FSANZ call for industry comment on agvet chemicals in food

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on a proposal to amend the schedule for agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). The proposal relates to Australia only.

Schedule 20 of the Code lists the maximum levels of residues of agvet chemicals that are allowed, in or on foods. FSANZ is proposing amendments to Schedule 20 after consideration of maximum residue limits (MRLs):

• adopted at the 2023 Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting, 
• requested by stakeholders seeking alignment with standards set by international trading partners, and
• to reflect changes in agvet chemical use in Australia as requested by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

The proposed MRL changes would permit the sale of foods containing legitimate residues of agvet chemicals at levels consistent with the effective control of pests and diseases. Residues at these levels were assessed by FSANZ and pose no concern to public health and safety of Australian consumers.

To have your say about this application, visit the FSANZ Consultation Hub. Submissions close at 6pm (AEDT) 29 October 2024.

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