ANNUAL REPORT

2022 . 2023
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© Food Standards Australia New Zealand 2023
ISSN: 2208-3820
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Kingston ACT 2604 Wellington 6140
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Ph: +61 2 6271 2222 Ph: +64 4 978 5630
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

CONTENTS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL 1

2022–23 HIGHLIGHTS 2

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S YEAR IN REVIEW 4

PART 1: ABOUT FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND 8

Objectives and functions 9
Purpose 10
Vision 10
Mission 10

PART 2: ANNUAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENTS 11

Performance criteria 13
Performance outcomes 14

PART 3: MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY 35

Corporate governance 36
Corporate Plan 36
Accountability to the Minister and Parliament 36
FSANZ Board 37
Board committees 47
Compliance and assurance 48
People 49
Management of human resources 52
Executive remuneration 55

PART 4: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 58

Financial performance overview 59
2022–23 Financial Statements 60

APPENDICES 83
Work Plan 84
Report against the FSANZ Act requirements 87
2022–23 summary report on emerging issues 98
List of requirements 100
Australian Public Service Net Zero 2030 Reporting 104
Index 105

i
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

The Hon Mark Butler MP

Minister for Health and Aged Care
House of Representatives
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Minister Butler

On behalf of the Board of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ),

I am pleased to present to you the FSANZ Annual Report for the year ended
30 June 2023.

This report has been prepared in accordance with section 46 of the Public Governance,
Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth), the Public Governance, Performance and
Accountability Rule 2014 and the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991.
I confirm this report complies with these requirements.

The report includes FSANZ’s audited financial statements and annual performance
statements for 2022-23. Our fraud control arrangements comply with section 10 of
the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014.

Yours sincerely

Glenys Beauchamp PSM

Chair

4 October 2023

Letter of Transmittal 1
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

2022–23 HIGHLIGHTS

Released Led an
the updated Safe Food ASEAN
Australia guide to project
food safety to harmonise
standards maximum
residue limits for
imported foods

Achieved consumer
confidence levels 40 public

above 80%
consultations

Commenced assessment 22 calls for

submission
of applications for on standards
two new foods –
cultured quail
and GM banana Reaffirmed kava
standards
in the
Code

2 2022-23 Highlights
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Progressed
a national survey
of antimicrobial
Increased resistance in
our stakeholder retail food
satisfaction rating to

75% 24
International
Reviewed food standards
the safety of titanium
dioxide in food forums led or
participated in

Completed
sampling and data
Coordinated collection for 4 food
93 food recalls safety surveys
and
2 national
food
incidents
FINALISED
20 applications
and 2 proposals

2022-23 Highlights 3
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S

YEAR IN REVIEW
I am pleased to present the 2022–23
Annual Report for Food Standards
Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
Food safety is our business. Our primary responsibility is
to protect public health and safety by ensuring a safe food
supply in partnership with food and health authorities
in Australia and New Zealand. We do this by developing
evidence-based standards for regulators and industry,
monitoring the safety of the food supply, supporting
consumers to make informed choices and coordinating
food incidents and recalls in Australia.

FSANZ achieved strong results in 2022–23 by engaging productively with our stakeholders,
focussing on our priorities and upholding our organisational values. Our highly skilled and
expert staff work hard to maintain and enhance public and industry trust in the food regulatory
system, using the best available science and evidence to develop strong food standards and
deliver our essential food safety functions.

As CEO, it has been my pleasure to lead the agency through another year of achievement.
We are proud to be the stewards of bi-national food standards and key contributors to a robust
and agile food regulatory system. Alongside the FSANZ Board, our Executive leadership team
and dedicated staff remain committed to delivering on our vision – World-leading standards, safe
food for life.

Standards development
Food standards are at the heart of our bi-national food regulatory system. The standards in
the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) underpin food safety compliance
in industry, support effective enforcement activity by food authorities, protect the safe food
brands of both nations and maintain consumer confidence in the food supply. This year, FSANZ
completed work on and secured food ministers’ agreement to 20 applications, two proposals
and a review of the kava standard, resulting in a range of Code amendments and new and
strengthened standards.

4 Chief Executive Officer’s year in review

 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

We remain committed to delivering on our vision -

World leading standards, safe food for life.

The approved proposals delivered new primary production and processing standards for
three horticulture commodities (P1052 – PPP requirements for horticulture (Berries, Leafy
Vegetables and Melons)) and new food safety management tools for the food services
sector (P1053 – Food Safety Management Tools). Together, the new standards strengthen
safeguards for industry and food safety for consumers, supporting Australia’s Foodborne Illness
Reduction Strategy 2018–2021+. FSANZ also updated the Safe Food Australia guide to support
implementation of the new food safety management tools.

In addition to these important proposals, FSANZ reaffirmed amendments to the kava standard
in the Code after a 12-month review process. The 2022 amendments to the standard were
made to ensure continued protection of public health and safety following the Australian
Government’s decision to allow the commercial importation of kava into Australia from
December 2021.

We also progressed work on proposals to revise definitions for gene technology and new
breeding techniques, review infant formula, sports foods, caffeine and egg safety standards and
consider labelling changes for added sugars and alcoholic beverages.

Of the 20 applications approved in 2022–23, all but one (95%) were completed ahead of
statutory timeframes, delivering an almost 20% improvement on our 2021–22 result (77%).
FSANZ also commenced work on two applications for new foods not previously assessed – one
for a genetically modified banana and another for cultured quail meat. Public consultation on
these applications is expected in late 2023.

Food safety, surveillance and evidence

FSANZ continues to be a world leader in using data and risk-analysis to support food safety
standards development, food supply surveillance and food recall activity to protect public
health and safety.

To support standards work, FSANZ commissioned the development of a model to estimate the
annual cost of foodborne illness in Australia. This new tool represents a world-leading approach
to estimating costs arising from foodborne illness and targeting management measures to
areas of most concern. The model was used to estimate costs of illness from 10 significant

Chief Executive Officer’s year in review 5

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

foodborne pathogens which assisted in refining regulatory measures for horticulture and the
food service sector. FSANZ and government regulators will be able to use and update this tool
into the future to focus actions across the food system.

FSANZ coordinated sampling for the national survey of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in food.
Analysis work for this survey continues with findings expected in early 2024. This survey will
contribute significantly to the evidence base for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food and
provide robust data to inform decision-making.

We also helped customise a survey tool for use in the Australian 2023 National Nutrition and
Physical Activity Survey. The survey tool went live in early 2023 and allows for the collection of
dietary intake data in an online format which will be used to estimate national food and nutrient
intakes. FSANZ delivered the draft food composition datasets to enable intake estimation and
support reporting against Australian Dietary Guidelines. These significant pieces of work will
contribute to better understanding the food and nutrient intake of the Australian population.

FSANZ coordinated 93 food recalls in 2022–23, up from 79 in 2021–22 and above the 10-year
average of 79 recalls. We also coordinated national responses to food incidents related to
thebaine toxicity linked to poppy seeds and toxic weed contamination in spinach. Both food
recalls and incident response are critical tools in ensuring a safe food supply for Australian and
New Zealand consumers.

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement

FSANZ is proudly collaborative and enjoys strong working relationships with our stakeholders.
We continue to focus on maintaining and enhancing productive engagement with our
stakeholders. Initiatives undertaken in 2022–23 included:
» Establishing the Science and Food Safety Dialogue to build government collaboration among
food safety and risk assessment agencies in the Asia–Pacific region, with the first meeting held
in Singapore in April 2023.
» Continued leadership of a range of international projects, including the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) import maximum residue limit (MRL) project.
» Introduction of the Consumer Insights Tracker, an annual nationally representative survey of
Australian and New Zealand consumers that will inform FSANZ’s standards development work
and risk analyses and provide up to date trend data on key trust measures.
» A trial of the Citizen Space digital engagement platform to test new approaches to public and
stakeholder consultation and build agency capacity and capability in digital engagement.

6 Chief Executive Officer’s year in review

 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Leadership and organisational change

Significant progress was made during the year to embed a strong leadership culture in the
agency. In consultation with staff, FSANZ developed an action plan to build manager leadership
capability, remove unnecessary bureaucratic processes, better articulate organisation priorities
considering tight fiscal constraints, support a safe and inclusive workplace through the
appointment of a new Diversity Champion and establish a new People and Culture Forum.

I want to thank FSANZ employees for their resilience and professionalism as the work tempo
increased through 2022–23. Our staff have worked diligently to ensure we deliver for the
Australian and New Zealand communities.

Looking ahead
The future food landscape will present a more challenging food safety and regulatory
environment. Looking ahead, as an independent scientific agency, FSANZ’s focus will be on
supporting the future-readiness of the bi-national food system while continuing to grow the
high level of trust consumers have in the foods we consume.

FSANZ is actively working to prepare for and respond to future challenges and opportunities
in line with government priorities. Our work supports bi-national, regional and international
efforts to address issues including climate change, food security, supply chain resilience,
food innovation, preventative health, disease control, dietary guidance, nutritional literacy,
sustainable primary production, international engagement, trade, and food waste.

The protection of public health and safety will continue to be the driving force behind the
evidenced-based food standards we develop. The ongoing review of the Food Standards
Australia New Zealand Act 1991 presents opportunities to ensure FSANZ legislation and
operations are fit for purpose and appropriately resourced to navigate the future challenges
for food.

We are well-positioned as a world-leading standards setter and expert advisor on food safety
and public health policy to lean into the changing landscape before us and realise our vision of
World-leading standards, safe food for life.

Dr Sandra Cuthbert
Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer’s year in review 7

 1
ABOUT FOOD
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
Objectives and functions 9
Purpose10
Vision10
Mission10

8 About Food Standards Australia New Zealand

 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

ABOUT FOOD STANDARDS

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is an independent statutory authority in the
Australian Government Health portfolio. It is established by the Food Standards Australia New
Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act). The agency is a corporate Commonwealth entity under the Public
Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

FSANZ also operates under a treaty-level agreement between the governments of Australia
and New Zealand that establishes the agency’s role in setting and maintaining trans-Tasman
food standards.

The agreement requires that FSANZ and the New Zealand Minister for Food Safety conclude
a funding and performance agreement annually. This agreement details the services FSANZ is
to provide and includes quarterly performance reporting and details of New Zealand’s funding
contribution. Reporting to the New Zealand Government is undertaken separately to this
Annual Report.

The agency’s offices are located in Canberra, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand.

Objectives and functions

The object of the FSANZ Act is to ensure a high standard of public health protection throughout
Australia and New Zealand. The FSANZ Act sets out four goals for the agency, being:
» a high degree of consumer confidence in the quality and safety of food produced, processed,
sold or exported from Australia and New Zealand
» an effective, transparent and accountable regulatory framework within which the food industry
can work efficiently
» the provision of adequate information relating to food to enable consumers to make
informed choices
» the establishment of common rules for both countries and the promotion of consistency
between domestic and international food regulation measures without reducing the
safeguards that apply to public health and consumer protection.

We contribute towards these goals by:

» developing food standards that are informed by the best available scientific evidence
» providing food standards information
» coordinating aspects of the food regulation system.

The functions of the agency are set out at Section 13 of the FSANZ Act.

About Food Standards Australia New Zealand 9

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Purpose
The agency’s broad purpose is to contribute to the bi-national
food regulation system by developing science and evidence-based
standards, coordinating regulatory responses and providing
information to the public about food standards. Under the Portfolio
Budget Statements 2022–23, the agency’s outcome is a safe food
supply and well-informed consumers in Australia and New Zealand.

Vision
World-leading standards, safe food for life.

Mission
We develop world-leading food standards for Australia and New
Zealand that enable a wide variety of safe foods to be available to
consumers. We achieve this by applying the talent of our highly
skilled subject matter experts in collaboration with stakeholders to
make informed decisions on food safety, public health and science
that ensure consumers can trust the foods they choose.

10 About Food Standards Australia New Zealand

2
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
STATEMENTS
Performance criteria 13
Performance outcomes 14

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENTS 11

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
STATEMENTS
As required under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act),
this report contains FSANZ Performance Statements for 2022–23. The Annual Performance
Statements detail results achieved against planned performance criteria set out in the Health
Portfolio Budget Statements 2022–23, Health Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements
2022–23, and the agency’s Corporate Plan 2022–23.

As the accountable authority of FSANZ, I present the 2022–23 annual performance statements
for FSANZ, as required under paragraph 39(1)(a) of the PGPA Act.

In my opinion, these annual performance statements accurately reflect FSANZ’s performance in

the reporting period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, and comply with section 39(2) of the PGPA Act.

Glenys Beauchamp AO PSM

Chair of the FSANZ Board

12 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENTS

 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Performance criteria
The Department of Health and Aged Care (the Department) Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS)
2022–23 set out the performance outcomes and criteria for FSANZ.

Outcome 1
A safe food supply and well-informed consumers in Australia and New Zealand, including
through the development of food regulatory measures and the promotion of their consistent
implementation, coordination of food recall activities and the monitoring of consumer and
industry food practices.

Program 1.1: Food Regulatory Activity and Services to the Minister

and the Parliament
Ensure all Australians have access to a safe food supply and adequate, accurate information
to make informed choices about the food they consume. Develop food standards informed
by the best available evidence, enabling efficient implementation of food laws. Coordinate
trans-jurisdictional food regulatory activities, and provide information about food regulation in
order to enhance confidence in food for sale.

Delivery on outcomes
To contribute to the delivery of Program 1.1, FSANZ:
» Develops food standards in response to applications and proposals to amend the Australia
New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code).
» Coordinates food incident responses and food recalls.
» Undertakes monitoring and surveillance activities to ensure regulatory and non-regulatory
activities achieve their objectives.
» Provides authoritative, evidence-based information about food risks and standards to
stakeholders and consumers.
» Collaborates on the review of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (the FSANZ
Act) to ensure it remains fit for purpose into the future. The review is being led by the
Department in partnership with the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (NZ MPI)
and in collaboration with FSANZ, with engagement of key stakeholders including states and
territories, the food industry, and public health and consumer organisations.

