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Australia & New Zealand Food Regulation Updates

| Food News
Posted By: Katarina Ciric

As demand for transparency and clean-label products rises across Australia and New Zealand, staying on top of evolving food safety regulations is more critical than ever. From ingredient restrictions set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to labelling updates and shifting pesticide residue limits enforced by FSANZ and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), food manufacturers and exporters must act quickly to ensure compliance.

Leveraging regulatory compliance software can help businesses track changes, streamline regulatory checks, and safeguard against costly recalls - while reinforcing consumer confidence and brand integrity. 

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This article is your essential guide to the latest FSANZ and MPI food regulation updates shaping Australia and New Zealand’s dynamic food industry. 

 

 

Australia Updates Import Conditions for Egg Products from New Zealand – June 14, 2025

Australia has revised its import conditions for egg and egg products from New Zealand, reflecting New Zealand's regained status as free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The updated rules, effective June 14, 2025, aim to streamline trade while maintaining biosecurity safeguards.

Key Changes for Importers

  • Processed Egg Products: Egg products (excluding table eggs and those with eggshell) processed before October 26, 2024, or after April 24, 2025, are now permit-free, provided all Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) are met.
  • Table Eggs: Importation of table eggs is permitted with a valid import permit if sourced and processed during disease-free periods or from approved disease-free zones in New Zealand.
  • Biosecurity Alignment: These changes align with New Zealand's HPAI-free status and are designed to minimize trade disruptions in the event of future disease outbreaks.
  • Permit Holders: Existing permit holders will be contacted individually regarding how these updates affect their imports

Announcement Date: June 14, 2025
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Egg and egg products
Effective Date: June 14, 2025

 

Australia Updates Import Conditions for U.S. Cherries – April 28, 2025

On April 28, 2025, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry released updated import conditions for fresh cherries from the United States, introducing stricter protocols for phytosanitary certification, packaging, and labelling. These changes aim to reinforce Australia’s plant biosecurity measures and ensure traceability of U.S. cherry imports.

Key Updates to Import Requirements

  1. Phytosanitary Certification Requirements
    • All shipments must include a phytosanitary certificate that:
    • Declares the cherries originate from approved U.S. counties
    • Confirms compliance with the relevant operational work plan
    • Lists detailed fumigation treatment information, including:
      • Lot codes
      • Treatment dates
      • Facility identifiers
      • Treatment IDs
  2. Packaging Standards
    • Packaging must meet secure consignment standards, such as:
      • Sealed cartons
      • Polythene liners
      • Mesh-covered vents
    • These measures are designed to prevent pest entry during shipment.
  3. Labelling Requirements
    • Labels must clearly display:
      • Country of origin
      • Fruit type
      • Packing and/or treatment facility codes
      • Treatment ID

These updates apply to importers, customs brokers, and department staff managing cherry consignments at ports of entry.

Regulatory Objective

The changes ensure that imported cherries meet Australia’s strict plant quarantine standards, enhance traceability, and reduce pest risk, while maintaining smooth trade flows with the United States.

Announcement Date: April 28, 2025
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Fresh cherries imported from the United States
Effective Date: April 28, 2025

 

 

New Zealand Proposes Updated MRLs for Agricultural Compounds – March 16, 2025

On March 16, 2025, New Zealand Food Safety and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) issued proposed amendments to the “Food Notice: Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for Agricultural Compounds.” The draft outlines revised limits for key pesticides and veterinary compounds across various food categories, reflecting updated safety assessments and residue data.

Key Proposed MRL Changes

Glyphosate

  • 10 mg/kg for: wheat, barley, oats
  • 6 mg/kg for: dried peas

Haloxyfop (new MRLs introduced)

  • 0.02 mg/kg for: mammalian meat and fat
  • 0.5 mg/kg for: offal
  • 0.002 mg/kg for: milk

Methamidophos

  • Now prohibited
  • MRLs merged with acephate, its parent compound, due to residue breakdown linkage

Flupyradifurone

  • 0.1 mg/kg for: fat and meat
  • 0.4 mg/kg for: offal
  • 0.05 mg/kg for: milk

Maduramicin

  • 0.1 mg/kg for: poultry meat
  • 1 mg/kg for: offal
  • 0.5 mg/kg for: liver

These adjustments reflect the MPI’s goal of maintaining science-based residue limits that safeguard public health while supporting agricultural productivity.

