Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) recently released its annual call for comment on proposed changes to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for nominated agricultural and veterinary chemicals. FSANZ is considering requests to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to align 127 chemicals with limits set by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, Codex Alimentarius Commission, and other international food standards agencies.

As part of the annual harmonization process, FSANZ will add or amend an MRL if the results of internationally benchmarked dietary exposure assessments find there are no public health and safety concerns. The proposed amendments are intended to help reduce trade barriers and support Australian food imports while ensuring food safety.

Limits established in the Food Standards Code are based on how much of a chemical is needed to control pests or diseases and are set below the acceptable levels to protect public health and safety.

FSANZ invites comments from interested parties on the proposed amendments by 6:00 P.M. AEST on October 4, 2023.