Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released its 2024–25 Annual Report, detailing a year of progress in food standards development, regulatory modernization, and stakeholder engagement across Australia and New Zealand.

The agency reports levels of consumer trust in FSANZ exceeding 80 percent.

Advancing Food Standards and Innovation

In 2024–25, FSANZ approved 20 applications, including several landmark decisions. Notably, FSANZ approved Application A1269, permitting the use of cell-cultured quail as a novel food—marking the first cell-based meat approval for both countries. This decision was supported by a new food safety standard tailored to future cell-cultured products.

The agency also finalized Proposal P1055, updating definitions for genetically modified (GM) food to better align with international best practices and support a risk-based regulatory framework. Two alcohol labeling proposals, P1059 and P1049, were also approved to enhance transparency around energy, carbohydrate, and sugar content in alcoholic beverages.

Other approvals included the low-energy sweetener D-allulose, which is now permitted as a novel food, and Application A1314, which allows food service in aircraft cabins when small pets are present, under defined safety conditions.

FSANZ also completed public consultation on proposed changes to strengthen egg safety requirements and updated maximum residue limits (MRLs) to support trade and food safety.

Strengthening Surveillance, Scientific Evidence, and Collaboration

Regarding national food safety surveillance efforts, FSANZ progressed the 28th Australian Total Diet Study (ATDS), analyzing more than 2,000 food samples for more than 500 chemicals. Supplementary studies on metals in herbs and spices, baking powder, and baked goods are also underway, with results expected in mid-2026.

Additionally, the agency advanced a national survey on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food, with findings anticipated in late 2025.

These initiatives will help to build a robust evidence base for risk assessment and regulatory decision-making.

In 2024–25, FSANZ also coordinated 87 food recalls, consistent with the ten-year average, and responded to more than ten food safety incidents, including contaminated cooking oil in China and a tomato virus outbreak in South Australia. The agency also published its second Consumer Insights Tracker, capturing public perceptions of food safety and regulation across both nations.

Additionally, FSANZ maintained strong engagement with stakeholders through Codex committees, international liaison groups, and domestic forums in 2024–25, leading or participating in more than 30 international forums and projects.

Looking Ahead: Reform and Modernization

FSANZ is preparing for legislative reforms under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991, aimed at modernizing the bi-national food regulation system. Key initiatives for 2025–26 include:

• Reviewing the Health Star Rating system and nutrition information panel
• Updating standards for toddler milk, infant foods, caffeine, and eggs
• Publishing results from the ATDS and AMR survey in retail meats.