Public consultation is open until May 16, 2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed changes and submit feedback via the MPI's consultation portal.

Announcement Date: March 16, 2025
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Cereals, pulses, meat, milk, poultry, offal
Deadline for Public Comments: May 16, 2025

 

Australia Updates Dairy Import Conditions Following FMD Outbreak in Germany - January 24, 2025

On January 24, 2025, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry implemented new import conditions for dairy products intended for human consumption, in response to a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Germany. This revision impacts import protocols for dairy items, including cheese, and reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to biosecurity and public health protection.

Key Regulatory Changes

  • Revised Import Criteria for German Dairy
    Dairy products from Germany may only be imported into Australia if they were processed before November 14, 2024, the designated FMD exclusion date.
  • Change in FMD-Free Status
    As of January 11, 2025, Germany was removed from Australia's list of FMD-free countries, and is no longer officially recognized as FMD-free by the Director of Biosecurity.
  • Scope of Affected Products
    This update applies to:
    • All dairy products for human consumption, including milk, cheese, and other processed dairy goods
    • Importers and customs brokers managing German-origin dairy shipments

Compliance and Industry Impact

Importers must:

  • Verify the processing date of any dairy product originating from Germany
  • Ensure documentation proves processing occurred before November 14, 2024
  • Avoid non-compliant shipments, which may be detained or rejected upon entry

These measures are part of Australia's preventive strategy to safeguard livestock health and maintain trade integrity, particularly in the face of shifting disease status among trading partners.

Announcement Date: January 24, 2025
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Dairy products (including cheese) from Germany
Effective Date: January 24, 2025

 

 

Australia Approves Hypsizygus marmoreus for Import Under Existing Mushroom Conditions - January 22, 2025

On January 22, 2025, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry approved Hypsizygus marmoreus, a species now formally recognized as a synonym of Hypsizygus tessulatus, for import under the country's existing mushroom import requirements. This update simplifies classification and supports consistent import processing for specialty mushroom varieties.

Key Update Details

  • Hypsizygus marmoreus is now officially recognized in BICON cases (Biosecurity Import Conditions System) under:
    • Human consumption
    • Propagation purposes
  • The species is already known in culinary markets under names like beech mushroom or shimeji mushroom and is now treated identically to Hypsizygus tessulatus in regulatory terms.

Scope of the Regulation

  • Importers, customs brokers, and departmental biosecurity staff are impacted by this nomenclature alignment
  • No changes have been made to import conditions for other mushroom categories

Trade and Compliance Impact

This clarification:

  • Streamlines the import approval process for a widely used edible mushroom
  • Prevents unnecessary delays caused by taxonomic differences in species names
  • Reinforces Australia’s commitment to clear and science-based biosecurity management

Announcement Date: January 22, 2025
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Hypsizygus marmoreus (aka Hypsizygus tessulatus)
Effective Date: January 22, 2025

 

 

Australia Updates Maximum Residue Limits for Agricultural Chemicals - December 11, 2024

On December 11, 2024, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) published revised Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) under Schedule 20 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, Instrument No. APVMA 5, 2024. These updates reflect the latest evaluations by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to ensure consumer safety and compliance with evolving agricultural practices.

Key MRL Amendments

  • Chloridazon in Beetroot
    • MRL increased from 0.05 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg
    • Reflects updated residue studies and usage patterns in root vegetable cultivation
  • Fipronil in Maize (Cereals)
    • A temporary MRL set at 0.01 mg/kg
    • Supports limited and monitored use during pest control interventions
  • Florylpicoxamid in Bananas
    • New MRL established at 0.5 mg/kg
    • Enables controlled use in tropical fruit production
  • Fluralaner in Cattle Products
    • Revised residue limits by tissue type:
      • Edible offal (excluding kidney/liver): 0.25 mg/kg
      • Kidney: 0.25 mg/kg
      • Liver: 0.6 mg/kg
      • Fat: 0.7 mg/kg
      • Muscle: 0.07 mg/kg

These adjustments align with toxicological assessments and dietary exposure models, ensuring MRLs remain within safe consumption thresholds.