The PBS performance measures set for FSANZ are:

» Applications to amend the Food Regulatory Measures are considered within statutory
timeframes.
» Coordinate major food incidents under the National Food Incident Response Protocol
(the Protocol).
» FSANZ is recognised as the primary source of information about food standards and food
regulation in Australia and New Zealand, meeting the needs of stakeholders.
» Strengthen Australia and New Zealand’s food regulation system through influencing
the development of evidence-based international standards and adopting international
best practice.
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENTS 13
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Performance outcomes
FSANZ reports performance against the four PBS criteria and targets detailed in the boxes
below. Reporting is supplemented with additional agency-developed performance measures
listed in the 2022–23 Corporate Plan. Reporting against the full suite of PBS and Corporate Plan
performance measures provides assurance that FSANZ is successfully delivering its outcomes
and program activities.

Key performance criteria and areas, their respective PBS and Corporate Plan targets and
measures, and the results for 2022–23 are reported below.

PBS PERFORMANCE MEASURE:

Applications to amend the Food Regulation Measures are considered within statutory
timeframes.

2022–23 Target:
Applications to amend Food Standards Codes are assessed within 12 months or less, as
required by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Regulations 1994.

Performance area: Management and completion of

applications and proposals
FSANZ’s main function is to develop and maintain food standards within the Code. These
standards underpin the bi-national food regulation system and assure the safety and suitability
of food sold in Australia and New Zealand. Every year FSANZ assesses applications to amend
the Code and prepares proposals to vary existing standards or develop new ones. Application
assessment is governed by statutory timeframes but proposal assessment is not. The table
below lists performance measures for applications. More detailed information on applications
and proposals assessed in 2022–23 follows.

Under the FSANZ Act, FSANZ is required to maintain a publicly accessible Work Plan for its
assessments and report annually on its processing of applications and proposals. See Appendix
for the report on the FSANZ Work Plan and Appendix 2 for a report against the FSANZ Act
requirements.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2022–23 RESULT

% applications completed within the statutory timeframe (PBS measure). 19/20 or 95%

Report on applications
FSANZ approved 20 applications in 2022–23. All bar one were completed ahead of statutory
timeframes. Application A1239 – Food derived from EPA& DHA producing and herbicide-
tolerant canola line LBFLFK exceeded its statutory timeframe due to unforeseen complexities
relating to its assessment.

14 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENTS

 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

The 19 applications completed within statutory timeframes were:

» A1219 – Alpha-amylase from GM Bacillus licheniformis
» A1220 – Beta-amylase from GM Bacillus licheniformis as a processing aid
» A1221 – Phospholipase A1 from GM Aspergillus niger as a processing aid
» A1224 – Glucose oxidase from Penicillium rubens as a processing aid
» A1238 – Serine endopeptidase (protease) enzyme preparation from Trichoderma reesei
» A1240 – Polygalacturonase from GM Aspergillus Oryzae as a processing aid
» A1241 – Pectinesterase from GM Aspergillus Oryzae as a processing aid
» A1244 – Chymosin from GM Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid
» A1246 – Phospholipase A1 enzyme preparation from GM Aspergillus oryzae
» A1248 – Glucoamylase from GM Aspergillus niger (gene donor: Gloeophyllum trabeum) as a
processing aid
» A1249 – Addition of phytosterols, phytostanols or their esters as novel food
» A1251 – 2’-FL combined with galacto-oligosaccharides and/or inulin-type fructans
» A1252 – Glucoamylase from GM Aspergillus niger (gene donor: Penicillium oxalicum) as a
processing aid
» A1253 – Bovine Lactoferrin in Infant Formula Products
» A1255 – Alpha-amylase from GM Bacillus subtilis as a processing aid
» A1256 – Colour of pregnancy warning labels for corrugated cardboard packaging
» A1227 – Alpha-arabinofuranosidase from GM Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid
» A1228 – Endo-1,4 beta-xylanase from GM Trichoderma reesei (gene donor: Talaromyces
leycettanus) as a processing aid
» A1229 – Carboxypeptidase from GM Aspergillus oryzae as a processing aid.

New foods under assessment for the first time

In 2022–23, FSANZ received applications for two new foods not previously assessed – one for a
genetically modified whole fruit and another for a cell-based food.

A1274 – Food derived from disease-resistant banana line QCAV-4

FSANZ is assessing an application from Queensland University of Technology to permit food
derived from a disease-resistant banana. This banana line has been genetically modified to
have resistance to the fungal disease Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), also known as Panama
disease. FSANZ is assessing the application and will call for public comment in 2023–24.

A1269 – Cultured quail as a novel food

FSANZ is assessing an application from Vow Group Pty Ltd to allow for the use of cultured
quail as a novel food ingredient. The application is being assessed under the major procedure
and requires toxicological, nutritional, food technology, dietary modelling and microbiological
assessment. FSANZ is assessing the application and will call for public comment in 2023–24.

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENTS 15

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Report on key proposals

FSANZ progressed and completed work on a range of significant proposals in 2022–23.

Food safety management proposals

FSANZ continued work to review the food safety management requirements within chapters 3
and 4 of the Code, completing two proposals and introducing four new standards. This work
contributes to priorities under Australia’s Foodborne Illness Reduction Strategy 2018-2021+.

New primary production and processing standards were gazetted in August 2022 through
Proposal P1052 – Primary production and processing requirements for horticulture (Berries,
leafy vegetables and melons). The three new standards have a 30-month transition period
to provide time for awareness raising, education and implementation from February 2025.
The standards require growers and primary processors to identify and control food safety
hazards associated with growing and primary processing, and to notify regulators of their
activities. Melons and leafy vegetables will also need to have an approved food safety
management statement. Non-regulatory tools have been developed in consultation with
jurisdictions to support implementation.

A new food safety standard was gazetted in December 2022 through Proposal P1053 – Food
safety management tools. Food businesses in the food service sector will need to implement
either two or three food safety management tools, based on their food handling activities.
The tools are requirements for training and supervision and substantiation of key food safety
controls. Guidance materials have been updated and developed to support the new standard
which has a 12-month transition period and is effective from December 2023.

Review of the kava standard

FSANZ reaffirmed amendments to the kava standard in the Code in March 2023 after a
12-month review process.

FSANZ prepared urgent Proposal P1057 – Review of the kava standard to clarify existing
permissions for kava following a November 2021 request from the then Chair of the Food
Ministers’ Meeting. This proposal aimed to ensure the continued protection of public health
and safety following the Australian Government’s decision to allow the commercial importation
of kava into Australia from December 2021.

Amendments made to the kava standard (Standard 2.6.3) in March 2022 more explicitly limit
preparation of kava beverages to historically safe (traditional) use by:
» prohibiting the use of food additives and processing aids, and
» requiring kava to be sourced from Noble varieties of the kava plant which have an established
safety profile, consistent with the Codex Regional Standard for Kava.

The FSANZ Act required FSANZ to review these amendments. This work, including an
additional round of public consultation, was completed in March 2023. FSANZ reaffirmed
both amendments.

16 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENTS

 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Food ministers did not ask FSANZ to review the amendments or its decision to reaffirm them.
The New Zealand Government decided not to adopt the amendments into New Zealand law.

Genetically modified foods and new breeding techniques

FSANZ continued work on Proposal P1055 – Definitions for gene technology and new breeding
techniques. In the first round of public consultation in late 2021, FSANZ sought feedback
on a proposed approach to update the definitions in the Code for food produced using
gene technology and gene technology to make them clearer and better address new genetic
modification techniques such as genome editing. FSANZ completed its analysis of the 1736
round one submissions and published a report on its website in November 2022 summarising
the main issues raised by submitters.

In response to this feedback, FSANZ has undertaken further assessment, stakeholder

consultation (including with jurisdictions and FSANZ’s Expert Advisory Group on New Breeding
Techniques) and explored a variety of different options for refining the approach to further
improve clarity and enforceability of a revised definition.

The second round of consultation will be conducted in 2023–24.

Review of infant formula product regulations

FSANZ continued to review the regulatory requirements for infant formula products
under Proposal P1028 – Infant formula. Work included the release of the second and final
call for submissions, and engagement in a significant number of consultation activities
with stakeholders from public health and consumer groups, jurisdictions and industry.
FSANZ continues to work closely with stakeholders as it seeks to finalise the review in 2024.

Review of highly concentrated caffeine products

FSANZ continued work on Proposal P1056 – Caffeine review to examine the permissions for
caffeine in sports foods and general foods and consider risks to sensitive sub-populations.
FSANZ completed the risk assessment for this work in 2021–22 and made the first call for
submissions in late 2022, outlining our preferred regulatory approach.

Work on the proposal is continuing into 2023–24, with FSANZ considering the
submissions received.

Review of sports food regulations

FSANZ progressed work on Proposal P1010 – Formulated supplementary sports foods.
This included the release of a consultation paper for public comment on the framework
underpinning the regulation of sports foods in Australia and New Zealand. FSANZ also
continued cross-agency engagement to ensure a coordinated effort which strengthens
consumer safety and better accommodates the rapidly changing sports food market.

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENTS 17

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Nutrition labelling about added sugars

FSANZ continued work on Proposal P1058 – Nutrition labelling about added sugars to consider
including added sugars information in the nutrition information panel to enable consumers
to make informed choices in support of dietary guidelines. This included consideration of
implementation and technical matters including a definition of ‘added sugars’ and consumer
understanding. FSANZ also consulted with key stakeholders from industry, public health and
consumer groups and jurisdictions. Work on added sugars will continue in 2023–24 with
consumer research and further consultation.

Labelling of alcoholic beverages

FSANZ has continued work on two proposals considering the labelling of alcoholic beverages.
For Proposal P1059 – Energy labelling on alcoholic beverages, FSANZ undertook both targeted
and public consultation on options for including information about energy content on the
label of alcoholic beverages. Consumer research will provide further evidence on how energy
labelling can best help consumers understand and use the information.

Work on Proposal P1049 – Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages to clarify
requirements in the Code with respect to these claims has progressed in tandem with P1059.
This included targeted consultation with key stakeholders on preliminary options and a rapid
systematic review of consumer value, perceptions and behaviours in response to carbohydrate
and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages. Consultation and consumer research will inform the
development of a call for submissions for public comment in 2023–24.

Egg food safety and primary production requirements

Work is progressing on Proposal P1060 – Egg food safety and primary production requirements,
including site visits to improve understanding of industry and current practices and engagement
with the Egg Standards Development Advisory Group (Egg SDAG) and the Scientific Advisory
Group on Eggs (SAGE). Industry and jurisdictional representatives on the Egg SDAG will assist
FSANZ to consider amendments to the Code to improve management of a new food safety risk
environment for eggs (for Salmonella Enteritidis and other Salmonella spp) and to review egg
stamping requirements. The SAGE will assist FSANZ with the microbiological risk assessment
and development of supply chain models to support risk management options that may be
considered to maintain egg food safety. Engagement and consultation with stakeholders will
continue through 2023–24, with a public call for submissions expected late in 2023.

Maximum residue limits

FSANZ continued to liaise closely with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines
Authority (APVMA) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to ensure
that agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemical residues in the Australian food supply do not
pose health and safety concerns to consumers. FSANZ reviewed and provided comment on
168 dietary exposure assessments undertaken by the APVMA, for proposed amendments
to the Code. This included three emergency permits to address emerging issues, such as for
varroa mite in bees.

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The 2022 maximum residue limit (MRL) Harmonisation Proposal M1021 is ongoing with gazettal
of amendments to the Code anticipated in 2023–24. MRLs are the highest amount of an agvet
chemical residue that is allowed to remain in or on a food sold in Australia. Limits established
in the Code are based on how much of a chemical is needed to control pests and/or diseases
and are set well below the acceptable levels to protect public health and safety. FSANZ received
requests to amend MRLs for 276 chemical/food commodity combinations from a range of
domestic and international stakeholders and has also considered 421 MRL changes adopted
at the 2022 Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex). After completion of 287 dietary exposure
assessments for new and increased MRLs, FSANZ is proposing MRL variations for 127
chemicals. Aligning MRLs with our international trading partners and Codex allows Australia to
meet its WTO obligations, enabling the importation of safe food, while protecting public health
and safety and providing access to diverse foods from around the world.

PBS PERFORMANCE MEASURE:

​Coordinate major food incidents under the National Food Incident Response Protocol
(the Protocol).

2022–23 Target:
​Deliver efficient and effective food incident management through the Bi-National Food
Safety Network and, when appropriate, the Protocol.

Performance area: Coordination of food incidents

and recalls
FSANZ is Australia’s national coordinating agency for food recalls and incident response.

When a food recall is required, FSANZ coordinates the recall with the relevant state or territory
food regulatory agency and the food business. When a national food incident occurs, FSANZ
coordinates the response through the Bi-National Food Safety Network (BFSN). This network
provides a mechanism for national coordination, communication and early information-sharing
on food incidents between government agencies. Membership of the network includes all
Australian state and territory food regulatory agencies, the Department, DAFF, and the NZ MPI.

Following recalls and incidents, FSANZ collects satisfaction ratings from recall sponsors and
state or territory food regulatory agencies respectively on its role in the response.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2022–23 RESULT

% of food recall notifications by businesses to FSANZ that are 100%

published within 48 hours.

% of recall sponsors satisfied with FSANZ information and 100% of recall sponsors who
assistance. completed a post-recall report
were satisfied or very satisfied with
FSANZ information and assistance.

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In 2022–23, FSANZ coordinated a total of 93 recalls, demonstrating our commitment to

consumer safety. Notably, the largest portion of recalls were attributed to undeclared allergens
(33%) and microbial issues (25%). Additionally, we received 79 post-recall reports, which
contributed to an extensive evaluation of our performance. The overall satisfaction rating from
these reports reflects the effectiveness of our recall processes and the dedication of our staff in
protecting public health and safety.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2022–23 RESULT

Number of food incidents under the Protocol (PBS measure). FSANZ coordinated two national
food incidents under the Protocol.

The Protocol was activated twice in 2022–23 for (i) 2022-01: Thebaine toxicity linked to poppy
seeds and (ii) 2022-02: Toxic weed contamination in spinach.

2023 is the fourth year FSANZ has collected a satisfaction rating for incident response.

The 2022–23 result shows the majority of our stakeholders are satisfied or very satisfied with
the coordination role played by FSANZ during an incident.

