Member Matters

FSANZ outlines regulatory reform opportunities for productivity gains

17 September 2025

In support of the Australian Government’s productivity agenda, 30 regulators and 8 portfolio departments with were asked in July for new ideas to improve regulation and reduce unnecessary compliance burdens.

Food Standard Australia New Zealand’s (FSANZ) response focused on three key themes:

• Digital food labelling: A principles-based review to determine what must remain on-pack, what can be provided digitally (e.g., via QR codes), and what must be available for online shopping with an aim to provide risk-proportionate food regulation, increase consumer access to valued information and help access to current and future export markets whilst supporting food safety, public health and sustainability.
• Alignment of label changes: FSANZ to consider harmonising the timing of label change requirements (noting the total industry cost associated per label change can be up to $400 million) so businesses can implement multiple updates in a single packaging cycle, reducing duplication, waste, and cost.
• International harmonisation of risk assessments: Pursuing greater alignment and mutual recognition of trusted international risk assessments to reduce duplicate work, enable safe and immediate market access and support trade without compromising public health standards. For example, FSANZ has piloted a shared risk assessment program with Health Canada whereby applicants can gain approval in three countries (Canada, Australia and New Zealand) through a single risk assessment undertaken by either agency.

It is positive that these ideas and actions reflect core issues the AFGC has consistently advocated for on behalf of our members. We will continue to actively engage with FSANZ and the government to ensure that these, and other, opportunities are progressed for the benefit of the industry.

Read FSANZ’s full submission here.