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.
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 Tightens Import Rules for Retorted Salmon Roe - March 5, 2026
Australia Tightens Import Rules for Canadian Bivalves - February 16, 2026
New Zealand Updates Guidance on Drying of Non-Dairy Animal Products – January 15, 2026
Australia Updates Finfish Import Permit Rules - November 28, 2025
New Zealand Restricts Glyphosate Use on Grains – October 30, 2025
Australia has updated its import evidence requirements for retorted salmon roe, including caviar, in response to biosecurity compliance concerns. On March 5, 2026, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) announced changes to the documentation required under the country’s Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON).
The update replaces the current manufacturer’s declaration requirement with a mandatory Official Government Certificate for imported retorted salmon roe products.
According to Australian authorities, inspections have identified imports labeled as retorted salmon roe (including caviar) that did not meet the processing standards required for retorted goods. These inconsistencies raised biosecurity concerns related to salmonid pathogens.
Authorities noted that many manufacturers rely on pasteurization rather than retort processing. While pasteurization is common in seafood processing, it does not meet Australia’s biosecurity controls for salmonid products.
To qualify as retorted salmon roe under Australia’s import conditions, products must meet strict thermal processing criteria:
Products processed through pasteurization rather than full retort sterilization do not satisfy these requirements and may be rejected at the border.
Australian authorities are advising importers to review supplier processes and documentation to ensure products genuinely meet retort processing standards.
The transition to an Official Government Certificate aims to strengthen verification and reduce the risk of improperly processed salmon roe entering the Australian market.
Importers should coordinate with competent authorities in exporting countries to ensure certification will be available before the new documentation rule takes effect.
Announcement Date: March 5, 2026
Link to Regulation: https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/ViewElement/Element/Alert?elementPk=2450169
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Fish and Fish Products
Effective Date: March 5, 2026 (new evidence requirement effective June 1, 2026)
On February 16, 2026, the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) updated the Import Requirements for Bivalve Molluscs from Canada, introducing mandatory foreign government certification for certain products.
The changes, published through BICON and an Imported Food Notice (IFN 04-26), take effect immediately and apply to both whole bivalve molluscs and specific bivalve mollusc products entering Australia.
Effective February 16, 2026, mandatory government certification is required for:
Exclusions:
Certification Requirements
Under the updated rules:
Consignments arriving without a recognized certificate will be directed for supervised re-export or destruction at the importer’s expense, reinforcing the strict compliance expectations under Australia’s biosecurity framework.
In addition to certification requirements, consignments may be referred to the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) for:
Importers should also note that the BICON food safety requirements case has been revised. All mandatory certification and testing requirements must be verified directly through BICON prior to shipment to ensure full compliance.
Australia maintains rigorous biosecurity controls to mitigate food safety and public health risks. These updates strengthen oversight of imported bivalve molluscs and align certification requirements with Australia’s broader imported food safety regime.
Canadian exporters and Australian importers should review supply chain documentation processes immediately to avoid costly disruptions at the border.
Announcement Date: February 16, 2026
Link to Regulation: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/food/notices/ifn04-26
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products (containing 50% or more meat)
Effective Date: February 16, 2026
New Zealand Food Safety has proposed revisions to its guidance on the further processing of non-dairy animal products, with a focus on drying and concentration methods. Released for public consultation on January 15, 2026, the updated draft reflects the latest legislative, technical, and food safety developments under the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
These revisions aim to strengthen food safety outcomes while supporting industry compliance with modern best practices.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review and comment on the proposed changes before the consultation period closes.
Announcement Date: January 15, 2026
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Non-Dairy Animal Products
Deadline for Public Comments: February 12, 2026, at 5 p.m. (NZDT)
The Australian Government has proposed significant changes to the import conditions for low-risk and medium-risk finfish intended for human consumption. Announced by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on November 28, 2025, the updated rules aim to streamline permitting and strengthen biosecurity safeguards.
These updates reflect Australia's ongoing commitment to food safety and animal health, particularly regarding emerging risks tied to international trade.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed conditions and submit comments by January 31, 2026. The revised import conditions took effect immediately upon publication.
Announcement Date: November 28, 2025
Link to Regulation: BICON - Case Alert
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Finfish
Deadline for Public Comments: January 31, 2026
Effective Date: November 28, 2025
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and New Zealand Food Safety have finalized new rules on the use of glyphosate in food crops, reinforcing residue limits and tightening application guidelines. The announcement, made October 30, 2025, focuses on cereals commonly used for human consumption, aiming to strengthen consumer safety and export integrity.
These changes reflect growing international scrutiny over glyphosate use in food production and align with broader global trends toward more restrictive pesticide regulations.
Grain growers and food manufacturers must review and update their crop management practices to comply with the new pre-emergence only rule. Importers and exporters should also verify that grain sources meet these tightened guidelines, particularly for wheat, barley, and oats intended for food-grade markets.
Announcement Date: October 30, 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.
Announcement Date: June 14, 2025
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Egg and egg products
Effective Date: June 14, 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.
These updates apply to importers, customs brokers, and department staff managing cherry consignments at ports of entry.
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
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.
Glyphosate
Haloxyfop (new MRLs introduced)
Methamidophos
Flupyradifurone
Maduramicin
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
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.
Importers must:
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
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.
This clarification:
Announcement Date: January 22, 2025
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Hypsizygus marmoreus (aka Hypsizygus tessulatus)
Effective Date: January 22, 2025
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.
These adjustments align with toxicological assessments and dietary exposure models, ensuring MRLs remain within safe consumption thresholds.
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
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.
The updated standard permit now allows microalgae products to include:
These ingredients are permitted provided they meet Australia’s biosecurity standards and are used within the context of permitted microalgae imports.
Importers with permits issued before December 3, 2024 may:
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
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).
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.
FSANZ’s safety assessment concluded:
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
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.
For Formulated Meal Replacements:
These standards:
Announcement Date: October 21, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Formulated meal replacements, formulated supplementary foods
Effective Date: October 21, 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.
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
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.
Announcement Date: June 11, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Fresh tomatoes (excluding truss tomatoes)
Effective Date: June 21, 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.
The following mushroom species have been added to the permitted list:
These species are now authorized for import into Australia, provided they comply with applicable import requirements, including inspection, documentation, and biosecurity protocols.
This expansion allows:
Announcement Date: June 4, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Dried, fresh, and frozen mushrooms (select species)
Effective Date: June 4, 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.
The updated conditions specifically impact pineapple shipments from the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Taiwan. Key modifications include:
These changes are relevant for pineapple importers, the Biosecurity Imports Support Team (BIST), and Pathway Operations Cargo.
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
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.
Under the updated import rules, the following chilli varieties are now eligible for import:
These conditions apply to chilli imports from the following countries:
All chilli imports must comply with the established biosecurity import requirements for fresh Capsicum spp. fruit. Key obligations include:
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
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.
The draft instrument introduces several clarifications and modifications to ensure consistent and transparent sugar-related claims on food products:
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
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.
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
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.
The updates affect Schedule 1 of the regulation and include revised MRLs for several pesticides used in horticultural production:
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.
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
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.
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
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.
The draft notice introduces multiple changes across Schedules 1 to 3 of the regulation:
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.
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
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).
The proposed changes focus on lifting existing restrictions and expanding approved HMO combinations in IFP:
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
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.
The standard includes:
These updates aim to protect infant health, support nutritional adequacy, and ensure consistency across local and imported infant formula products.
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
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.
The latest BICON update introduces specific procedural requirements for grape shipments from Korea:
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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