Incident preparedness for intentional tampering project

In June 2022, FSANZ organised a training exercise to test the effectiveness of the Protocol in
responding to an intentional tampering incident. Participants included representatives from
food enforcement agencies, food industry, police and FSANZ. The recommendations from
the exercise were endorsed by the Implementation Sub-committee for Food Regulation (ISFR)
in December 2022. Recommendations included amending the Protocol and the incident
media protocol, improving government engagement with industry, and committing to run
future exercises.

International Food Safety Network

FSANZ is Australia’s emergency contact point for the International Food Safety Authorities
Network (INFOSAN), a global network of food safety authorities under the World Health
Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). As the emergency
contact point, FSANZ is responsible for reporting food safety events of potential international
significance to the INFOSAN Secretariat. FSANZ also shares information from the INFOSAN
Secretariat with the BFSN.

In 2022–23, FSANZ reported 25 food safety events to INFOSAN, including recalls of food
products imported into Australia and exported to other countries. Recalls reported to INFOSAN
included curry powder, enoki mushrooms and tahini recalled due to microbial contamination;
almond cake due to metal contamination; and potato chips, noodles, crackers and caramel
syrup due to undeclared allergens.

As a member of INFOSAN, FSANZ actively participates in and contributes to international

meetings with other members. In 2022–23, FSANZ attended one INFOSAN regional meeting.
FSANZ’s involvement in these meetings is vital for maintaining relationships, sharing information
and fostering collaboration with overseas food safety authorities.

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FSANZ is also a contact point for the European Commission’s Rapid Alert System for Food and
Feed (RASFF). RASFF is a tool to exchange information between the European Union member
states on serious risks associated with food or feed imported into or exported from Australia.

In 2022–23, FSANZ reported 16 food safety events to states and territories following RASFF
notifications. These notifications included unauthorised substances, foreign material in foods
and biotoxin contamination.

Performance area: Consumer trust in food labels and in

the food regulation system
Trust in the food regulatory system and in food labelling supports food markets to operate
efficiently and assists consumers to make informed food choices. FSANZ strives to ensure trust
in both food labels and its role within the broader food regulatory system.

In April 2023, FSANZ ran its inaugural Consumer Insights Tracker, an annual nationally
representative survey of Australian and New Zealand adult consumers that will inform FSANZ’s
standards development work and risk analyses. It will also provide up to date trend data on key
trust performance measures.

FSANZ surveyed 1,237 Australian and 810 New Zealand consumers for the 2023 survey.
For trust in information on food labels, respondents were asked how much they trusted seven
different FSANZ regulated food labelling elements, including the Nutrition Information Panel,
ingredient list, allergen information, advisory or warning statements, health claims, nutrition
content claims, and best before/use by dates. For confidence in FSANZ, respondents who
reported knowing at least a little about FSANZ and what it does were asked to what extent they
agreed with the following statements:
» I trust FSANZ to do what is right
» FSANZ acts in the best interest of food safety and the food regulatory system
» FSANZ bases its decisions on the best available scientific evidence.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2022–23 RESULT

% of respondents who respond positively about trust in the 65.2% among Australian consumers.
information on food labels. 64.9% among New Zealand consumers.

% of respondents who report having confidence in FSANZ. 80.4% among Australian consumers.
80.2% among New Zealand consumers.

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Performance area: Regulatory science

Regulatory science underpins FSANZ’s ability to achieve its purpose and objectives. High-quality
regulatory science assesses and analyses the best available evidence from multiple scientific
disciplines. It forms the foundation of FSANZ’s regulatory decision-making and the continued
safety of the food supply.

FSANZ’s regulatory science capability encompasses risk assessment for applications and
proposals, project and risk management, food supply monitoring and surveillance activities,
international and domestic collaboration and engagement, and data and analysis services.
Work is guided by an agency wide strategy and undertaken by skilled professionals across
multiple disciplines including nutrition, dietetics, toxicology, microbiology, biotechnology, food
science, economics and social science.

Regulatory Science Strategy

FSANZ continued to implement the Regulatory Science Strategy 2019–23, which provides a
strategic approach to addressing challenges posed by global trends and an ever-changing,
dynamic food system. With five strategic objectives, the strategy describes how FSANZ will
maintain outstanding scientific capabilities, tools and partnerships in food regulatory science
to meet current and future needs. It emphasises the importance of science communication to
meet the increasing expectations of FSANZ’s stakeholders. The strategy ensures that FSANZ
continues to use the best available scientific evidence to develop food standards, and remains
a leader of regulatory science in the region.

FSANZ staff continually develop their skills in risk assessment methodologies to enable robust
and defensible scientific risk assessments. They participate in various fora to stay up to date
with and apply modern risk assessment tools and methods to support risk-based approaches
consistent with international benchmarks.

Formal arrangements for collaboration

FSANZ has a range of established groups and programs to facilitate interaction and
engagement with scientific experts to share expertise and improve the robustness of FSANZ’s
scientific assessments.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2022–23 RESULT

Number of formal arrangements between FSANZ and domestic external 13

stakeholders to collaborate on scientific matters.

Australia New Zealand Science Forum

The Australia New Zealand Science Forum supports collaboration between FSANZ and the
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) Business Unit at NZ MPI. Meetings are held bi-annually to
consider and collaborate on food regulatory science projects relevant to both agencies, in
particular developing food standards.

FSANZ hosted two science forum meetings with stakeholders in New Zealand, focusing on joint
work under ministerial priority areas and ongoing opportunities for working together.

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New Zealand MPI Operational Research Program

NZ MPI manages projects funded by the Operational Research Programme (ORP) across
biosecurity, animal welfare and food safety areas. Within MPI, the food safety ORP is managed
by NZFS. NZFS routinely invites proposals from FSANZ for projects that could be supported
under the food safety ORP.

FSANZ Fellows
As part of its continuing commitment to providing independent expert advice, FSANZ has
continued to maintain a Fellows program. Fellows come from a variety of scientific and
professional fields, including nutrition, epidemiology, toxicology, plant breeding and genomics,
science communication and more. The program also develops capacity and builds networks for
the future of food regulation. It provides a platform for exchanging ideas and perspectives from
different disciplines, providing valuable contributions to food safety regulation in Australia and
New Zealand.

Expert advisory groups

Expert advisory groups play a crucial role in bridging knowledge gaps, promoting well-informed
decision-making and ensuring that FSANZ remains responsive to evolving challenges and
opportunities. The groups contribute to a more robust, evidence-based and forward-looking
approach to problem-solving and planning. Several advisory groups provided external expertise
in 2022–23, including:
» Food Allergy and Intolerance Scientific Advisory Group
» Expert Advisory Group on New Breeding Techniques
» Scientific Nanotechnology Advisory Group
» Social Sciences and Economics Advisory Group
» Expert Scientific Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance.

Peer review
Peer review is a cornerstone of the scientific method, promoting the accuracy, reliability and
advancement of knowledge in FSANZ. Peer review of FSANZ’s work is conducted by external
experts across a variety of regulatory scientific fields including:
» genetic modification
» food composition
» risk assessment practices
» dietary exposure estimates
» food microbiology
» carbohydrate and sugar claims and labelling
» consumer surveys.

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Seminars
Our seminars support scientific capability and provide opportunities to leverage external
expertise and strengthen relationships. In 2022–23 our seminars covered a range of topics
including new foods, precision fermentation, science communication and food technology.
FSANZ is working on a series of symposia with FSANZ Fellows to continue our work in this area.

Engagement with academic institutions

FSANZ offers a range of opportunities for placements and projects to university students
and academic staff. Examples include the Fellows program and joint research projects with
universities. Through participating in the projects, students and academics gain experience
working alongside FSANZ staff and are able to extend their knowledge of food regulatory
science. FSANZ is currently refocusing its student program to better complement our scientific
and regulatory priorities.

Monitoring and surveillance

FSANZ manages surveillance and monitoring programs to assess and help ensure the
continued safety of the food supply. Much of this work is undertaken in partnership with the
ISFR Surveillance, Evidence and Analysis Working Group (SEAWG) through the bi-national
Coordinated Food Survey Plan.

The SEAWG comprises experts from all Australian states and territories, DAFF, the Department,
NZ MPI and FSANZ. Work included post-market surveys to support food regulatory activities.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2022–23 RESULT

Number of post-market surveys to support food regulatory activities. 4

Australian Total Diet Study

The Australian Total Diet Study (ATDS) is a comprehensive ongoing monitoring survey of the
Australian food supply that measures the levels of various food chemicals in a range of foods
and beverages. Data gathered through the survey is used to estimate dietary exposure for
the general Australian population and assess public health and safety risks. Information from
the ATDS helps ensure the continued safety of the food supply and contributes to effective
standards development.

ATDS survey work is undertaken every two to three years. FSANZ is currently planning for the
28th ATDS which is due to commence in early 2024.

Survey of Listeria in enoki mushrooms

FSANZ is coordinating a national analytical survey investigating the prevalence and levels
of Listeria in enoki mushrooms. Food sampling was undertaken from April to June 2023 in all
Australian states and territories where the product is available.

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FSANZ is using the survey results to:

» provide advice on risks associated with imported enoki mushrooms
» develop a risk profile for domestically produced enoki mushrooms
» consider the need for additional risk management measures.

It is anticipated that a survey report will be published in early 2024. ​

Survey of patulin in apple juice and other apple products

Patulin is a natural toxin sometimes found in mouldy foods. Apple products such as juice
are the main potential sources of dietary exposure to patulin. Several Australian apple juice
products were recalled in 2020 due to high levels of patulin. In response, FSANZ worked with
national, state and territory health authorities to conduct a survey of patulin in apple juice and
other apple products. The survey aimed to find out if the level of patulin in these foods posed a
risk to Australian consumers.

Food samples were purchased from all Australian states and territories in 2021 and 2022.
Most of the products sampled were apple juices. The other product types tested were solid
apple products for infants, apple puree, apple sauce, canned apple and dried apple. Patulin levels
were generally low, with the majority of results below Codex Alimentarius and other overseas
regulatory limits. Some apple juice product categories showed variability and a high range of
patulin concentrations across the duration of sampling.

The estimated dietary exposure for Australian consumers was below the provisional maximum
tolerable daily intake for patulin, indicating no food safety concerns for the general food supply.
There is no requirement for maximum levels for patulin in the Code.

It is anticipated that the survey report will be published in 2023. FSANZ will continue to work
with industry and regulators to monitor patulin levels in Australian apple juice to make sure that
levels are kept low and safe.

Pilot survey of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Australian foods

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are naturally occurring plant toxins which may cause adverse health
effects when consumed at high enough levels. There are more than 600 different PAs which are
produced by about 6000 types of plants. PAs have been found in some foods, including honey,
tea, herbs, spices, grains and animal products such as meat, milk and eggs.

The pilot survey involved the sampling of 60 honeys and teas/herbal infusions during May
to July 2022. Samples were collected from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales,
Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria. Samples were analysed for levels of 33 PA congeners.

FSANZ is currently assessing the results with a report due to be published in early 2024.

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Survey of metals in apple juice and other apple products

FSANZ is managing an analytical survey to investigate levels of metal contaminants including
arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and tin in apple juice and other apple products. Samples were
collected from all Australian states and territories as part of the patulin survey in 2021 and 2022.

FSANZ is currently assessing the results with a report due to be published in early 2024.

Review of titanium dioxide

In September 2022 FSANZ completed a review of the safety of titanium dioxide as a food
additive following the release of an updated assessment by the European Food Safety Authority
(EFSA) which raised concerns about its safety.

FSANZ evaluated key evidence relating to the safety of titanium dioxide in food, including new
scientific data that addressed some of the concerns raised by EFSA.

FSANZ’s review found there is currently no evidence to suggest dietary exposure to food-grade
titanium dioxide is a concern for human health1.

Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in retail food

FSANZ commenced a project on surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in retail food.
This work aligns with Objective 5 of Australia’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy – 2020
and Beyond and provides an opportunity to advance the evidence base for AMR in retail food,
an emerging food safety issue of national and international importance.

National sampling of food products by food regulators commenced in September 2022 and
was completed in July 2023. Results will be analysed and discussed with the FSANZ AMR Expert
Scientific Advisory Group, jurisdictions and food industry stakeholders before the release of a
report, anticipated in mid-2024.

FSANZ has engaged with stakeholders across beef, pork and chicken industry peak bodies,
retailers and manufacturers and government to communicate the aims of the surveillance
project. The AMR stakeholder engagement strategy will ensure that outcomes are effectively
communicated and delivered in collaboration with the food sector.

Risk advice for imported food

Imported food is inspected and controlled using a risk-based border inspection program called
the Imported Food Inspection Scheme, administered by DAFF. FSANZ advises DAFF on whether
imported foods have the potential to pose a high or medium risk to public health. DAFF then
determines appropriate measures to manage food safety risks for food imported into Australia.
In 2022–23, FSANZ provided imported food risk advice to DAFF that melons can pose a
medium–high risk to public health from hazards that can be introduced during production.

1 https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/foodtech/Pages/Review-of-titanium-dioxide-as-a-food-additive.aspx

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Emerging issues and intelligence

FSANZ actively conducted regular global foresighting activities, enhancing our strategic
approach to identifying and addressing food issues on the horizon. Examples of where horizon
scanning has identified potential food issues include the surveys of Listeria in enoki mushrooms
and patulin in apple juice.

Regular horizon scanning identifies potential global drivers that may impact our food supply
into the future. This places FSANZ in a more strategic and agile position, prepared in advance,
for food regulatory matters of the future.

The 2022–23 summary report on emerging issues is at Appendix 3.

Databases and scientific data management

FSANZ maintains a range of databases to support standards assessments, the food regulatory
system, the public health sector, policy makers and industry. FSANZ generates its own data and
also works collaboratively with stakeholder groups to access relevant data and evidence.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2022–23 RESULT

Number of scientific data sets and analysis of items of relevance to 8

food safety and standards development, shared with FSANZ by external
stakeholders.

Nutrition Panel Calculator

FSANZ continues to maintain the Nutrition Panel Calculator (NPC). The NPC provides the food
industry and other users with a readily available, easy to use interactive tool for preparing
nutrition information panels, making it easier to meet the labelling requirements of the Code.

This year, on average, 10,740 unique users visited the NPC landing page on the FSANZ website
each month.