Compliance and Industry Considerations

The changes impact growers, food processors, importers, and veterinary product users managing MRL-sensitive commodities.

Products entering the food supply chain must now reflect the updated residue limits to remain compliant with domestic and international trade standards.

Announcement Date: December 11, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Beetroot, maize cereals, bananas, cattle offal and meat
Effective Date: December 11, 2024

 

 

Australia Updates Import Conditions of Standard Permits for Microalgae - December 3, 2024

On December 3, 2024, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry implemented updated import conditions for microalgae under its standard permit system, expanding the list of allowable components in imported goods. This revision enhances regulatory clarity and supports product innovation in nutrition, supplements, and bioprocessing sectors.

Key Changes to Microalgae Import Permits

The updated standard permit now allows microalgae products to include:

  • Highly refined organic chemicals and substances listed by the department
  • Sugars, glucose, and gum-based ingredients commonly used in food, feed, or supplement formulations

These ingredients are permitted provided they meet Australia’s biosecurity standards and are used within the context of permitted microalgae imports.

Implications for Existing Permit Holders

Importers with permits issued before December 3, 2024 may:

  • Apply for a variation to include the new ingredient permissions
  • Or obtain a new standard permit under the updated framework

This update facilitates greater flexibility in formulation and sourcing, particularly for industries working with nutraceuticals, aquaculture feed, and algae-derived food products.

Announcement Date: December 3, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Microalgae products

 

 

FSANZ Issues Consultation on Fructosyltransferase from Aspergillus oryzae as Processing Aid - November 7, 2024

On November 7, 2024, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) released a draft proposal to amend Schedule 18 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, seeking approval for a new processing aid enzyme, Fructosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.9) from Aspergillus oryzae, for use in the production of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS).

Purpose of the Proposal

The enzyme would be permitted as a processing aid under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for sc-FOS, a prebiotic dietary fiber used in a variety of functional foods, beverages, and supplements.

Safety and Regulatory Evaluation

FSANZ’s safety assessment concluded:

  • The enzyme source organism is non-pathogenic and non-toxigenic
  • No public health or safety concerns were identified
  • The enzyme aligns with international standards from JECFA and the Food Chemicals Codex

International Trade and Compliance Impact

  • There is no Codex Alimentarius standard specific to processing aid enzymes, so this proposal is unlikely to impact international trade
  • The approval would support cost-effective, high-efficiency production for sc-FOS manufacturers, with potential innovation benefits for prebiotic product developers

Public Consultation Window

Stakeholders, including food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and regulatory professionals, are invited to submit feedback before the consultation deadline of December 5, 2024.

Announcement Date: November 7, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS)
Deadline for Public Comments: December 5, 2024

 

 

Australia and New Zealand Update Standards for Meal Replacements and Supplementary Foods - October 21, 2024

On October 21, 2024, the Federal Register of Legislation published a revised Standard 2.9.3 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, establishing new definitions and nutritional requirements for formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods. These updates aim to improve consumer understanding and promote accurate health-related claims for products designed to support dietary needs without replacing the entire diet.

Key Definitions

  • Formulated Meal Replacement (FMR)
    Defined as food designed to replace one or more meals, but not the total daily diet.
  • Formulated Supplementary Food (FSF)
    Products intended to supplement the normal diet to provide additional energy and nutrients.

