Who Oversees Australia's Food Standards?

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is the government body responsible for food standards in Australia. It is an independent statutory authority that develops the Food Standards Code, which includes food standards, labelling requirements, and warnings and advisory labels. FSANZ also coordinates and monitors food recalls in Australia to protect consumers from unsafe food. The Australian Government and state and territory governments enforce the standards in line with their food legislation.

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Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)

The role of FSANZ extends beyond standard-setting to include coordinating national food surveillance and food recall systems, as well as developing codes of conduct and guidance materials for the food industry. FSANZ works with international agencies responsible for food regulation and welcomes feedback from the community and stakeholders on applications and proposals to change the Food Standards Code.

FSANZ sets labelling requirements for both packaged and unpackaged food items, including mandatory warnings and advisory labels. Food recalls are also coordinated and monitored by FSANZ to remove unsafe food from distribution and sale, protecting consumers. The Food Standards Code requires certain foods and substances to be declared when present in a food as ingredients, including food additives or processing aids.

The Australia and New Zealand food regulatory system involves the Australian Government, Australian states and territories, and the New Zealand Government. FSANZ develops food standards under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which is then enforced by state and territory governments in both countries. Food standards are applied across the food supply chain and cover general food standards, including labelling requirements.

The joint food regulation system ensures that the food standards and laws set by the governments are consistently enforced, making food safe to eat for the public in both countries.

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Food safety

The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is an independent statutory authority that plays a pivotal role in safeguarding food safety. FSANZ has been setting the standards for safe food in Australia and New Zealand for over 25 years. It develops the Food Standards Code, which encompasses food standards, reviews, and variations. FSANZ also coordinates national food surveillance and food recall systems, collaborating with international agencies in the realm of food regulation. The authority welcomes feedback and proposals from the community and stakeholders, ensuring a transparent and inclusive process.

The Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code, commonly known as "the Code," is a comprehensive set of standards that govern the safety and quality of food in both countries. This Code is developed by FSANZ and enforced by state and territory governments in Australia, ensuring consistency in food safety across the supply chain, from "paddock to plate." The Code includes mandatory labelling requirements for packaged and unpackaged food items, helping consumers make informed choices and protecting those with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Food recalls are an essential component of the food safety framework. FSANZ coordinates and monitors food recalls in Australia, removing unsafe food items from distribution and sale. These recalls may be due to contamination, incorrect labelling, packaging faults, or the presence of undeclared allergens. Businesses are legally obligated to immediately remove any food found to be unsafe from distribution, sale, and consumption to protect public health.

Additionally, the Australian food regulation system offers non-regulatory tools such as voluntary schemes, education, and guidance to complement the regulatory framework. The Health Star Rating system and resources like the Safe Food Australia guide empower individuals and organisations to make informed choices and handle food safely. Ultimately, food safety is a collective responsibility, and these tools contribute to a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety of Australia's food supply.

Food labelling

The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is the key independent authority responsible for setting the labelling requirements for food products. FSANZ develops the Food Standards Code, which includes mandatory labelling requirements for both packaged and unpackaged food items. This code ensures that consumers have access to essential information about the food they purchase.

The labelling requirements under the Food Standards Code are comprehensive. For instance, the code requires certain food additives, processing aids, and ingredients to be declared on the label. This helps consumers make informed decisions, especially for those with specific dietary needs or allergies. Additionally, the code mandates nutrition information on labels, including details about sugar, salt, and saturated fat content.

FSANZ also plays a crucial role in coordinating and monitoring food recalls in Australia. When unsafe or mislabelled food products are discovered, FSANZ works to remove them from distribution and sale to protect consumers. This proactive approach ensures that only safe and correctly labelled food products remain on the market.

Furthermore, FSANZ encourages public participation in the development and review of food standards. It welcomes feedback and written comments from individuals and organisations during the public consultation process. This collaborative approach allows FSANZ to consider a wide range of perspectives and ensure that the Food Standards Code remains relevant and effective.

Food recalls

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is the government body responsible for food standards in Australia. FSANZ has set the standards for safe food in Australia and New Zealand for over 25 years. The body conducts public consultations on proposed food standards and welcomes feedback from stakeholders and the broader community on applications and proposals to change the Food Standards Code. The Food Standards Code requires certain foods and substances to be declared when they are present in a food as ingredients, including food additives or processing aids. FSANZ also sets labelling requirements for both packaged and unpackaged food items, including mandatory warnings and advisory labels.

• A recall of a Woolworths sausage product sold in Western Australia in March 2023.
• A recall of Enoki mushrooms imported from South Korea and sold in Asian grocery stores across the country in June 2023 due to contamination with a dangerous bacterium.
• A recall of anchovies sold at Aldi in May 2023 over fears they would make people sick.
• A recall of various frozen pie products by The Standard Market Company in January 2025 due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (egg).
• A recall of Adora Handmade Chocolates- Easter Egg Rocky Road Products 350g in April 2025 due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (pistachio).

Food policy

Food safety is a critical aspect of public health, and Australia has strenuous regulations and standards to ensure that its food supply is safe, whether locally produced or imported. The Australian government, along with state and territory governments, enforces these standards through their food legislation.

The Department of Agriculture ensures that imported products meet Australia's biosecurity laws and food standards, and most packaged foods are required to have labels providing nutrition information to enable consumers to make informed choices. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is an independent statutory authority that plays a crucial role in setting the standards for safe food in Australia and coordinating national food surveillance and recall systems. FSANZ operates under the guidance of the Food Ministers' Meeting, which is responsible for developing food regulatory policies and guidelines, ensuring consistency in food standards compliance and enforcement.

The Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code, developed by FSANZ, sets the requirements for labelling, including mandatory warnings and advisory labels. FSANZ welcomes feedback from the community and stakeholders and encourages public consultations on proposed food standards. This collaborative approach ensures that the standards are responsive to the needs and concerns of consumers.

Food recalls are an essential aspect of food safety, and FSANZ coordinates and monitors these recalls to protect consumers from unsafe food. Businesses also have a responsibility to uphold food safety standards, and they must immediately remove any food found to be unsafe due to contamination, incorrect labelling, or packaging faults.

In addition to FSANZ and the Food Ministers' Meeting, other key government agencies involved in the food regulation system include state and territory agencies responsible for enforcing food regulations in Australia and the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand. This collaborative effort between Australia and New Zealand ensures that food standards are consistently enforced, and the two countries work together to align their domestic and export food standards with international standards.

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