Overview
The Food Ministers’ Meeting met on 1 May 2026 to consider food regulation and policy matters.
The Hon Rebecca White MP chaired the meeting. The members of the meeting are the Australian and New Zealand ministers responsible for food.
Observers: Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), Australian Local Government Association
Key outcomes
The key outcomes were about:
Food Regulation Agreement
The Food Regulation Agreement is an agreement between the Australian Government, states and territories. It supports a consistent, national approach to food regulation.
Ministers agreed to progress an updated Agreement for signing by the Prime Minister and First Ministers. The update is intended to streamline governance arrangements and support the ongoing operation of the food regulation system.
The updated Food Regulation Agreement will start on the date it is signed by the Australian Government and at least one other party.
Caffeine Review
Ministers agreed to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to introduce new requirements for the retail sale of caffeine and guarana extract as a food, and for adding caffeine to food for retail sale.
The changes address public health and safety concerns related to excessive caffeine consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations, and aim to curb the expansion of unsafe caffeinated products within the general food supply.
This work strengthens consumer protections while maintaining access to safe foods and ensuring consumers have access to clear information. Everyday foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate will remain largely unaffected by these changes.
Next meeting
The food ministers will next meet in July 2026. Until then, find out more about food regulation activities.
Contact
If you have any queries, please contact the Food Regulation Secretariat