Updated Nutritional Requirements

For Formulated Meal Replacements:

  • Minimum protein: 12g per serving
  • Energy content: 850 kJ minimum
  • Must contain at least 25% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for specified vitamins and minerals
For Formulated Supplementary Foods:

  • Minimum protein: 8g per serving
  • Energy content: 550 kJ minimum
  • Must provide at least 20% of the RDI for one vitamin or mineral

Labelling and Claims

  • Nutrition Information Panels must declare average quantities of vitamins and minerals
  • Nutrient content and health claims are permitted only if RDI criteria are met
  • All product labels must clearly state that they are not total diet replacements

Industry Impact

These standards:

  • Enhance clarity and consistency in the functional food and supplement market
  • Guide manufacturers in product formulation and labelling compliance
  • Help consumers make informed decisions about nutritional products

Announcement Date: October 21, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Formulated meal replacements, formulated supplementary foods
Effective Date: October 21, 2024

 

 

Australia Releases Food Standards Code Covering Nutrition and Health Claims  - August 19, 2024

Australia has updated its regulatory framework for food labeling and advertising by consolidating and clarifying key provisions in Schedule 4 – Nutrition, Health and Related Claims of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Published on August 19, 2024, in the Federal Register of Legislation, the revised schedule outlines stricter and clearer requirements for making nutrition and health claims across food categories.

Key Updates in the Consolidated Schedule 4:

  • Defined Nutrition Content Claims:
    • The updated regulation sets specific conditions for making claims related to fatty acids, sugars, and other nutrients. Food businesses must ensure claims about nutrient levels, such as “low sugar” or “high in omega-3," meet quantifiable criteria.
  • Stricter Health Claim Standards:
    • Both general health claims (e.g., “calcium is good for bones”) and high-level health claims (e.g., “calcium reduces risk of osteoporosis”) must be backed by scientific evidence and comply with stringent requirements related to the food’s composition and nutritional profile.
  • Clarity on Vitamin and Mineral Claims:
    • Serving size and reference quantity are now emphasized in evaluating whether a food meets the threshold for making vitamin or mineral claims. This ensures alignment with national dietary guidelines and prevents misleading consumers.
  • Clearer Terminology:
    • Key terms such as “sugars,” “carbohydrates,” and “fatty acids” are now more precisely defined. These definitions enhance labeling consistency and improve consumer understanding across all food categories.

This update aims to improve transparency and protect public health by ensuring that nutrition and health claims are both scientifically substantiated and clearly communicated to consumers.

Announcement Date: August 19, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Fatty acids, sugars, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals

 

 

Australia Updates Import Rules for Fresh Tomatoes from New Zealand - June 11, 2024

On June 11, 2024, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry announced updated import conditions for fresh tomatoes arriving from New Zealand for human consumption.

Key Provisions of the Updated Import Conditions:

  • Approval for Compliant Growers: Fresh tomatoes produced under the New Zealand Code of Practice are now eligible for import, provided all new import conditions are met.
  • BICON-Based Requirements: All imports must conform to updated import protocols specified in BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions system), including documentation, pest risk management, and inspection processes.
  • Exclusion of Truss Tomatoes: Fresh truss tomatoes remain prohibited. Only loose fresh tomatoes that comply with the Code of Practice are permitted.
  • Target Audience: These updated conditions specifically affect tomato traders, logistics providers, and biosecurity compliance officers involved in trans-Tasman produce shipments.

Announcement Date: June 11, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Fresh tomatoes (excluding truss tomatoes)
Effective Date: June 21, 2024

 

 

Australia Approves New Mushroom Species for Import - June 4, 2024

On June 4, 2024, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry updated its import conditions for mushrooms intended for human consumption, expanding the list of permitted species for entry into the country. This change supports broader culinary and trade flexibility while maintaining Australia's strict biosecurity controls.

Newly Permitted Mushroom Species

The following mushroom species have been added to the permitted list:

  • Macrolepiota albuminosa (syn. Termitomyces albuminosus)
  • Tylopilus felleus
  • Lignosus rhinocerus (syn. Polyporus rhinocerus)

These species are now authorized for import into Australia, provided they comply with applicable import requirements, including inspection, documentation, and biosecurity protocols.