Branded Food Database

FSANZ continues to be supported by GS1 Australia who are providing a range of data and
data-related services to develop the Branded Food Database. FSANZ engaged Wardy IT
Solutions to enhance our food composition data management system – Silo – to enable us to
store and report on the branded food data collected.

FSANZ continues to engage with food manufacturers to encourage and facilitate the provision
of data to support a range of public health activities while minimising the impact on their
food businesses.

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Health Star Rating system

FSANZ continues to manage the Health Star Rating (HSR) calculator and work with the
Department to support the HSR system.

FSANZ provided input and advice to the HSR Secretariat and Implementation Working Group
on a range of matters and participated as a member of the HSR Advisory Committee.

National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey

FSANZ continued to work with the ABS to provide services to support the next National
Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey.

FSANZ finished customising the survey instrument used to collect the 24-hour recall data so
that it more accurately reflects the Australian food supply. Significant progress was also made
on the development of the datasets to enable food, dietary supplement and nutrient intakes to
be estimated from the survey and reporting against the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

Analysis of nutrients in foods

FSANZ commissioned laboratory analysis of 12 foods to strengthen the quality and robustness
of its nutrient food composition data holdings. Targeted foods were those for which FSANZ
currently has no data or out of date data which may no longer reflect products available
for consumption.

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PBS PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:

Strengthen Australia and New Zealand’s food regulation system through influencing
the development of evidence-based international standards and adopting international
best practice.

2022–23 Target:
FSANZ demonstrates engagement in international food standards development
by leading and participating in bilateral, multilateral and global fora, initiatives
and projects.

Performance area: Contribution to international fora,

initiatives and projects
International engagement is vital and ensures that FSANZ continues to work effectively with
other countries concerning food safety and standards setting. FSANZ experts are often invited
to participate in international fora, including scientific meetings.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2022–23 RESULT

Number of ongoing bilateral, multilateral and global forums that FSANZ staff 24
participate in, and international projects that FSANZ contribute to (PBS measure).

Number of invitations received by FSANZ staff to attend international arena. 19

Number of externally funded international projects. 4

International liaison group meetings

FSANZ continued to collaborate and exchange information with international regulatory science
agencies through discipline-based liaison groups in areas including food chemical safety, social
sciences, regulatory economics, microbiology, methods for risk assessment of chemicals in
food, economics, risk communication and emerging risks.

Capacity building workshop with the Association of Southeast

Asian Nations
FSANZ received funding from DAFF to undertake and deliver an Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) import MRL Harmonisation project on behalf of the Australian Government.
The project aims to assist individual ASEAN member states to develop and implement their own
systems for assessing and establishing import MRLs. In 2022–23 FSANZ completed the Phase
1 gap analysis of existing systems in ASEAN member states (December 2022), presented
a summary report of findings to the ASEAN Electronic Working Group (January 2023) and
completed Phase 2, a capacity building workshop in Putrajaya, Malaysia (March 2023).
FSANZ continues to liaise with DAFF to deliver Phase 3, pilot import MRL considerations on
specific chemical-crop combinations, to promote trade and support reciprocal import
MRL systems.

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Country Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy food safety assessments

Under Australia’s amended Country Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) policy, FSANZ
undertakes a rigorous food safety assessment to determine the BSE food safety status of
countries intending to export beef and beef products to Australia.

Countries assigned a Category 1 or Category 2 status by FSANZ are eligible to export beef
or beef products to Australia. Based on these categories, certification requirements are
implemented by DAFF.

On an annual basis, FSANZ reviews the status of approved countries using updated information
on their BSE controls. FSANZ received annual BSE updates from 13 countries (Argentina,
Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden,
the United States, and Vanuatu) and reconfirmed the previously assigned BSE food safety risk
status to these countries.

In March 2023, FSANZ commenced an assessment of Canada’s negligible BSE status to allow
market access of fresh beef from Canada following a formal application from the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Singapore Food Agency and Enterprise Singapore

FSANZ continued to work with the Singapore Food Agency and Enterprise Singapore on:
» alternative proteins, novel foods, health claims and cultured meat
» genetically modified (GM) foods and gene editing
» data science and chemical risk assessment
» microbiological science and the Foodborne Illness Reduction Strategy, and
» international events and digitisation.

FSANZ continues to strengthen its relationship in areas of mutual interest, including scientific
collaboration and information exchange.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s Food Safety Cooperation Forum

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) Food Safety Cooperation Forum (FSCF)
continues to provide an important forum for strengthening food safety systems in the
APEC region. Following agreement on the FSCF Terms of Reference, the APEC FSCF met in
May 2023 in the USA. FSANZ attended the meeting virtually and presented on Facilitating
the Implementation of the APEC Food Safety Risk Communication Framework and its Associated
Guidelines, an APEC project being led by FSANZ.

Codex Committees
FSANZ led the Australian delegation to a number of Codex Committees in 2022–23.
These included the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene in November-December 2022 in the
USA; the Codex Committee on Food Additives in March 2023 in China; the Codex Committee
on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses in March 2023 in Germany; and the Codex

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Committee on Contaminants in Food in April 2023 in the Netherlands. FSANZ also led the
Australian delegation (on behalf of the Department) to the Codex Committee on Food Labelling
in May 2023 in Canada.

OECD Working Party for the Safety of Novel Foods and Feeds
FSANZ led the Australian delegation to the 30th Meeting of the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Party for the Safety of Novel Foods and
Feeds held from 19–21 April 2023 in France. The OECD Working Party is an important forum
for encouraging information sharing and harmonised approaches to GM food and feed
safety assessment.

Health Canada
FSANZ met regularly with Health Canada to share updates and discuss items of mutual strategic
importance, including alternative proteins, cell-based foods, digitisation, monitoring of emerging
issues and communication with consumers.

Science and Food Safety Dialogue

FSANZ received grant funding from DAFF to convene a regional multilateral food safety
forum on behalf of the Australian Government. FSANZ established the Science and Food
Safety Dialogue to build government collaboration among food safety and risk assessment
agencies within the Asia-Pacific region. The dialogue strengthens regional relationships,
identifies linkages and common areas of interest, and creates opportunities for science-based
collaborative projects that support regulatory harmonisation and facilitate trade.

The inaugural meeting of the dialogue was held on 12-13 April 2023 in Singapore. The meeting
was chaired by FSANZ and attended by senior executives of food safety and risk assessment
agencies from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Japan, China
and Malaysia. The dialogue agreed to develop the following workstreams out of session:
» New foods – information sharing and co-development of safety assessment criteria
» Collaboration on emerging contaminants – including validation study for methods of analysis.

International Heads of Food Agencies Forum

The FSANZ CEO, as a founding member of the International Heads of Food Agencies Forum,
(IHFAF) attended the fourth annual meeting of the IHFAF from 9-11 May 2023 in Ireland.
The objectives of the IHFAF are to facilitate engagement and information sharing on work
priorities and to work collaboratively to address common challenges and emerging issues.
The theme of the 4th annual meeting was Crisis preparedness and incident management in an
increasingly complex, global food system. The IHFAF has 16 country members as well as Codex,
the FAO and the WHO.

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Performance area: Communication to stakeholders

Effective stakeholder communication and engagement is central to the work of FSANZ. Clear,
accurate and timely information about food standards, labelling and safety builds consumer
trust and gives the community and industry confidence that the decisions FSANZ makes are
transparent and protect the health and wellbeing of people in Australia and New Zealand.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2022–23 RESULT

% of stakeholders receiving the right amount of information from FSANZ. 72%

% of stakeholders who think FSANZ keeps them up to date. 74%

Website
The FSANZ website attracted more than 1.6 million users, and more than 2.6 million user
sessions, in 2022–23. Popular content included the Code, food recall notices, the Australian
Food Composition Database and the NPC. Significant new updates included content related to
Safe Food Australia: A Guide to the Food Safety Standards, pregnancy warning labels on alcoholic
beverages, the FSANZ stakeholder forum and the Food Safety Recall Protocol.

Social media
FSANZ social media channels are an important way to engage with stakeholders on key work,
raise awareness about food safety and respond quickly to food-related issues in the media.
FSANZ’s total audience across Facebook, Instagram, twitter and LinkedIn increased by more
than 11,700 to reach 85,500 followers in 2022–23.

Publications
FSANZ has a number of popular publications, including the monthly Food Standards News
e-newsletter, the Listeria brochure, allergen poster and Safe Food Australia. This year FSANZ
published a revised edition of Safe Food Australia: A Guide to the Food Safety Standards with an
update to support newly gazetted Standard 3.2.2A and education videos explaining the new
horticulture primary production standards for berries, melons and leafy vegetables.

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PBS PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:

FSANZ is recognised as the primary source of information about food standards and
food regulation in Australia and New Zealand, meeting the needs of stakeholders.

2022–23 Target:
The annual stakeholder survey indicates around 70% of stakeholders continue to be
either satisfied or very satisfied with FSANZ’s overall performance in the last 2 years.

Performance area: Engagement with stakeholders

FSANZ has a range of formal channels to engage with stakeholders who play an important part
in all aspects of the agency’s work. This engagement covers a spectrum of food safety and food
regulatory science topics and formal communication channels, including Codex committees
and taskforces, international liaison groups, domestic committees and liaison groups from the
retail, consumer and government sectors, and scientific advisory groups.

FSANZ monitors stakeholder satisfaction with its level of engagement through an annual survey.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2022–23 RESULT

% of respondents that indicate satisfaction with FSANZ 75%

performance (PBS measure).

% of respondents that indicate trust in FSANZ. 74%

Number of engagement activities undertaken as part of FSANZ’s 40

public consultation processes.

Stakeholder satisfaction survey

Delivered between September and November 2022, the 2022 FSANZ Stakeholder Satisfaction
Survey measured stakeholder satisfaction in FSANZ’s performance across a range of metrics
as well as trust in the agency. A wide range of our stakeholders participated, including food
businesses, farmers, local, state and federal governments and public health and consumer
organisation representatives.

The percentage of stakeholders satisfied with FSANZ’s performance increased from 72% in 2021
to 75% in 2022, while trust levels remained relatively steady at 74% compared to 76% in 2021.

FSANZ also measured the effectiveness of its communication with stakeholders through the
survey. The percentage of stakeholders who receive the right amount of information from
FSANZ held steady at 72% across the 2021 and 2022 surveys. Stakeholders who think FSANZ
keeps them up to date also held relatively steady at 74% compared to 76% in 2021.

Stakeholders rated FSANZ’s performance highest for making decisions based on best available
evidence/science and developing effective food standards.

FSANZ is committed to using the survey results to improve its engagement with and
communication to stakeholders into the future.

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENTS 33

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

FSANZ committees with external members

FSANZ maintains and contributes to a number of committees with members selected for their
skills and knowledge, drawn from a wide range of industry, academia, consumer interests and
government bodies, including:
» Advisory Committee on Novel Foods, which considers and provides recommendations
to FSANZ on whether particular foods are likely to meet the definition of novel food in
Standard 1.5.1.
» Allergen Collaboration, which strengthens engagement and collaboration among a range of
key stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of risk management of food allergens, with the
objective of supporting consumers to make safer food choices.
» Australian BSE Food Safety Assessment Committee, which oversees and guides the country
BSE food safety assessments conducted by FSANZ.
» Consumer and Public Health Dialogue, which provides a platform for two-way engagement
between FSANZ and key stakeholders on food safety, public health and consumer issues
related to food standards development.
» Jurisdictional Technical Forum, which provides an additional means for jurisdictions to engage
in informed discussion around specific issues related to standards development.
» Binational Food Industry Dialogue (formerly the Retailers and Manufacturers Liaison
Committee), which provides a platform for two-way engagement between FSANZ and industry
stakeholders on food standards development.
» Surveillance, Evidence and Analysis Working Group, which supports collective and strategic
data generation through the coordination and integration of surveillance and monitoring
activities to address ISFR priorities.

34 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENTS

3
MANAGEMENT AND
ACCOUNTABILITY
Corporate governance 36
Corporate plan 36
Accountability to the Minister and Parliament 36
FSANZ Board 37
Board committees 47
Compliance and assurance  48
People49
Management of human resources 52
Executive remuneration 55
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

MANAGEMENT AND
ACCOUNTABILITY
Corporate governance
FSANZ is a Commonwealth Corporate Entity under the Public Governance, Performance and
Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). FSANZ’s governance framework contributes to strong and
sustainable performance and builds confidence in the agency’s capacity to respond to new and
emerging challenges and opportunities.

The FSANZ Board (the Board) is the accountable authority for FSANZ, and as such, must govern
FSANZ in a way that promotes:
» the proper use and management of public resources
» the achievement of the purposes of the entity, and
» the sustainability of the entity.

The Board recognises the importance of applying sound governance principles and practices.
It has adopted a Board Charter2 that sets out the role and responsibilities of the Board to
ensure that objectives are clearly met and monitored. The Charter also sets out the Board’s
authority, composition, tenure, reporting and administrative arrangements in accordance with
the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act).

Corporate plan
As an independent statutory authority, FSANZ is required to conduct corporate planning and
reporting. The central planning document is the FSANZ Corporate Plan, which outlines the
agency’s purpose and objectives and sets out the strategic priorities, operating environment
and key enablers to achieve success. The Corporate Plan is designed to ensure FSANZ meets
the outcomes and performance criteria detailed in the Portfolio Budget Statement (PBS).

In addition, FSANZ has developed a suite of performance measures which enable it to monitor
and report on performance in meeting the objectives of the Corporate Plan. The measures sit
under a range of key performance areas which directly link to FSANZ’s three strategic themes –
A trusted leader; Deeply engaged with stakeholders; Independent contributor to a robust and
agile food regulation system. FSANZ reports on performance through its annual reports.

Accountability to the Minister and Parliament

The FSANZ Board is accountable to the Parliament of Australia through the Assistant Minister
for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Ged Kearney (the Minister). The Minister was appointed on
1 June 2022 following the 2022 Federal Election.

2 https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/about/board/pages/default.aspx

36 Management and accountability

 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

External scrutiny
The Board informs the Minister of its activities as required.

Ministerial directions
No Ministerial directions were received in 2022–23.

Government policy orders

No Government policy orders under section 22 of the PGPA Act were applied to FSANZ.

