FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) writes the Food Standards Code — but your state regulator and council enforce it. What FSANZ means for your food business.
FSANZ — Food Standards Australia New Zealand — is the independent statutory agency that develops the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. It writes the rules, but it does not inspect or enforce them: in Australia, your state or territory regulator and your local council do that. Knowing the difference tells you who to listen to, and who will walk through your door. What FSANZ actually does. FSANZ is a bi-national government agency that sets food standards for Australia and New Zealand. Its main job is to develop and maintain the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code — the body of law covering labelling, food additives, contaminants, primary production and, for Australia, the food safety standards that apply to businesses. FSANZ also coordinates national food-recall processes and provides science-based guidance. What FSANZ does not do is license your venue, carry out inspections, or issue fines. Those powers sit with the states and territories and are usually delegated to local councils. FSANZ vs the Code vs your regulator. FSANZ writes the standards. The Food Standards Code is the law those standards live in. Your state/territory regulator and local council adopt the Code into state law and enforce it — registration, inspections and any penalties come from them. So when an environmental health officer visits, they are enforcing your state's food act and the Code — not "FSANZ rules" directly. Register and check local requirements with your council or state regulator. What FSANZ means for your business. Two parts of the Code matter most day to day. Standard 3.2.2A sets food-safety management requirements — many businesses must appoint a Food Safety Supervisor, train food handlers and keep evidence their controls work. Standard 1.2.3 governs allergen declarations (Plain English Allergen Labelling, or PEAL). FoodSafety HQ turns both into daily digital checks and records that are timestamped and ready for an inspection. Does FSANZ inspect my food business? No. FSANZ develops the Food Standards Code but does not carry out inspections or enforcement. In Australia your state or territory regulator and your local council handle registration, inspections and any penalties. Is FSANZ the same as the Food Standards Code? No. FSANZ is the agency; the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code is the set of standards it writes and maintains. Does FSANZ certify or approve food safety software? No. FSANZ does not certify software. FoodSafety HQ is built to align with the Food Standards Code, but no vendor is "FSANZ-certified" — treat any such claim with caution. Where do I register my food business? With your local council or state/territory regulator, not FSANZ. Requirements and fees vary by jurisdiction, so confirm the process with your council.
Frequently asked questions
Does FSANZ inspect my food business?
No. FSANZ develops the Food Standards Code but does not carry out inspections or enforcement. In Australia your state or territory regulator and your local council handle registration, inspections and any penalties.
Is FSANZ the same as the Food Standards Code?
No. FSANZ is the agency; the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code is the set of standards it writes and maintains.
Does FSANZ certify or approve food safety software?
No. FSANZ does not certify software. FoodSafety HQ is built to align with the Food Standards Code, but no vendor is "FSANZ-certified" — treat any such claim with caution.
Where do I register my food business?
With your local council or state/territory regulator, not FSANZ. Requirements and fees vary by jurisdiction, so confirm the process with your council.