Scope of the Update

  • The regulation applies to dried, fresh, and frozen mushroom forms
  • No changes have been made to the existing import restrictions on medicinal mushroom species
  • The notice is relevant to importers and customs brokers involved in the mushroom trade

Industry Impact

This expansion allows:

  • Greater market access for specialty mushroom varieties in Australian food and retail sectors
  • New sourcing opportunities for food manufacturers, culinary suppliers, and gourmet importers
  • Continued alignment with safety and import compliance requirements under national biosecurity standards

Announcement Date: June 4, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Dried, fresh, and frozen mushrooms (select species)
Effective Date: June 4, 2024


 

 

Australia Modifies Import Conditions for Decrowned Pineapples - April 18, 2024

Australia has revised its import conditions for fresh decrowned pineapples, according to an announcement from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) on April 18, 2024. 

What’s Changing?

The updated conditions specifically impact pineapple shipments from the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Taiwan. Key modifications include:

  • Restructured Import Conditions: Revised entry requirements now apply to pineapples from the specified countries, with a focus on alignment across origin points.
  • Strengthened Biosecurity Measures: Enhanced protocols target pest risk management through improved offshore mitigation strategies and clearer on-arrival inspection expectations.
  • Updated Labeling Requirements: Carton labels must now meet new traceability standards to support efficient tracking and regulatory compliance.

These changes are relevant for pineapple importers, the Biosecurity Imports Support Team (BIST), and Pathway Operations Cargo.

Compliance Considerations

Importers should closely review the new import documentation and biosecurity procedures to ensure uninterrupted market access. Non-compliance may result in delays or rejections at the border.

Announcement Date: April 18, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Fresh decrowned pineapples

 

 

Australia Sets Import Conditions for Fresh Chilli Fruit from Fiji - April 1, 2024

Effective April 1, 2024, Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has implemented new import conditions for fresh chilli fruit originating from Fiji, excluding the Island of Rotuma, and other Pacific nations. This regulatory shift expands market access while enforcing stringent biosecurity oversight.

Approved Varieties and Source Countries

Under the updated import rules, the following chilli varieties are now eligible for import:

  • Bird’s Eye
  • Hot Rod
  • Red Fire

These conditions apply to chilli imports from the following countries:

  • Fiji (excluding Rotuma)
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • Tonga
  • Vanuatu

Biosecurity and Compliance Requirements

All chilli imports must comply with the established biosecurity import requirements for fresh Capsicum spp. fruit. Key obligations include:

  • Import Permit Requirement: Importers must obtain a valid permit from DAFF prior to shipment.
  • Pathway Oversight: All import activities must align with approved cargo and pathway operations protocols to minimize pest risks and ensure traceability.

This regulation is particularly relevant for fresh produce importers, customs brokers, and logistics providers managing horticultural products.

Announcement Date: April 1, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Fresh chilli fruit (Capsicum spp.) – bird’s eye, hot rod, red fire

 

 

FSANZ Proposes Food Standards Variation on Added Sugars for Claims - December 7, 2023

On December 7, 2023, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) released a proposal under Section 92 of the FSANZ Act 1991 to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This proposed variation centers on how added sugars are defined and regulated in nutrition and health-related claims.

What’s in the Proposal?

The draft instrument introduces several clarifications and modifications to ensure consistent and transparent sugar-related claims on food products:

  • Scope Clarification: Confirms that section 1.1.1-9 of Standard 1.1.1 does not apply to the changes introduced by this new regulation.
  • Updated Schedule 4 Guidelines: Provides specific guidance on how "sugar" or "sugars" from any source must be treated in the context of nutrition and health claims.
  • Clearer Definitions Introduced: Adds formal definitions for labeling terms including:
    • Unsweetened
    • Low
    • Reduced/Lite
    • No Added
    • % Free Sugars
  • Compound Ingredient Interpretation: Clarifies the use and meaning of compound ingredients under the sugar claim framework.
  • Transition & Compliance Requirements: All food products must meet the new criteria within defined transition and post-transition periods.

Who Should Pay Attention?

This proposal has significant implications for food manufacturers, product developers, and compliance teams across Australia and New Zealand. Clear definitions are intended to reduce consumer confusion and enhance trust in sugar-related marketing claims.