FSANZ Board
The Board is established under Section 116 of the FSANZ Act.

The Board comprises 11 part-time members drawn from Australia and New Zealand, and the
full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is an ex-officio member. Areas of expertise of Board
members cover public health, food science, food safety, food allergy, human nutrition, medical
science, veterinary science, microbiology, biotechnology, consumer policy, food processing
or retailing, primary food production, small business, international trade, food regulation
and government.

Australian members are appointed by the Minister, in consultation with the Food Ministers’
Meeting, following consultation with the Australian states and territories and New Zealand
government, and consideration by the Cabinet. New Zealand members are nominated by
the New Zealand Government and appointed by the Minister.

On appointment, Board members receive a formal induction to the organisation and their
duties. In pursuit of their duties, Board members may obtain independent legal, financial or
other advice after seeking guidance from the Board Chair, and have access to FSANZ senior
management and staff.

Meetings
The Board meets face-to-face at least four times per year and convenes through
videoconferences a minimum of four times per year, and then as required. Outcomes of FSANZ
Board meetings are published on the agency’s website3.

In 2022–23 the Board held eight meetings, four face-to-face, including one in Wellington,
New Zealand, and the remainder by videoconference.

Board performance
The Board Charter includes a requirement that a formal review of the performance of
the Board be undertaken every two years. Reviews are conducted using a mix of external
evaluation and facilitated self-assessment with appropriate input sought from all parties
including the Board, the CEO, internal and external auditors, management and any other
relevant stakeholders, as determined by the Board. The next review is scheduled for 2024.

3 Board meeting outcomes (foodstandards.gov.au)

Management and accountability 37

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

In November 2022, Board members completed a skills matrix questionnaire to assist in

assessing the competencies and experience of all members and identifying any skills gaps and
succession planning requirements. Measures in the matrix included skills competencies and
sector experience. Further analysis was undertaken of the skills of members whose final terms
will be ceasing over coming years to identify any potential emerging skills gaps and to assist in
the appointment process of future Board members.

Board expertise and experience

Table 1: Sections of the FSANZ Act which apply to Board members’ expertise and experience

s. 116(1)(a) Chair
One or more of the following fields:
public health, consumer affairs, food science, food allergy, human nutrition, medical
science, microbiology, food safety, biotechnology, veterinary science, food industry,
food processing or retailing, primary food production, small business, international
trade, government, or food regulation.

s. 116(1)(b) CEO

s. 116(1)(c) 2 members nominated by the New Zealand lead Minister

One or more of the following fields:
public health, consumer affairs, food science, food allergy, human nutrition, medical
science, microbiology, food safety, biotechnology, veterinary science, food industry,
food processing or retailing, primary food production, small business, international
trade, government or food regulation.

s. 116(1)(ca) 1 member nominated by the New Zealand lead Minister

One or more of the following fields:
public health, consumer affairs, food science, food allergy, human nutrition, medical
science, microbiology, food safety, biotechnology or veterinary science.

s. 116(1)(d) 1 member nominated by consumer organisations*

s.116(1)(e) 1 member nominated by the CEO of the National Health and Medical
Research Council

s. 116(1)(f) 3 members nominated by organisations, or public bodies, established for

purposes relating to science or public health*
One or more of the following fields:
public health, consumer affairs, food science, food allergy, human nutrition, medical
science, microbiology, food safety, biotechnology or veterinary science.

s. 116(1)(g) 2 members nominated by organisations, or public bodies, established for

purposes relating to the food industry*
One or more of the following fields:
the food industry, food processing or retailing, primary food production, small
business, international trade, government or food regulation.

* these organisations are prescribed in the Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Regulations 1994.

38 Management and accountability

 Table 2: Details of accountable authority during the reporting period

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

PERIOD AS THE ACCOUNTABLE AUTHORITY OR MEMBER WITHIN
THE REPORTING PERIOD

NUMBER OF
POSITION MEETINGS OF
QUALIFICATIONS OF
EXPERIENCE OF THE ACCOUNTABLE TITLE / DATE OF DATE OF ACCOUNTABLE
NAME THE ACCOUNTABLE
AUTHORITY POSITION COMMENCEMENT CESSATION AUTHORITY
AUTHORITY
HELD
ATTENDED

Ms Glenys Bachelor of Economics, Ms Beauchamp has extensive Chair 4 November 2021 31 August 8/8
Beauchamp Australian National experience at senior levels in the 2025
AO PSM University Australian Public Service, serving
Master of Business as Secretary of three Australian
Administration, University of Government departments –
Canberra Department of Health, Department
of Industry, Innovation and Science
Member, Australian Institute
and Department of Regional Australia,
of Company Directors
Local Government, Arts and Sport. Ms
Beauchamp has extensive national
Management and accountability

board experience and has served on

numerous national health, science,
community and industry boards. ​

Dr Sandra Bachelor of Veterinary Dr Cuthbert has extensive leadership, Chief 31 March 2022 31 March 8/8
Cuthbert Science, Murdoch University policy, corporate governance and Executive 2027
Bachelor of Veterinary stakeholder engagement experience Officer
Medicine and Surgery, across the public and private
Murdoch University sectors. She has held senior roles
with various Australian Government
Juris Doctor, University of
departments.
Canberra
Graduate of the Australian
Institute of Company
Directors
39
40

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

PERIOD AS THE ACCOUNTABLE AUTHORITY OR MEMBER WITHIN
THE REPORTING PERIOD

NUMBER OF
POSITION MEETINGS OF
QUALIFICATIONS OF
Management and accountability

EXPERIENCE OF THE ACCOUNTABLE TITLE / DATE OF DATE OF ACCOUNTABLE

NAME THE ACCOUNTABLE
AUTHORITY POSITION COMMENCEMENT CESSATION AUTHORITY
AUTHORITY
HELD
ATTENDED

Ms Suzanne Conjoint Bachelor of Law Ms Chetwin led Consumer NZ for Member 18 October 2021 16 October 8/8
Chetwin and Bachelor of Commerce, 13 years until 2020. Ms Chetwin 2025
CNZM Victoria University of is a founding member of FSANZ’s
Wellington Consumer and Public Health Dialogue.
Completed Stage One She is also an experienced and award-
Maori Language, Auckland winning journalist and a director of the
University of Technology Financial Markets Authority.

Ms Teresa Diploma in Business Ms Ciprian has a background in Member 1 July 2021 30 June 2024 8/8
Ciprian (Marketing), University of the commercialisation, innovation,
Auckland marketing and business development
New Zealand Certificate of branded consumer dairy and other
in Science (Food Science), foods. She has significant international
Auckland Institute of business experience. As a Food
Technology Science graduate, her early career
technical roles spanned quality control,
analytical chemistry and product
development. Ms Ciprian has advised
a number of internationally focused
businesses on their growth strategies
and has developed an extensive board
governance portfolio.
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23
PERIOD AS THE ACCOUNTABLE AUTHORITY OR MEMBER WITHIN
THE REPORTING PERIOD

NUMBER OF
POSITION MEETINGS OF
QUALIFICATIONS OF
EXPERIENCE OF THE ACCOUNTABLE TITLE / DATE OF DATE OF ACCOUNTABLE
NAME THE ACCOUNTABLE
AUTHORITY POSITION COMMENCEMENT CESSATION AUTHORITY
AUTHORITY
HELD
ATTENDED

Ms Bachelor of Science (Hons), Ms Davey is a company director and Member 18 October 2021 16 October 7/8
Josephine School of Food Technology, consultant experienced in general 2025
Davey University of NSW management, innovation, food
Master of Business safety, regulatory affairs and product
Administration (Executive), development in the dairy and food
Australian Graduate School manufacturing sectors. Ms Davey
of Management, University is a non-Executive Director of the
of NSW deep technology start-up company
PPB Pty Ltd. She has previously held
Fellow, Australian Institute of
various Director positions and senior
Company Directors
commercial and technical roles in the
Fellow, Australian Institute
Management and accountability

dairy manufacturing and prepared

of Food Science and foods sectors.
Technology

Dr Michael Bachelor of Agricultural Dr Dunbier is a research scientist Member 1 July 2021 30 June 2024 8/8
Dunbier Sciences (Plant Science), with expertise in genetics and plant
CNZM Lincoln College breeding. He is a former director
Masters of Agricultural of DSIR Crop Research and was the
Sciences (Hons) (Plant founding Chief Executive of Crop
Breeding and Genetics), & Food Research. He is currently a
Lincoln College Director of the Foundation for Arable
Research. In 2005, Dr Dunbier received
PhD (Plant Breeding and
the Bledisloe Medal from Lincoln
Genetics), University of
University and in 2011 the Jubilee
Wisconsin
Medal from the New Zealand Institute
Fellow, New Zealand of Agricultural Science.
41

Institute of Agricultural
Science
42

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

PERIOD AS THE ACCOUNTABLE AUTHORITY OR MEMBER WITHIN
THE REPORTING PERIOD

NUMBER OF
POSITION MEETINGS OF
QUALIFICATIONS OF
Management and accountability

EXPERIENCE OF THE ACCOUNTABLE TITLE / DATE OF DATE OF ACCOUNTABLE

NAME THE ACCOUNTABLE
AUTHORITY POSITION COMMENCEMENT CESSATION AUTHORITY
AUTHORITY
HELD
ATTENDED

Mr John Bachelor of Commerce Mr Hart has spent over 35 years in Member 18 October 2021 16 October 8/8
Hart OAM (Business Law Major), Curtin the hospitality industry in operational, 2025
University human resources and industrial
Master of Business Law, relations roles, trained in food and
Curtin University beverage management at the Ecole
Hotelliere Lausanne, Switzerland. Mr
Fellow, Australian Institute of
Hart is Executive Chair of Australian
Company Directors
Chamber – Tourism, Tourism Training
Australia and Australian Grape &
Wine. He is on the Board of Tourism
Australia, the Australian Business
Register, and the Angus Knight Group.
Mr Hart also served as Chair of the
Commonwealth Vocational Education
and Training Advisory Board and was
previously on the Prime Minister’s
Business Advisory Council.
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23
PERIOD AS THE ACCOUNTABLE AUTHORITY OR MEMBER WITHIN
THE REPORTING PERIOD

NUMBER OF
POSITION MEETINGS OF
QUALIFICATIONS OF
EXPERIENCE OF THE ACCOUNTABLE TITLE / DATE OF DATE OF ACCOUNTABLE
NAME THE ACCOUNTABLE
AUTHORITY POSITION COMMENCEMENT CESSATION AUTHORITY
AUTHORITY
HELD
ATTENDED

Professor PhD (Food Technology), Professor Havea has had a successful Member 26 June 2023 25 June 2027 8/8
Palatasa Massey University, research career, spanning 26 years,
Havea Palmerston North in the dairy industry. He also has a
ONZM Master of Food Technology wide range of governance experience
(Honours), Massey in a number of reference groups
University, Palmerston and boards for different government
North agencies. Professor Havea commenced
his current role as the Dean of Pacific
Bachelor of Food
Students’ Success at Massey University,
Technology, Massey
Palmerston North in February 2021.
University, Palmerston
North
Management and accountability

Professor Bachelor of Science Professor Lawrence is Professor of Member 18 October 2021 6 July 2025 7/8
Mark (Honours), University of Public Health Nutrition at the Institute
Lawrence Melbourne for Physical Activity and Nutrition,
Graduate Diploma (Nutrition Deakin University. He has over 39 years’
& Dietetics), Flinders experience working as a practitioner
University and academic in food policy and
regulation at local, state, national and
Master of Science, University
international levels in the areas of
of London
healthy and sustainable food systems,
Graduate Diploma in dietary guidelines and ultra-processed
Epidemiology & Biostatistics, foods. He is an external advisor to the
University of Melbourne WHO, the FAO, receives funding from
PhD, Deakin University the Australian Research Council and
a member of the International Union
43

of Nutritional Sciences Task Force on

Sustainable Diets.
44

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

PERIOD AS THE ACCOUNTABLE AUTHORITY OR MEMBER WITHIN
THE REPORTING PERIOD

NUMBER OF
POSITION MEETINGS OF
QUALIFICATIONS OF
Management and accountability

EXPERIENCE OF THE ACCOUNTABLE TITLE / DATE OF DATE OF ACCOUNTABLE

NAME THE ACCOUNTABLE
AUTHORITY POSITION COMMENCEMENT CESSATION AUTHORITY
AUTHORITY
HELD
ATTENDED

Ms Jane Masters of Arts Ms Lovell has an extensive background Member 8 April 2022 7 April 2024 8/8
Lovell (International Relations) in on-farm food safety and quality
dissertation topic global assurance. She has worked across
governance of food security, the supply chain, including retailer
Deakin University distribution centres, pack houses,
Graduate Certificate of export businesses, freight and
Australian Rural Leadership, logistics and a broad range of
James Cook University farming enterprises. She has first-
hand experience of the workings of
Fellow, Australian Rural
government and has qualifications
Leadership Program
in Science, Corporate Governance
Diploma, Australian Institute and Leadership, and has a Masters
of Company Directors in International Relations focusing
Bachelor of Science on food security. Ms Lovell has
(Honours), University of considerable experience in the not-
Melbourne for-profit sector and has also been a
member of numerous government
working groups and committees.
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23
PERIOD AS THE ACCOUNTABLE AUTHORITY OR MEMBER WITHIN
THE REPORTING PERIOD

NUMBER OF
POSITION MEETINGS OF
QUALIFICATIONS OF
EXPERIENCE OF THE ACCOUNTABLE TITLE / DATE OF DATE OF ACCOUNTABLE
NAME THE ACCOUNTABLE
AUTHORITY POSITION COMMENCEMENT CESSATION AUTHORITY
AUTHORITY
HELD
ATTENDED

Mr Deon Diploma of Applied Science, Mr Mahoney has over 35 years’ Member 8 April 2022 7 April 2024 8/8
Mahoney Western Sydney University experience with the food industry,
Diploma of Agricultural performing various roles including
Microbiology, University of microbiological risk assessment,
Sydney risk communication, food policy
development, drafting and
Master of Science in
enforcement of food legislation,
Agriculture, University of
training and education, and
Sydney
establishing quality assurance
Fellow, Australian Institute programs. Mr Mahoney has previously
of Food Science and worked for the WHO, the FAO,
Technology
Management and accountability

FSANZ and Dairy Food Safety Victoria.

