Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

Definition

The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code is a regulatory framework designed to ensure the safety and quality of food sold in Australia and New Zealand. 

What is the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code?

Compliance with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code is mandatory for food businesses, including manufacturers, importers, and retailers. It sets out the standards for food labelling, food safety, and food composition, and it applies to all food products, including imported goods, within these two countries.

The Code is administered by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), a bi-national agency responsible for developing and maintaining the standards. It is structured into multiple parts, each addressing different aspects of food regulation. 

The Code aims to protect public health and safety by establishing food standards that ensure food products are safe for consumption and accurately labelled. This includes setting maximum limits for contaminants, specifying food handling practices, and regulating claims made on food packaging, such as nutritional content or health benefits.

The Code helps facilitate trade between Australia and New Zealand by providing a consistent set of regulations, thereby reducing barriers to food trade and promoting a high level of consumer protection across both countries.

Example of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

A small juice bar in Sydney must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code by accurately labelling its product ingredients and nutritional information. 

The juice bar makes sure that all labels clearly list the contents, allergen information, and nutritional claims, such as “low in sugar,” as required by the Code. This compliance not only helps the business meet regulatory standards but also builds customer trust by providing transparent and reliable product information. It also helps the juice bar avoid legal issues and penalties, while also supporting the business’s reputation for quality and safety.