Announcement Date: December 7, 2023
Food & Ingredients Impacted: All foods making nutrition or health claims involving sugar

 

 

FSANZ Approves GM Enzyme for Beer Brewing - October 20, 2023

On October 20, 2023, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) issued a proposal under Section 92 of the FSANZ Act 1991 to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The amendment authorizes the use of alpha-glucosidase derived from genetically modified Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid in brewing applications.

Key Regulatory Changes

  • Update to Food Standards Code: The use of alpha-glucosidase is formally incorporated under Schedule 18, which governs enzymes permitted as processing aids.
  • Application in Brewing: This enzyme facilitates starch breakdown in the beer production process, improving fermentation efficiency and final product consistency.
  • GMP Compliance Required: The enzyme's use is conditional on adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) limits, ensuring it remains a residual processing aid with no function in the final beverage.

Industry Implications

Brewers and ingredient suppliers should update formulations and processing documentation to reflect this regulatory change. Compliance with GMP standards will be essential to ensure continued market access and regulatory conformity.

Announcement Date: October 20, 2023
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Beer and beer-related products using enzyme processing aids
Effective Date: October 30, 2023

 

 

New Zealand Proposes MRL Changes for Key Pesticides in Produce - September 12, 2023

On September 12, 2023, New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) proposed amendments to the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for Agricultural Compounds Food Notice under Section 405 of the Food Act 2014. The proposal includes updated pesticide limits for specific fruits and aims to ensure consumer safety while aligning with international standards.

Proposed MRL Amendments

The updates affect Schedule 1 of the regulation and include revised MRLs for several pesticides used in horticultural production:

  • Fenpyrazamine: 0.05 mg/kg for grapes
  • Fluxapyroxad: 0.15 mg/kg
  • Fenpyroximate: 0.15 mg/kg for avocados

These limits are based on current agricultural use patterns and supported by risk assessments showing that long-term dietary exposure is unlikely to pose health concerns.

What This Means for Industry

The proposed changes impact growers, exporters, agrochemical suppliers, and food safety compliance teams. Stakeholders are encouraged to review and comment during the open consultation period to ensure practical implementation and trade continuity.

Announcement Date: September 12, 2023
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Grapes, avocados, and other produce treated with Fenpyrazamine, Fenpyroximate, and Fluxapyroxad
Key Compliance Dates: November 13, 2023

 

 

Australia and New Zealand Add Rapeseed Protein Isolate to Novel Foods Code - August 30, 2023

On August 30, 2023, the Federal Register of Legislation officially published an update to Schedule 25 – Permitted Novel Foods of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991. This amendment expands the list of approved novel food ingredients with important restrictions for use.

Key Regulatory Details

  • Novel Food Listing: The update confirms the inclusion of rapeseed protein isolate as a permitted novel food in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Use Restrictions: This ingredient is explicitly prohibited in infant formula and foods for infants, ensuring compliance with infant nutrition safety standards.
  • Specification Compliance: Any use of rapeseed protein isolate must meet the compositional and safety specifications set out in section S3-39(A) of the Code.

Compliance and Product Development Impact

Food product developers and regulatory affairs teams should verify ingredient sourcing and labeling to align with the specific conditions for rapeseed protein isolate. This update presents opportunities for new high-protein formulations while maintaining strict compliance in infant categories.

Announcement Date: August 30, 2023
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Rapeseed protein isolate (novel food)
Effective Date: July 19, 2023

 

 

New Zealand Proposes to Amend Food Notice on Maximum Residue Levels - July 26, 2023

On July 26, 2023, New Zealand Food Safety (Ministry for Primary Industries) released a draft notice proposing updates to the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for Agricultural Compounds under Section 405 of the Food Act 2014. The proposed amendments reflect current Good Agricultural Practices and evolving residue science.

What’s in the Proposal?

The draft notice introduces multiple changes across Schedules 1 to 3 of the regulation:

  • Schedule 1: Revised residue definitions for:
    • Carbendazim
    • Cyromazine
    • Fluralaner
  • Schedules 2 & 3: Clarify agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines that are not subject to MRLs, streamlining compliance for these substances.
  • Highlighted Amendments: All MRL changes are explicitly marked, supporting easier review and stakeholder feedback.