His international work has involved
placements in over 25 countries,
providing high-level scientific advice
and guidance on ways to manage food
safety.
45
46

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

PERIOD AS THE ACCOUNTABLE AUTHORITY OR MEMBER WITHIN
THE REPORTING PERIOD

NUMBER OF
POSITION MEETINGS OF
QUALIFICATIONS OF
Management and accountability

EXPERIENCE OF THE ACCOUNTABLE TITLE / DATE OF DATE OF ACCOUNTABLE

NAME THE ACCOUNTABLE
AUTHORITY POSITION COMMENCEMENT CESSATION AUTHORITY
AUTHORITY
HELD
ATTENDED

Dr Roscoe Bachelor of Arts Dr Taylor is a specialist in public health Member 20 March 2023 19 March 8/8
Taylor Bachelor of Medicine and medicine with a broad background 2027
Bachelor of Surgery in general practice, humanities and
environmental science. He occupied
Diploma of Obstetrics
the statutory position of Director of
Member of the Royal New Public Health in Tasmania from 2002-
Zealand College of General 15 and also Chief Health Officer 2012-
Practitioners 15. He has continued to work across
Fellow of the Australasian a number of jurisdictions, maintaining
Faculty of Public Health interests in environmental health,
Medicine communicable diseases and chronic
Master of Environmental disease prevention.
Science
Graduate Diploma in
Epidemiology
Fellow of the Public Health
Association of Australia
Graduate, Australian
Institute of Company
Directors
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Board committees
Under Section 18 of the FSANZ Act the Board may establish committees as it thinks fit to assist
it in carrying out its functions. During 2022–23 two ongoing committees assisted the Board to
effectively exercise its functions:
» Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee
» People and Culture Committee.

Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee

The Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee (FARMC) supports the Board’s oversight
responsibilities relating to FSANZ’s risk, control and compliance frameworks, financial
statements, and performance reporting responsibilities. The FARMC Charter is available on the
FSANZ website4.

In 2022–23, the FARMC continued to monitor the corporate governance and risk management
activities of the organisation. The committee regularly monitors the identification and
management of risks to FSANZ, providing assurance that reasonable steps have been taken to
address the risks by reducing the likelihood they will occur.

The FARMC is chaired by Board member Ms Teresa Ciprian. It is composed of four FSANZ
Board members and one independent member. Observers to FARMC meetings include
representatives from the Australian National Audit Office, the Board Chair and the FSANZ CEO.

Table 3: Audit committee

NUMBER OF
QUALIFICATIONS,
MEETINGS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR TOTAL ANNUAL
MEMBER ATTENDED ADDITIONAL
EXPERIENCE (INCLUDE REMUNERATION
NAME / TOTAL INFORMATION
FORMAL AND INFORMAL (GST INC.)
NUMBER OF
AS RELEVANT)
MEETINGS

Ms Teresa See Table 2 4/4 $9,880 per year N/A

Ciprian (Chair)

Ms Josephine See Table 2 4/4 $4,940 per year N/A

Davey
(Member)

Dr Michael See Table 2 4/4 $4,940 per year N/A

Dunbier
(Member)

Ms Jane Lovell See Table 2 4/4 $4,940 per year N/A

(Member)

4 https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/about/board/Pages/default.aspx

Management and accountability 47

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

NUMBER OF
QUALIFICATIONS,
MEETINGS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR TOTAL ANNUAL
MEMBER ATTENDED ADDITIONAL
EXPERIENCE (INCLUDE REMUNERATION
NAME / TOTAL INFORMATION
FORMAL AND INFORMAL (GST INC.)
NUMBER OF
AS RELEVANT)
MEETINGS

Ms Mary Bachelor of Business, 2/3 $0 N/A

O’Connor Accounting, Graduate
(Independent Diploma of Chartered
Member) Accountants, Diploma of
Government (Procurement
& Contact Management),
Diploma of Project
Management

Mr James Masters of Business 1/1 $0 N/A

Malizani Administration, Fellow
(Independent Chartered Accountant,
Member) Chief Financial Officer
National Library of Australia

People and Culture Committee

The People and Culture Committee (PCC) assists the Board in fulfilling its governance
responsibilities in relation to the staff of FSANZ. The PCC considers and provides advice to the
Board on issues relating to workforce strategy, workforce capability and agency culture.

The Committee is chaired by Board member Mr John Hart OAM. It is composed of five FSANZ
Board members, with the FSANZ CEO an ex-officio member.

Compliance and assurance

Internal audit
The FARMC oversaw the 2022–23 Internal Audit Program, which was undertaken by a
contracted external provider. The program provided assurance that the key controls over
FSANZ’s payroll processes were effective; that FSANZ’s information and communication
technology infrastructure, polices and operations are functioning effectively; and that internal
controls exist.

Risk management
FSANZ is committed to strategically and systematically managing risks. The FSANZ Board is
the accountable authority for FSANZ and is responsible for ensuring the establishment and
maintenance of appropriate enterprise risk management and internal control systems.

The Board, acting through the CEO, has established a system of risk management that identifies,
assesses, monitors and manages enterprise risks. The FSANZ Risk Management Framework
provides the foundation for monitoring, reviewing and continually improving risk management
at FSANZ. During this period FSANZ internal auditors undertook a facilitative audit of our risk
registers to support continuous improvement of our Risk Management Framework.

48 Management and accountability

 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

FSANZ participates in Comcover’s biennial risk management benchmarking survey. This survey
provides FSANZ an opportunity to review and benchmark its risk-related practices and
processes against those of comparable agencies, and implement any changes based on results.

Compliance reporting
Section 17BE of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 requires FSANZ
to advise of any significant issues reported in relation to non-compliance with the finance law.

There were no significant instances of non-compliance with the finance law in the 2022–23
reporting year.

Table 4: Significant non-compliance with the Finance Law

DESCRIPTION OF NON-COMPLIANCE REMEDIAL ACTION

N/A N/A

People
As a specialised, knowledge-based agency, FSANZ recognises that people are the key to its
success. In the reporting period, FSANZ continued to support employees through access to
flexible work in its Canberra and Wellington offices and home-based work arrangements for
specialist staff in other locations across Australia and New Zealand.

FSANZ delivers its work through three branches, each supporting teams with specialist expertise.

Chief Executive Officer

(CEO)

Corporate Services Risk Management and Science and Risk

Branch Intelligence Branch Assessment Branch

Communication, Governance Behavioural and Biotechnology, Toxicology

and Response Regulatory Analysis and Nutrition Science

Information and Standards and

Communication Technology Surveillance Food Composition

Labelling and Food Safety and

People Services
Information Standards Microbiology

Finance Public Health and International and Dietary

Nutrition Standards Exposure Assessment

Office of
Legal Counsel

Management and accountability 49

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Enterprise Agreement
In March 2023 the Australian Government released its Public Sector Workplace Relations Policy
to facilitate service-wide bargaining. FSANZ has actively participated in service wide-bargaining
through May–July 2023 and will look to finalise agency-specific bargaining for a new Enterprise
Agreement during the first quarter of 2024.

Workforce Strategy
FSANZ’s Workforce Strategy 2024–2028 is to be presented to PCC for endorsement in late
2023. Progress on the development of the strategy was discussed at the PCC through 2022–23.

The strategy will assist FSANZ to:

» understand its priorities in relation to workforce planning
» take actions to improve workforce capabilities, and
» respond to changes that may arise from the review of the FSANZ Act.

Some of the initiatives undertaken through 2022-2023 to inform the development of the
strategy include:
» workforce planning with a view to identifying critical roles and succession planning needs
» introduction of a Workplace Diversity Program and network, led by a Diversity Champion,
to promote cultural capability and to attract and retain more diverse, quality candidates
» the launch of a Respect@FSANZ campaign that focuses on the organisation’s workplace
culture and values
» continued development of the learning and development framework including alignment to
key workforce strategic themes.

Learning and development

FSANZ continues to build its learning and development (L&D) function through a centralised
and structured framework that is designed to meet the future capability requirements of
its workforce. Training initiatives undertaken through 2022–2023 have focused on lifting
managerial capabilities, generalist training themes and confirming mandatory training packages.
L&D at FSANZ is categorised under four key themes – mandatory training, generalist training,
leadership and management, and specialised and technical training.

Health and wellbeing

FSANZ has continued its contractual arrangement with its Employee Assistance Provider.
Health and wellbeing initiatives have been supported by workplace culture campaigns, diversity
and inclusion initiatives, employee training and policy reviews.

Australian Public Service Commission employee census results

Each year FSANZ participates in the Australian Public Service (APS) Census. In 2022 the agency’s
response rate to the 2022 APS Employee Census was 89% compared to a response rate of 75%
in 2021.

50 Management and accountability

 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

The positive themes and observations drawn from the results include:
» significantly high positive scores in almost all employee engagement questions with increases
across almost every question within the index, against 2021 census outcomes and the
APS average
» improved scores for the SES across all questions. These improvements were not only higher
against 2021 results but also against the APS average and in some cases more than 10
points higher
» a rise of two points for Communication and Change compared to the 2021 census.

There are opportunities for FSANZ to build on these positive results with actions focusing on
managerial capability uplift, culture and employee wellbeing.

FSANZ undertook the following initiatives in 2022–23 to address Census focus areas:
» capability uplift of immediate supervisors – mandatory training requirements that outline
managerial responsibilities with a strong focus on managing employee health and wellbeing
have been reviewed and updated. A bespoke managerial training package targeted at
the EL1 and EL2 levels has been developed and is in the process of being delivered to
FSANZ managers
» wellbeing – scores for wellbeing fell one percentage point compared to 2021–22 results.
There has been a strong focus on reviewing policy (e.g. flexible working arrangements)
and the launch of campaigns associated with employee health and wellbeing. Key focus
areas included a range of initiatives that continue to build on FSANZ’s workplace culture.
Initiatives have included:
• promoting employee assistance program (EAP) services and supports
• promoting diversity and inclusion frameworks, support networks and events
• a campaign focused on appropriate workplace behaviours (Respect@FSANZ).

Management and accountability 51

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Management of human resources

Table 5: FSANZ Gender Data Current Reporting Period (2022–23)

USES A
PREFER NOT TO
MAN/MALE WOMAN/FEMALE NON-BINARY DIFFERENT
ANSWER
TERM

36 66 1 5 0

Notes: Data has been sourced from the 2023 APS Employee Census. Data was collected in
the period May–June 2023. This information is the only data source available to FSANZ on this
topic, which aligns to new Annual Reporting requirements to describe gender in line with the
Australian Bureau of Statistics’ ‘Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and
Sexual Orientation Variables’, (2020).

108 employees responded to the 2023 APS Employee Census. Completing the Census is not
compulsory. The Census total therefore does not align with the workforce totals presented in
the tables that follow for the current reporting period.

FSANZ is currently taking steps to update the collection of this data through its Human
Resource Information System.

Table 6: All Ongoing Employees Current Table 7: All Non-Ongoing Employees Current
Report Period (2022–23)* Report Period (2022–23)*

LOCATION TOTAL LOCATION TOTAL

NSW 1 NSW 1

Qld 0 Qld 1

SA 1 SA 0

Tas 2 Tas 1

Vic 1 Vic 0

WA 0 WA 0

ACT 86 ACT 9

NT 1 NT 0

External Territories 0 External Territories 0

Overseas 17 Overseas 4

Total 109 Total 16

* Note: FSANZ is unable to report gender data by location as this could result in a significant
risk of unintentional identification of employees.

52 Management and accountability

 Table 8: All Ongoing Employees Previous Report Period (2021–22)

MALE FEMALE INDETERMINATE TOTAL

FULL PART TOTAL FULL PART TOTAL FULL PART TOTAL

TIME TIME MALE TIME TIME FEMALE TIME TIME INDETERMINATE

NSW 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1

Qld 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

SA 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1

Tas 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

Vic 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

WA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ACT 31 2 33 45 15 60 0 0 0 93

NT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

External 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Territories

Overseas 3 1 4 8 2 10 0 0 0 14

Total 36 3 39 55 18 73 0 0 0 112

Management and accountability

53
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23
 Table 9: All Non-Ongoing Employees Previous Report Period (2021–22)

54
MALE FEMALE INDETERMINATE TOTAL

FULL PART TOTAL FULL PART TOTAL FULL PART TOTAL

TIME TIME MALE TIME TIME FEMALE TIME TIME INDETERMINATE

NSW 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Qld 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

SA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Tas 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Vic 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1

WA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Management and accountability

ACT 4 0 4 5 1 6 1 0 1 11

NT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

External 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Territories

Overseas 1 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 3
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Total 5 0 5 7 2 9 1 0 1 15
 Executive remuneration
Table 10: Information about remuneration for key management personnel

POST-
OTHER LONG-TERM TERMINATION
SHORT-TERM BENEFITS EMPLOYMENT
BENEFITS BENEFITS
BENEFITS

OTHER
OTHER
POSITION BASE SUPERANNUATION LONG SERVICE LONG- TERMINATION
NAME BONUSES BENEFITS AND TOTAL
TITLE SALARY CONTRIBUTIONS LEAVE TERM BENEFITS
ALLOWANCES
BENEFITS

Sandra Chief 331,618 - 4,005 37,257 11,026 - - 383,906

Cuthbert Executive
Officer

Luci Henson General 278,519 - 4,073 44,197 48,722 - - 375,511

Manager

Glen Neal General 264,150 - 30,881 34,344 18,339 - - 347,714

Manager

Christel General 203,137 - 28,717 32,815 37,451 - - 302,121

Leemhuis Manager

Glenys AU Board 85,920 - - 9,022 - - - 94,942

Beauchamp Member

Roscoe AU Board 42,960 - - 4,511 - - - 47,471

Taylor Member

Josephine AU Board 47,900 - - 5,030 - - - 52,930

Davey Member

Management and accountability

John Hart AU Board 42,960 - - 4,511 - - - 47,471
Member

55
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23
56
POST-
OTHER LONG-TERM TERMINATION
SHORT-TERM BENEFITS EMPLOYMENT
BENEFITS BENEFITS
BENEFITS

