FSANZ Unveils Key Updates to Food Standards Code: Essential Guidance for Seafood and Cell-Cultured Industries

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has recently made some important updates to the Food Standards Code. These changes aim to improve food safety and inform consumers better.

On July 25, 2025, Australian Food Ministers approved four key changes, which will soon be officially adopted:

1. Energy Labeling on Alcoholic Beverages: From now on, all alcoholic drinks must show their energy (kilojoule) content. This transparency helps consumers make informed choices.

2. Carbohydrate and Sugar Claims: Alcoholic beverages can make nutrition claims about sugar content. However, specific sugar details, like fructose, cannot be mentioned.

3. Genetically Modified Foods: Updated definitions for genetically modified foods ensure that regulations reflect current technology. This keeps food safety at the forefront while making the rules easier to understand.

4. Traveling with Pets: New rules allow food to be served on Australian flights when pet cats and dogs are onboard under controlled conditions. This change makes travel easier for pet owners while still prioritizing food safety.

In addition to these updates, FSANZ has revised the Compendium of Microbiological Criteria for Food. This guide now includes specific advice for the seafood industry and emerging cell-cultured foods.

The updated seafood chapter shares best practices for handling microorganisms and maintaining hygiene for ready-to-eat products and shellfish. This is crucial as seafood can present unique safety challenges.

The new chapter on cell-cultured foods, developed with industry input, sets clear microbiological criteria. This is especially relevant as interest in these foods rises, providing a clear path for safe production.

Overall, these updates reflect FSANZ’s commitment to keeping food safety relevant and effective in a changing landscape. The focus on both innovation and consumer protection marks a step forward for the food industry in Australia.

For a deeper look into these changes and their implications, you can check out the FSANZ website.

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