Risk Assessments and Consumer Safety

Toxicological and dietary exposure evaluations conducted by the Ministry confirm that the proposed residue levels are not expected to present health risks to consumers, reinforcing confidence in domestic and export food safety standards.

Stakeholder Implications

This draft impacts growers, exporters, agri-chemical registrants, and food compliance professionals. Stakeholders should assess the changes and contribute feedback before the consultation window closes.

Announcement Date: July 26, 2023
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Crops and animal products treated with Carbendazim, Cyromazine, Fluralaner
Key Compliance Dates: September 24, 2023

 

 

FSANZ Proposes HMO Expansion in Infant Formula - June 21, 2023

On June 21, 2023, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) released a draft proposal to amend the Food Standards Code to permit broader use of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in infant formula products (IFP).

Key Regulatory Updates

The proposed changes focus on lifting existing restrictions and expanding approved HMO combinations in IFP:

  • Permitted HMO Combinations: The proposal covers the voluntary addition of:
    • Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT)
    • Combined with Inulin-type Fructans (ITF) and/or Galacto-oligosaccharides
  • Safety Confirmed: Scientific evaluations affirm that combining LNnT with ITF or Galacto-oligosaccharides is safe for infants, mirroring oligosaccharide levels found in human milk.
  • Regulatory Code Amendment: The amendment would officially allow the use of four HMOs in infant formula formulations, enhancing nutritional options for manufacturers and caregivers.

Implications for Industry

Infant formula manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and regulatory teams should prepare for formulation updates and ensure compliance with any new compositional and labeling standards introduced by the final rule.

Announcement Date: June 21, 2023
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Infant formula products containing LNnT, ITF, Galacto-oligosaccharides
Deadline for Public Comments: July 7, 2023

 

 

Australia and New Zealand Update Infant Formula Standard – June 5, 2023

On June 5, 2023, the Federal Register of Legislation formally published Standard 2.9.1 – Infant Formula Products under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, in accordance with the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991. This standard provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for the composition, labeling, and packaging of infant formula products, including those for special dietary uses.

Scope and Key Regulatory Elements

The standard includes:

  • General compositional requirements for all categories of infant formula products, including infant formula, follow-on formula, and specialized formulations
  • Coverage of products designed for infants with special dietary needs, such as allergy management or metabolic conditions
  • Mandatory labeling and packaging requirements to ensure clear communication of nutritional information, ingredient content, and usage instructions
  • Comprehensive guidelines for the manufacture, presentation, and distribution of infant formula in Australia and New Zealand

These updates aim to protect infant health, support nutritional adequacy, and ensure consistency across local and imported infant formula products.

Effective Date and Compliance

All manufacturers and importers must ensure compliance with Standard 2.9.1 by April 21, 2023, to legally market infant formula products in either jurisdiction.

Announcement Date: June 5, 2023
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Infant formula, follow-on formula, specialized infant nutrition products
Effective Date: April 21, 2023

 

 

Australia Enforces Cold Treatment Rule for Korean Grape Imports - April 5, 2023

On April 5, 2023, the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources announced updated import conditions for fresh grapes from Korea. These changes have been formally listed in the Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system and are designed to bolster Australia's biosecurity protections.

Key Updates for Importers

The latest BICON update introduces specific procedural requirements for grape shipments from Korea:

  • Cold Treatment Requirement: All fresh grapes must undergo cold treatment to mitigate pest risks. This may be completed:
    • Pre-shipment at approved offshore facilities, or
    • In-transit using refrigerated reefers under controlled schedules
  • Approved Protocols: Treatment must adhere to strict BICON-approved cold treatment schedules, ensuring traceability and compliance.
  • Formal BICON Listing: These updated conditions are now officially included in the BICON system and are enforceable at the border.

Who’s Affected?

These revised conditions apply to grape importers, customs brokers, and Pathway Operations Cargo-Assessment and Inspection teams. Stakeholders must ensure all documentation and shipment handling aligns with the new biosecurity protocols to avoid clearance delays or noncompliance penalties.

Announcement Date: April 5, 2023
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Fresh table grapes from Korea
Effective Date: April 5, 2023

 

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