As 2025 draws to a close, I reflect with pride on the progress we have made with our food regulation system partners and stakeholders to keep food safe and trusted in a rapidly evolving food system environment.
This year, following rigorous scientific assessment and extensive stakeholder consultation, we delivered a range of important food regulatory outcomes for Australia and New Zealand. We strengthened national standards for egg production and processing to ensure eggs remain a safe and trusted staple in Australian households, updated the definitions for genetically modified (GM) foods to bring the Food Standards Code into line with current science and introduced mandatory energy labelling on alcoholic beverages to support informed consumer choice.
We approved cultured quail, the first cell-cultured food in Australia and New Zealand, marking a milestone in food innovation, while advancing preparatory work on front- and back-of-pack nutrition labelling. We also continued to gather the data and evidence needed to underpin standards development through national food surveillance, including progressing the 28th Australian Total Diet Study and a national study into antimicrobial resistance in the Australian food supply.
Internationally, we continued to engage in key forums and dialogues to share our scientific and regulatory expertise, strengthen global alignment and contribute to discussions on emerging food safety issues. We also continued our Shared Assessment Process with Health Canada which has now supported the approval of 6 GM food applications. This world-leading, collaborative model reduces duplication and supports faster access to safe and innovative products while maintaining high standards.
Last month, food ministers endorsed our roadmap to 2030 which outlines a clear forward plan for FSANZ proposals work over the next 5 years. This includes an evaluation framework to ensure our standards remain fit-for-purpose, digital labelling and eCommerce standards, and an international alignment review. We will continue to work closely with our partners and stakeholders to deliver these important initiatives.
Thank you for your collaboration and engagement throughout 2025. I wish you a safe and happy holiday season and I look forward to celebrating 30 years of joint Australia New Zealand food standards in 2026.
Dr Sandra Cuthbert, CEO.
FSANZ