NSW Food Regulation updated for 2025

The NSW Food Authority has updated the NSW Food Regulation — the state legislation underpinning its work to ensure food produced and sold in NSW is safe.

The Food Authority must regularly review the Regulation to ensure it remains contemporary and fit for purpose.

Following public consultation in November 2024, the Regulation was remade with amendments and is now in effect.

A key change in the Food Regulation 2025 is the introduction of licensing and notification requirements for berry, leafy vegetable and melon businesses from 12 February 2026.

The move implements new national standards requiring these sectors to strengthen food safety and traceability throughout the supply chain.

The Regulation also requires licensed egg producers to manage food safety risks related to Salmonella Enteritidis, a pathogenic bacteria especially dangerous for infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Strict hygiene measures and regular microbiological testing have been mandated on all commercial egg production facilities to manage the risk.

Licensed egg, dairy, meat, plant products and seafood businesses, and those providing food to vulnerable populations, will have tighter timeframes to report unacceptable microbiological test results.

Some businesses will experience increased costs under the new Regulation, which the Food Authority said will be used to strengthen the enforcement operations.

Other changes include higher penalties, requiring Food Safety Supervisor students to complete their course with one Registered Training Organisation, new laboratory reporting requirements and establishing a plant products industry consultative committee.

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