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Maximum residue limits - variations

Maximum residue limits - variations Countries around the world use different agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals because they deal with different pests, diseases, climate and other environmental factors. Maximum residue limits for agvet chemicals can be varied to align with international trading partners if there is no public health and safety risk. Variations proposed by the APVMA The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) registers and approves agvet chemicals for use in Australia and may propose MRL variations in the Code based on its assessment of applications for the use of chemicals. When the APVMA proposes changes to MRLs in Schedule 20 of the Code, it will call for public comment on the proposed changes. FSANZ publishes MRL changes proposed by…

Published 19 July 2023

Application Handbook

Application Handbook The Application Handbook provides the essential information required to make an application to vary the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). It provides background information on the Code and FSANZ's role, as well as practical information on the procedure for making an application to FSANZ to vary the Code. The Application Handbook was updated 1 July 2024 to incorporate changes to the way FSANZ charges for applications.…

Published 12 September 2022

Pre-application assistance

Pre-application assistance We encourage you to contact us for assistance before you formally submit an application.Requesting pre-application assistance (including providing a draft application to FSANZ) is not a requirement under the FSANZ Act 1991. However, it can help ensure your application contains the information described in the FSANZ Act 1991. Please note that:

  • FSANZ will not prepare and write an application for you. Nor will we generate and provide data to support your application.
  • Requesting pre-application assistance and providing a draft application does not guarantee your application will be accepted by FSANZ once formally submitted.
  • Any information or comments provided by FSANZ at the pre-application stage are not legally binding…

    Published 18 March 2020

The Food Ministers' Meeting

The Food Ministers' Meeting The Food Ministers' Meeting (the Food Ministers):

  • develops policy guidelines that FSANZ has to have regard to when setting food standards
  • promotes harmonised standards between Australia and New Zealand
  • has general oversight of the implementation of standards
  • promotes a consistent approach to compliance and enforcement by the jurisdictions.
Food Ministers membership is made up of lead ministers (usually health ministers) from Australian state and territory governments and the Australian and New Zealand governments. Other ministers from related…

Published 22 July 2021

Methods of analysis for foods

Methods of analysis for foods July 2001 This guide will help analysts to choose appropriate methods of analysis for food where these are not specified in the Code. Read Methods of analysis for foods Opening or downloading a PDF document Food standards advice FSANZ does not provide advice on compliance with the Code. You may wish to engage a lawyer or consultant for compliance advice. The code is enforced by state and territory and New Zealand agencies and the Department of Agriculture for imported food. To contact us via email about what is in the Food Standards Code use our…

Published 25 September 2014

What do food additives do?

What do food additives do? (May 2016) Some food additives have more than one use. Food additives are listed in the statement of ingredients according to the most appropriate class name for the purpose of the food additive in that food. Examples of the most common class names are:

  • Acids/Acidity regulators/Alkalis help to maintain a constant acid level in food. This is important for taste, as well as to influence how other substances in the food function. For example, an acidified food can retard the growth of some micro-organisms.
  • Anti-caking agents reduce the tendency of individual food particles to adhere and improve flow characteristics. For example, seasoning with an added anti-caking agent flows freely and doesn't clump together.
  • Antioxidants retard or prevent the…

    Published 26 May 2016

Additives

Additives Food additives play an important part in our food supply ensuring our food is safe and meets the needs of consumers. How to find out about a food additive If you want to know more about a food additive look at the ingredient list on the food label for the additive's function and name or number, e.g. acidity regulator (260). You can use this information to gain a better understanding of what is in the food you eat. The lists below can help you identify food additives as you shop.

Aspartame

Aspartame Aspartame is an intense sweetener added to low-energy or sugar-free foods. It is used in foods including yoghurt, confectionery and carbonated beverages. The safety of aspartame has been comprehensively reviewed by FSANZ and other international organisations, including:

  • Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization
  • Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
  • European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
  • US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).
All scientific evidence to date supports the safety of aspartame for use as a sweetener, however re-evaluation work is proposed. In…

Published 4 May 2022

Food colours

Food colours (February 2019) Food colours are either produced naturally or derived synthetically. Like all food additives, colours must undergo a safety assessment by FSANZ before they can be used in food or drinks sold in Australia or New Zealand. This process sets a safety limit for food additives to try and ensure no one would eat an unsafe level, even if they ate a large amount of foods containing the colour over a lifetime. The food colours currently approved have been used safely for decades and FSANZ reviews all new evidence about the safety of food colours. Surveys undertaken by FSANZ have found that Australian children consume low levels of food colours. Food intolerance Some people notice a reaction to either natural or synthetic additives.…

Published 14 May 2021

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