current definitions lack clarity, are outdated and do not capture foods produced using new and emerging genetic technologies, such as new breeding techniques (NBTs) like…

Published 7 October 2021

Food regulatory agencies

Food regulatory agencies If you have a complaint about food quality, safety or contamination, or want information on food business permits or licenses, you will need to contact your local food regulatory agency. See contact details below.  Australian Capital Territory ACT Health Protection Service Phone: 02 5124 9700 Website: https://www.health.act.gov.au/businesses/food-safety-regulation Email: hps@act.gov.au…

Published 29 August 2023

Food Safety Programs for Food Service to Vulnerable Persons - A guide to Standard 3.3.1

Food Safety Programs for Food Service to Vulnerable Persons - A guide to Standard 3.3.1   Standard 3.3.1 is one of the national food safety standards in Chapter 3 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code that outline the responsibilities of food businesses to ensure that the food they produce is safe. This guide has been developed to help enforcement officers and businesses understand the general intent of individual clauses in Standard 3.3.1. Download the guide to Standard 3.3.1 [pdf 1.44mb] Food standards advice FSANZ does not provide advice on compliance with the Code…

Published 14 December 2015

Who we are

Who we are Food safety is our business. We set the standards for safe food and work with our government, industry and public health partners to keep the food supply safe.  Our vision World-leading standards, safe food for life ​Our strategic outcomes

  • An independent and trusted leader
  • Deeply engaged with stakeholders
  • Stewardship of bi-national food standards in a robust and agile food regulation system.
Our mission We develop world leading food standards for Australia and New Zealand that enable a wide variety of safe foods to be available to consumers. We achieve this by applying the talent of our highly skilled subject matter experts, in collaboration with stakeholders to make informed decisions on food safety, public health and science that ensure consumers can…

Published 10 November 2023

Checklist for events held by charities and community organisations

Checklist for events held by charities and community organisations If you are organising an event, you need to make sure the food provided is safe and suitable and that your charity or community organisation complies with food safety requirements. Below is a checklist of questions to help you meet the food safety standards for your event. Have you:

  • notified your enforcement agency about the event and checked requirements with them? 
  • checked that premises and temporary stalls are clean and appropriate for the activities? 
  • provided the supervisor or food handlers with information on safely preparing, transporting and displaying food, and their health and hygiene responsibilities?
  • checked that hand washing and toilet facilities are available at the site?
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    Published 19 February 2018

Isomaltulose

Isomaltulose   Isomaltulose is a sugar substitute found naturally in very small quantities in honey and sugar cane juice. It contains glucose and fructose and therefore has similar properties to traditional sugars. FSANZ has approved the use of isomaltulose as a sugar substitute in food. Isomaltulose provides the same amount of the energy as sucrose, but is digested more slowly, leading to lower and slower increases in blood glucose when compared to sucrose. It is suitable for use as a total or partial replacement for sucrose in certain foods. Commercial isomaltulose can also be made from sucrose using enzymes. Is isomaltulose safe? For most people, yes. However, a FSANZ safety assessment (pdf 403 kb) suggests it is…

Published 13 January 2017

Labelling poster - how to read food labels

Labelling poster - how to read food labels Most packaged foods are required to have a label with important information to help you make informed choices about what you and your family eats. The information required varies depending on the food. Remember certain information about foods that are unlabelled (e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables, or food that is purchased from where it is made such as cafes, bakeries or takeaway shops) may still need to be provided. This information is usually either displayed with the food or provided if you ask for it, for example, if the food contains certain allergens or directions for using or storing the food safely. FSANZ is responsible for developing and maintaining the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which includes standards for food labelling…

Published 13 May 2020