Aims
Review the effectiveness of the:
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act)
- operations and responsibilities of FSANZ.
Leads
The Australian Government is the lead for this activity.
Authorisation
The Australian Government is the owner of this activity. The FSANZ Act Review started in July 2020.
Status
A Review Report is approaching finalisation. The report outlines the 4 components of the review and the concepts considered. It also outlines the issues to be resolved, stakeholder perspectives and recommendations for reforms. Collectively, the recommendations seek to:
- strengthen the purpose and objectives of FSANZ
- reform standard-setting processes
- improve the efficiency, effectiveness and agility of FSANZ operations to support the food regulation system into the future.
Once finalised, the Australian Government and New Zealand Government will receive the Review Report for consideration and response. Both governments must agree to any proposed changes to the FSANZ Act that arise from this consideration.
The Impact Analysis will inform government decision-making and is pending completion. This incorporates feedback provided through 3 rounds of public consultations between 2020 and 2024 and additional face-to-face workshops and meetings with stakeholders from public health and consumer groups, the food industry, and states and territories.
Completed work
Work completed to date:
- consultation on the draft impact analysis from February to April 2024 – presented 2 options for consideration.
- several face-to-face sessions with public health and consumer groups, and food industry stakeholders between August 2023 and February 2024.
- consultation on the draft regulatory impact statement from April to May 2021 – presented 3 options for consideration.
- consultation on the scoping paper from October to November 2020 – considered issues and opportunities for the review
Related information
This review supports the activity to reform the food regulation system.
View all system support activities.