OTHER
OTHER
POSITION BASE SUPERANNUATION LONG SERVICE LONG- TERMINATION
NAME BONUSES BENEFITS AND TOTAL
TITLE SALARY CONTRIBUTIONS LEAVE TERM BENEFITS
ALLOWANCES
BENEFITS

Mark AU Board 42,960 - - 4,511 - - - 47,471

Lawrence Member

Deon AU Board 42,960 - - 4,511 - - - 47,471

Mahoney Member

Jane Lovell AU Board 47,858 - - 5,025 - - - 52,883

Member

Suzanne NZ Board 43,240 - - 4,540 - - - 47,780

Management and accountability

Chetwin Member

Teresa NZ Board 53,184 - - 5,584 - - - 58,769

Ciprian Member

Michael NZ Board 48,212 - - 5,062 - - - 53,274

Dunbier Member
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Palatasa NZ Board 44,687 - - 4,747 - - - 49,434

Havea Member

Total 1,620,266 - 67,676 205,666 115,539 - - 2,009,147

 Table 11: Information about remuneration for senior executives

POST-
OTHER LONG-TERM TERMINATION TOTAL
SHORT-TERM BENEFITS EMPLOYMENT
BENEFITS BENEFITS REMUNERATION
BENEFITS

Total Number Average Average Average Average Average Average Average Average total
remuneration of senior base bonuses other superannuation long service other termination remuneration
bands executives salary benefits and contributions leave long-term benefits
allowances benefits

$0- $220,000 1 8,675 - 23,003 37,572 9,593 - - 78,843

Table 12: Information about remuneration for other highly paid staff

POST-
OTHER LONG-TERM TERMINATION TOTAL
SHORT-TERM BENEFITS EMPLOYMENT
BENEFITS BENEFITS REMUNERATION
BENEFITS

Total Number Average Average Average Average Average Average Average Average total
remuneration of other base bonuses other superannuation long service other termination remuneration
bands highly paid salary benefits and contributions leave long term benefits
staff allowances benefits

$245,001- 1 210,225 - - 35,273 21,563 - - 267,060

$270,000

Management and accountability

57
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23
 4
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial performance overview 59
2022–23 Financial Statements 60

58 FinancIAL Statements
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial performance overview
Income which includes funding from the Australian and New Zealand governments, cost
recovery and project activity totalled $23.6 million in 2022–23, of which $23.5 million was
expended, primarily on employee costs. This resulted in a small surplus of $76,000 which was
an improvement on the prior year.

The improvement in income in 2022–23, which increased from $22.3 million in 2021–22
to $23.6 million, was primarily a result of an increase in own-source income driven by
project income from other Government agencies. Also contributing to the increase was an
improvement in interest earned on cash deposits.

The increase in expenditure from $22.9 million in 2021–22 to $23.5 million in 2022–23 reflects
an increase in staff costs associated with the Commonwealth government’s interim workplace
relations policy.

Assets and liabilities remained stable over 2022–23 with a small decrease in both, a result of
depreciation of lease assets and the repayment of lease liabilities.

Further information, including an explanation of variations to budget, are included in the

Financial Statements.

FinancIAL Statements 59
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care
Opinion
In my opinion, the financial statements of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (the Entity) for the year ended
30 June 2023:
(a) comply with Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures and the Public Governance,
Performance and Accountability (Financial Reporting) Rule 2015; and
(b) present fairly the financial position of the Entity as at 30 June 2023 and its financial performance and cash
flows for the year then ended.
The financial statements of the Entity, which I have audited, comprise the following as at 30 June 2023 and for
the year then ended:
• Statement by the Accountable Authority, Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer;
• Statement of Comprehensive Income;
• Statement of Financial Position;
• Statement of Changes in Equity;
• Cash Flow Statement; and
• Notes to the financial statements, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other
explanatory information.
Basis for opinion
I conducted my audit in accordance with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards, which
incorporate the Australian Auditing Standards. My responsibilities under those standards are further described
in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of my report. I am independent
of the Entity in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements for financial statement audits conducted by
the Auditor-General and his delegates. These include the relevant independence requirements of the
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
(including Independence Standards) (the Code) to the extent that they are not in conflict with the Auditor-
General Act 1997. I have also fulfilled my other responsibilities in accordance with the Code. I believe that the
audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion.
Accountable Authority’s responsibility for the financial statements
As the Accountable Authority of the Entity, the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Board is responsible under
the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (the Act) for the preparation and fair
presentation of annual financial statements that comply with Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified
Disclosures and the rules made under the Act. The Accountable Authority is also responsible for such internal
control as the Accountable Authority determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements
that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Accountable Authority is responsible for assessing the ability of the
Entity to continue as a going concern, taking into account whether the Entity’s operations will cease as a result
of an administrative restructure or for any other reason. The Accountable Authority is also responsible for
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting,
unless the assessment indicates that it is not appropriate.

GPO Box 707, Canberra ACT 2601

38 Sydney Avenue, Forrest ACT 2603
Phone (02) 6203 7300

60 FinancIAL Statements
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

My objective is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes my opinion.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance
with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it
exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis
of the financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards, I exercise
professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. I also:
• identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or
error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion. The risk of not detecting a material
misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion,
forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control;
• obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Entity’s internal control;
• evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates
and related disclosures made by the Accountable Authority;
• conclude on the appropriateness of the Accountable Authority’s use of the going concern basis of accounting
and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. If I conclude
that a material uncertainty exists, I am required to draw attention in my auditor’s report to the related
disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify my opinion. My
conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of my auditor’s report. However, future
events or conditions may cause the Entity to cease to continue as a going concern; and
• evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the
disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a
manner that achieves fair presentation.
I communicate with the Accountable Authority regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing
of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that I identify
during my audit.

Australian National Audit Office

Ben Nicholls
Audit Principal

Delegate of the Auditor-General

Canberra
29 September 2023

FinancIAL Statements 61
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Food Standards Australia New Zealand

STATEMENT BY THE ACCOUNTABLE AUTHORITY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

In our opinion, the attached financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2023 comply with subsection 42(2) of the Public Governance,
Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), and are based on properly maintained financial records as per subsection 41(2) of
the PGPA Act.

In our opinion, at the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that Food Standards Australia New Zealand will be
able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

Glenys Beauchamp Teresa Ciprian Sandra Cuthbert Adrian Rowles

Chair Chair FARMC Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
FSANZ Board FSANZ Board FSANZ FSANZ
29 September 2023 29 September 2023 29 September 2023 29 September 2023

62 FinancIAL Statements
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the period ended 30 June 2023

Restated1 Original2
2023 2022 Budget
Notes $'000 $'000 $'000

NET COST OF SERVICES

Expenses
Employee benefits 1.1A 17,449 16,571 15,906
Suppliers 1.1B 3,916 4,109 3,417
Depreciation and amortisation 2.2A 2,105 2,107 2,077
Finance costs 1.1C 64 76 75
Foreign exchange losses 1.1D 5 20 -
Write-down and impairment of other assets 1.1E - 47 -
Total expenses 23,539 22,930 21,475
Own-source income
Own-source revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers 1.2A 5,229 4,776 1,235
Interest 1.2B 493 57 65
Other revenue 62 - 2,008
Total own-source revenue 5,784 4,833 3,308
Gains
Gains from sale of assets 4 - -
Other Gains 1.2D 19 - -
Total gains 23 - -
Total own-source income 5,807 4,833 3,308
Net cost of services (17,732) (18,097) (18,167)
Revenue from Government3 1.2C 17,675 17,498 17,485
Surplus/ (Deficit) on continuing operations (57) (599) (682)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Items not subject to subsequent reclassification to net
cost of services
Changes in asset revaluation reserve4 2.2A 133 - -
Total other comprehensive income 133 - -
Total comprehensive income/ (Loss) 76 (599) (682)

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
1
Refer to Overview note.
2
FSANZ's budget as published in the 2022-23 October Portfolio Budget Statements.
3
FSANZ includes $.184m and $.006m relating to the 2022-23 October Budget measure Savings from External Labour,
and Savings from Advertising, Travel and Legal Expenses and an Ambitious and Enduring APS Reform Plan respectively.
Expenses were reduced to implement the government decision and $.19m was retained by the entity.
4
All revaluations were conducted in accordance with the revaluation policy stated at Note 2.2. On 30 June 2023, an
independent valuer conducted the revaluations.

FinancIAL Statements 63
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Statement of Financial Position

as at 30 June 2023

Restated1 Original2
2023 2022 Budget
Notes $'000 $'000 $'000

ASSETS
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents 2.1A 2,237 1,938 14,035
Trade and other receivables 2.1B 344 306 307
Investments 2.1C 13,000 13,010 -
Total financial assets 15,581 15,254 14,342
Non-financial assets
Buildings - Leasehold Improvements3 2.2A 6,602 8,173 6,415
Plant and equipment 2.2A 663 171 1,001
Intangibles 2.2A 1,291 1,256 1,514
Other non-financial assets 2.2B 942 639 639
Total non-financial assets 9,498 10,239 9,569

Total assets 25,079 25,493 23,911

LIABILITIES
Payables
Suppliers 2.3A 937 1,081 1,081
Other payables 2.3B 4,327 3,713 3,802
Total payables 5,264 4,794 4,883
Interest bearing liabilities
Leases 2.5 5,322 6,483 5,276
Total interest bearing liabilities 5,322 6,483 5,276
Provisions
Employee provisions 3.1 4,914 4,694 4,694
Other provisions 2.4 305 324 324
Total provisions 5,219 5,018 5,018
Total liabilities 15,805 16,295 15,177
Net assets 9,274 9,198 8,734
EQUITY
Contributed Equity 1,823 1,823 1,823
Asset Revaluation Reserve 2,646 2,513 2,513
Retained surplus 4,805 4,862 4,398
Total equity 9,274 9,198 8,734

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
1
Refer to Overview for further information.
2
FSANZ's budget as published in the 2022-23 October Portfolio Budget Statements.
3
Right-of-use assets are included in the Building - Leasehold Improvements.

64 FinancIAL Statements
 Statement of Changes in Equity
for the period ended 30 June 2023
Contributed Equity Retained surplus1 Asset revaluation surplus Total equity

2023 2023 2023 2023

Original Original Original Original

$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

2022 Budget2 2022 Budget2 2022 Budget2 2022 Budget2

Opening balance
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

4,862 2,513 9,198

- -
Balance carried forward from previous period 1,823 1,823 1,823 5,461 5,080 2,513 2,513 9,797 9,416

Adjusted opening balance 1,823 4,862 2,513 9,198

Adjustment to prior year error - - - - - - - - - -
1,823 1,823 5,461 5,080 2,513 2,513 9,797 9,416

Comprehensive income
(57) 76
- - -
Surplus/(Deficit) for the period - - - (599) (682) 133 - - (599) (682)

Total comprehensive income - (57) 133 76

Other comprehensive income - - - - - - - - -

Closing balance as at 30 June 1,823 4,805 2,646 9,274

- - (599) (682) - - (599) (682)
1,823 1,823 4,862 4,398 2,513 2,513 9,198 8,734

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

¹ Refer to Overview for further information.

2

Accounting Policy
FSANZ's budget as published in the October 2022-23 Portfolio Budget Statements.

Equity injections
Amounts appropriated which are designated as ‘equity injections’ for a year (less any formal reductions) and Departmental Capital Budgets (DCBs) are recognised directly in contributed
equity in that year.

FinancIAL Statements
65
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Cash Flow Statement

for the period ended 30 June 2023

Restated1 Original2
2023 2022 Budget
Notes $'000 $'000 $'000

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash received
Receipts from Australian Government 17,675 17,498 17,485
Receipts from New Zealand Government 1,970 2,034 2,008
Sale of goods and rendering of services 3,513 3,332 1,235
Interest 493 57 65
Net GST received 580 419 364
Other 62 - -
Total cash received 24,293 23,340 21,157

Cash used
Employees (16,897) (16,708) (15,906)
Suppliers (4,943) (4,151) (3,330)
Net GST paid (10) (2) (364)
Interest paid (64) (76) (75)
Total cash used (21,914) (20,937) (19,675)
Net cash from operating activities 2,379 2,403 1,482

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash received
Proceeds from sales of assets 4 - -
Total cash received 4 - -

Cash used
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (928) (615) (1,290)
Investments 10 (10) -
Total cash used (918) (625) (1,290)
Net cash used by investing activities (914) (625) (1,290)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash used
Principal payments of lease liabilities (1,161) (1,109) (1,105)
Total cash used (1,161) (1,109) (1,105)
Net cash from/(used by) financing activities (1,161) (1,109) (1,105)

Net increase in cash held 304 669 (913)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 1,938 1,289 14,948
Effect of exchange rate movements on cash and cash equivalent at
the beginning of the reporting period (5) (20) -

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 2.1A 2,237 1,938 14,035

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

¹ Refer to Overview for further information.

2
FSANZ's budget as published in the 2022-23 October Portfolio Budget Statements.

66 FinancIAL Statements
 Budget Variance Commentary
for the period ended 30 June 2023

Budget Variance Commentary

The table below provides explanations for major variances between the original budget estimates, as published in the 2022-23 October Portfolio Budget
Statements (PBS), and the actual financial performance and position for the year.

Variances are considered to be major based on the following criteria:

• the variance between budget and actual is greater than $500,000; or
• an item below this threshold that is considered important for the reader's understanding or is relevant to an assessment
of the discharge of accountability and to an analysis of performance of the entity.

Where an item was not originally budgeted for in the PBS, for example asset revaluations or the sale of asset adjustments, explanations will only be provided
if the variance is considered 'major'.

AASB 1055 Explanations of major variances Affected line items (and schedule)
Employee Benefits and Provisions Employee Benefits
(Statement of Comprehensive Income)
Employee provisions
Employee benefits were higher than expected primarily due to increased project

(Statement of Financial Position)

activity requiring additional staff, higher than anticipated wage growth and
increased separation payments.

Suppliers Expenses and Payables Suppliers

(Statement of Comprehensive Income)
Suppliers - trade creditors and accruals
The higher than anticipated supplier expenses were a result of increased project

(Statement of Financial position)

activity.

