Aim
Reform the joint food regulation system to keep it strong, robust and agile.
Leads
On behalf of the Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC) the leads for this activity are:
- New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- NSW Department of Primary Industries.
FRSC members are the leads for project work.
Authorisation
At their April 2017 meeting, the ministers agreed on the 2017 to 2021 priorities for the food regulation system.
At their November 2019 meeting, the ministers endorsed an ambitious plan to reform the joint food regulation system.
They recognised that governments, industry, consumers and public health advocates in both countries play a critical role. The reform process will involve all relevant stakeholders.
Status
A new strategic plan, updated operational arrangements and system support documents were implemented in 2025. This included publishing a new system statement and regulator commitments. Find out more about the reformed strategic focus for the food regulation system.
Supporting activities, including the separate but related review of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 and Food Regulation Agreement review, are continuing and will build on these reforms.
Supporting documents
These documents support the FRSC’s work on the future of the food regulation system. They do not represent the views of FRSC members.
- Theory paper on contemporary regulatory models
- Ensuring consistency across Australia and New Zealand’s bi-national food regulatory system
- Key areas of inconsistency in food regulation
Related information
View all the activities to maintain a strong and agile food regulation system.