Egg food safety review proposes updates to Food Standards Code

Following a Salmonella outbreak in 2018–19 linked to eggs that resulted in 245 illnesses, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) conducted a review of egg food safety and primary production requirements. FSANZ is now calling for comments on a draft variation of food regulatory measures it has proposed as part of its review.

Proposed amendments to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) are designed to strengthen egg and egg product safety in Australia through measures including environmental monitoring, improved traceability, and temperature control during storage and transport.

FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said eggs are an important part of a healthy diet and a staple food for many Australians, so ensuring their continued safety is essential.

“Our proposed changes build on existing biosecurity and food safety measures to further reduce the risk of Salmonella enteritidis and strengthen traceability throughout the supply chain,” Cuthbert said.

“These evidence-based amendments will help to minimise risks to public health, improve the response to potential outbreaks and support nationally consistent regulation.”

Submissions close at 11.59 pm (AEST) on 12 May 2025.

To find out more, click here.

Image credit: iStock.com/Ray Orton