Innovation and technology have driven rapid change in the food sector, and FSANZ's role is to make sure regulation keeps pace.
Dr Matthew O’Mullane, General Manager, Food Safety Branch, Food Standards Australia New Zealand said they have been working to future-proof the system by applying rigorous assessment processes to new foods, updating standards to reflect emerging technologies and exploring how tools like AI could shape the way food standards are developed and applied.
An example he provided was the recent approval of the first cell-cultured food in the region. The assessment of cell-cultured quail was complex, allowing FSANZ to establish a modernised regulatory framework that includes new standards and safeguards public health while providing innovators with a clear, predictable pathway for future approvals of cell-cultured food.
Recent changes to update the definitions of genetically modified foods in the Food Standards Code have been another way to ensure the framework keeps pace with change.
Dr O’Mullane said these examples show how FSANZ can enable industry innovation while keeping food safe and consumers informed.
“Importantly, our approach to these reforms has been among the most transparent globally, setting a benchmark that other regulators are now looking to,” said Dr O’Mullane.
“As food production evolves and new technologies emerge, our surveillance and monitoring programs help us identify emerging risk and develop appropriate responses, whether they relate to microbial contamination, chemical residues or other food safety issues.”
Dr O’Mullane added that collaboration is central to how FSANZ has developed and maintained food standards. It has worked closely with researchers, industry, public health experts, consumers and its partners across the food regulation system to share information, identify emerging issues and ensure the latest science and technologies are effectively reflected in the Food Standards Code.
Researchers contribute through commissioned studies, expert committees and public consultations, helping ensure our decisions are grounded in robust, up-to-date evidence. FSANZ also engage with industry to understand how new production methods, ingredients and technologies are being used, so our standards remain current and practical.
The national survey of antimicrobial resistance in raw retail meat, the largest since 2008, is providing valuable data to guide future risk management across the food regulation system. At the same time, the 28th Australian Total Diet Study is analysing around 2,000 foods for more than 500 chemicals to monitor dietary exposure.
Together, these studies strengthen the evidence base that underpins food standards and ensure they continue to protect public health.
Internationally, FSANZ has collaborated with organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the World Health Organisation and Codex Alimentarius to share food safety intelligence, contribute to scientific discussions and align with global approaches to food risk analysis.
“Innovation only works if people trust it. Our role is to make sure foods and substances produced by new technologies are introduced safely and transparently, with standards that protect public health and keep pace with innovation,” added Dr O’Mullane.
“Safe, innovative food systems don’t just happen. They are built on science, technology, transparency, risk-proportionate regulation, and, most importantly, collaboration among researchers, regulators, industry, dietary health experts, and consumers.”
Public confidence is grounded in transparency, scientific integrity and accountability, the foundations of a food system that is safe, trusted and ready for the future.
FSANZ is currently undertaking its 2025 Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey to understand better how its work is meeting the needs of those it serves. The survey helps identify what’s working well, where it can improve and how it can continue to strengthen trust in the food regulation system. To have your say, visit foodstandards.gov.au.