Suppliers expenses
(Cash Flow Statement)

Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Trade and Other Receivables and Other Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Payables (Unearned Revenue) Other Revenue
(Statement of Comprehensive Income)
Trade and Other Receivables
Revenue from Contracts with Customers was higher than expected primarily

Other Payables (Unearned Revenue)

due to the establishment of new projects and the extension of existing projects

(Statement of Financial position)

previously assumed to end. Please note that the variation is in part due to the

Sale of goods and rendering of services

classification of the New Zealand Government contribution, which is budgeted

(Cash Flow Statement)

for under Other Revenue.

FinancIAL Statements
Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents
The variation is primarily due to the increase cash held in relation to unearned (Statement of Financial position)
project and application revenue (other payables). Please note that investments

67
are included in the cash and cash equivalents balance in the budget while
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

classified separately in the Statement of Financial Position.

FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Notes to the financial statements

Overview
Objectives of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) was established to implement an agreement with States and Territories to achieve the
goals of a high degree of consumer confidence in the quality and safety of food that is available in Australia and New Zealand; an
effective, transparent and accountable regulatory framework within which industry can work efficiently; the provision of adequate
information about food to support informed food choices; and the harmonisation of food standards in Australia and New Zealand, and
internationally.

Basis of preparation

The financial statements are general purpose financial statements and are required by section 42 of the PGPA Act.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with:

a) Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Financial Reporting) Rule 2015 (FRR); and
b) Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations – including simplified disclosures for Tier 2 Entities under
AASB 1060 issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that apply for the reporting period.

The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and in accordance with the historical cost convention, except for
certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Except where stated, no allowance is made for the effect of changing prices on the results or
the financial position. The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars and rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($'000)
unless otherwise specified.

Prior Period Error Restatement

During 2022-23 the FSANZ identified a prior period error relating to the classification of $217,680 that didn’t meet the definition of an
intangible assets under AASB 138. Expenditure from 2021-22 was incorrectly classified as an intangible asset and will now be restated
as ICT expenses.

The FSANZ has corrected the prior period by restating the comparative amounts in its financial statements and notes for 2021-22. The
restatement of comparative amounts results in an increase to the deficit reported by $217,680, aligned with the increase in expenses
and associate reduction in assets, as detailed in the table below:

68 FinancIAL Statements
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

New Australian Accounting Standards

Adoption of New Australian Accounting Standard Requirements

Two amending standards (AASB 2021-2 and AASB 2021-6) were adopted earlier than the application date as stated in the standard.
These amending standards have been adopted for the 2022-23 reporting period.

The following amending standards were issued prior to the signing of the statement by the accountable authority and chief financial
officer, were applicable to the current reporting period and had a material effect on the entity’s financial statements:

Standard/ Interpretation Nature of change in accounting policy, transitional provisions1, and adjustment to financial statements
AASB 2021-2 amends AASB 7, AASB 101, AASB 108, AASB 134 and AASB Practice Statement 2. The
AASB 2021-2 Amendments
amending standard requires the disclosure of material, rather than significant, accounting policies, and
to Australian Accounting
clarifies what is considered a change in accounting policy compared to a change in accounting estimate.
Standards – Disclosure of
Accounting Policies and
AASB 2021-6 amends the Tier 2 reporting requirements set out in AASB 1049, AASB 1054 and AASB 1060
Definition of Accounting
to reflect the changes made by AASB 2021-2.
Estimates (AASB 2021-2)
and
The details of the changes in accounting policies and adjustments are disclosed below and in the relevant
notes to the financial statements. This amending standard is not expected to have a material impact on the
AASB 2021-6 Amendments
entity's financial statements for the current reporting period or future reporting periods.
to Australian Accounting
Standards - Disclosure of
Accounting Policies: Tier 2
and Other Australian
Accounting Standards
(AASB 2021-6)

Taxation
FSANZ is exempt from all forms of taxation except Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Foreign Currency
Transactions denominated in a foreign currency are converted at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency
bank account amounts are translated at the exchange rate current as at the reporting date. The primary foreign currency transactions
are with New Zealand.

Events after the reporting period

There has been no event since 30 June 2023 that had the potential to significantly affect the ongoing structure and financial activities of
FSANZ.

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Financial Performance
This section analyses the financial performance of the FSANZ for the year ended 30 June 2023

1.1 Expenses
2023 2022 1
$’000 $’000

1.1A: Employee Benefits

Salaries and wages 12,955 12,603
Superannuation - defined contribution plans 1,664 1,460
Superannuation - defined benefit plans 754 850
Leave and other entitlements 1,593 1,554
Separation and redundancies 483 104
Total employee benefits 17,449 16,571

Accounting Policy
Accounting policies for employee related expenses is contained in the People and Relationships section.

1.1B: Suppliers
Goods and services supplied or rendered
Employment Related 37 22
Consultants 590 611
Temporary Staff 69 215
Fees for Service 369 736
Learning & Development 211 130
Library 135 134
Travel 522 202
Legal fees 64 199
ICT Expenses 1,273 1,196
Property 86 113
Audit fees 155 159
Other operating costs 343 307
Total goods and services supplied or rendered 3,854 4,024

Goods supplied 247 263

Services rendered 3,607 3,761
Total goods and services supplied or rendered 3,854 4,024

Other suppliers
Workers compensation expenses 62 85
Total other suppliers 62 85
Total suppliers 3,916 4,109

The above lease disclosures should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes 1.1C, 2.2 and 2.5.

Accounting Policy
Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
FSANZ has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases of assets that have a lease
term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets (less than $10,000). FSANZ recognises the lease payments associated
with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

¹ Refer to Overview for further information.

1.1C: Finance Costs

Interest on lease liabilities 64 76
Total finance costs 64 76
Accounting Policy
All borrowing costs are expensed as incurred.

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1.1 Expenses (Contd.)

2023 2022 1
$’000 $’000

1.1D: Foreign Exchange losses

Non-Speculative 5 20
Total foreign exchange losses 5 20

1.1E: Write-down and impairment of other assets

Impairment of intangible assets other than goodwill - 47
Total write-down and impairment of other assets - 47

1.2 Own-Source Revenue and Gains

2023 2022
$’000 $’000
1.2A: Revenue from contracts with customers
New Zealand Government funding 1,970 2,034
Cost Recovery Fees 909 955
Project Revenue from Government 2,350 1,787
Total revenue from contracts with customers 5,229 4,776

Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers

Major product / service line:
Regulatory services 909 955
Service delivery 4,320 3,821
5,229 4,776
Type of customer:
Australian Government entities (related parties) 2,350 1,787
Non-government entities 2,879 2,989
5,229 4,776
Timing of transfer of goods and services:
Over time 5,229 4,776
5,229 4,776

Accounting Policy
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when control The stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date is
has been transferred to the buyer. determined by reference to the proportion that costs
Revenues from projects undertaken on behalf of other incurred to date bear to the estimated total costs of the
Commonwealth agencies is recognised progressively during transaction.
the term of the project when performance obligations are Receivables for goods and services, which have 30 day terms,
satisfied and can be measured. The measurement of are recognised at the nominal amounts due less any
performance obligations over time is made by judgements impairment allowance account. Collectability of debts is
made by Project Managers by reference to the percentage of reviewed at end of the reporting period. Allowances are made
work completed at reporting date. when collectability of the debt is no longer probable.
Revenues from projects undertaken on behalf of other Cost recovery arrangements are in place for certain
Commonwealth agencies that do not have performance applications to develop or amend food standards. Payment of
obligations are recognised in the year that the revenues are a charge is discretionary for all applicants, unless the
received. approval of an application would confer an exclusive
capturable commercial benefit (ECCB) on an applicant.
Revenue from fee for service is recognised by reference to the Revenue is recognised over time as costs (2022-23: $509k
stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date. The and 2021-22: $955k) are incurred where there is an
revenue is recognised when: expectation that they will be recovered.
a) the amount of revenue, stage of completion and
transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and
b) the probable economic benefits associated with the
transaction will flow to FSANZ

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1.2 Own-Source Revenue and Gains (Contd.)

2023 2022
$’000 $’000

1.2B: Interest
Investments 493 57
Total interest 493 57
Accounting Policy
Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest method.
- #REF!
Total other gains

1.2C: Revenue from Government

Payments from Portfolio Department - Department of Health and Aged Care 17,675 17,498
Total revenue from Government
17,675 17,498
Accounting Policy
Revenue from Government
Funding received or receivable from non-corporate Commonwealth entities (appropriated to the non-corporate Commonwealth entity
as a corporate Commonwealth entity payment item for payment to this entity) is recognised as Revenue from Government by the
corporate Commonwealth entity unless the funding is in the nature of an equity injection or a loan.

1.2D: Other Gains

Change in fair value through profit & loss 19 -
Total other income 19 -

Accounting Policy
Sale of Assets
Gains from disposal of assets are recognised when control of the asset has passed to the buyer.

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Financial Position
This section analyses the FSANZ's assets used to conduct its operations and the operating liabilities incurred as a result.
Employee related information is disclosed in the People and Relationships section.
2.1 Financial Assets

2023 2022
$’000 $’000

2.1A: Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash at bank - Australia 2,227 1,927
Cash at bank - New Zealand 10 11
Total cash and cash equivalents 2,237 1,938

Accounting Policy
Cash is recognised at its nominal amount. Cash and cash equivalents include:
a) cash on hand; and
b) demand deposits in bank accounts with an original maturity of 12 months or less that are readily
convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.

2.1B: Trade and Other Receivables

Goods and services receivables
Goods and services 59 140
Total goods and services receivables 59 140

GST receivable from the Australian Taxation Office 135 142

Interest receivable 98 16
Other 52 8
Total other receivables 285 166
Total trade and other receivables 344 306

Accounting Policy
Financial Assets
Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that are held for the purpose of collecting the contractual cash flows
where the cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest, that are not provided at below-market interest rates,
are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method adjusted for any loss allowance.

Receivables for goods and services, which have 30 day terms, are recognised at the nominal amounts due less any
impairment allowance account. Collectability of debts is reviewed at end of the reporting period. Allowances are made
when collectability of the debt is no longer probable.

Accounting Judgements and Estimates

There are no material accounting judgements and estimates that impact on the above.

2.1C: Investments
Deposits 13,000 13,010
Total investments 13,000 13,010

Accounting Policy
FSANZ invests in only Authorised Deposit-Taking Institutions (ADIs). Deposits that are made for a period of
3 months or more are classified as investments.

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2.2 Non-Financial Assets

2.2A: Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangibles

Buildings -
Leasehold Plant and
Improvements Equipment Intangibles¹ Total
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
As at 1 July 2022
Gross book value 12,574 511 5,751 18,836
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (4,401) (340) (4,495) (9,236)
Total as at 1 July 2022 8,173 171 1,256 9,600
Additions:
Right Of Use Assets - - - -
Purchases 21 517 390 928
Revaluations recognised in asset revaluation reserve 33 100 - 133
Write back of asset purchase value on revaluation 1,046 465 - 1,511
Write back of depreciation and amortisation on revaluation (1,046) (465) - (1,511)
Depreciation and amortisation (361) (125) (355) (841)
Depreciation on right-of-use assets (1,222) - - (1,222)
Depreciation on makegood assets (41) - - (41)
Total as at 30 June 2023 6,602 663 1,291 8,556

Total as at 30 June 2023

Gross book value 11,582 663 3,898 16,143
Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (4,980) - (2,607) (7,587)
Total as at 30 June 2023 6,602 663 1,291 8,556

No indicators of impairment were found for property, plant and equipment or land and buildings and intangibles at 30 June 2023.
The carrying amount of right-of-use assets as at 30 June 2023 is $4.887m.
All revaluations were conducted in accordance with the revaluation policy stated at Note 2.2. On 30 June 2023, an independent valuer conducted the revaluations.
Intangible asset of $2.2m and Plant & Equipment of $0.085m were disposed during the financial year with NIL net book value.

No property, plant or equipment or land and buildings is held for sale, however, some assets may be sold as part of the normal refresh process within the next 12 months.
Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets
FSANZ has contractual commitment valued at $0.121m to build Branded Food database Intangible asset.
¹ Opening Balance has been restated refer to Overview for further information.

Accounting Policy Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are initially recognised
Assets are recorded at cost on acquisition except as stated below. as assets and income at their fair value at the date of acquisition, unless
The cost of acquisition includes the fair value of assets transferred in exchange acquired as a consequence of restructuring of administrative arrangements. In
and liabilities undertaken. Financial assets are initially measured at their fair the latter case, assets are initially recognised as contributions by owners at the
value plus transaction costs where appropriate. amounts at which they were recognised in the transferor’s accounts
immediately prior to the restructuring.

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Accounting Policy (contd.)

Asset Recognition Threshold Depreciation rates (useful lives), residual values and methods
Purchases of property, plant and equipment are recognised are reviewed at each reporting date and necessary
initially at cost in the statement of financial position, except adjustments are recognised in the current, or current and
for purchases costing less than 5,000, which are expensed in future reporting periods, as appropriate.
the year of acquisition (other than where they form part of a
group of similar items which are significant in total). Depreciation rates applying to each class of depreciable asset
are based on the following useful lives:
The initial cost of an asset includes an estimate of the cost of
dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on 2023 2022
which it is located. This is particularly relevant to ‘make good’ Leasehold
provisions in property leases taken up by the FSANZ where Lease terms Lease terms
improvements
there exists an obligation to restore the property to prescribed
conditions. These costs are included in the value of the Plant and
3-10 years 3-10 years
FSANZ's leasehold improvements with a corresponding equipment
provision for the ‘make good’ recognised.
The depreciation rates for ROU assets are based on the
Lease Right of Use (ROU) Assets commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life
Leased ROU assets are capitalised at the commencement date of the ROU asset or the end of the lease term.
of the lease and comprise of the initial lease liability amount,
initial direct costs incurred when entering into the lease less Impairment
any lease incentives received. These assets are accounted for All assets were assessed for impairment at 30 June 2023.
by FSANZ as separate asset classes to corresponding assets Where indications of impairment exist, the asset’s recoverable
owned outright, but included in the same column as where the amount is estimated and an impairment adjustment made if
corresponding underlying assets would be presented if they the asset’s recoverable amount is less than its carrying
were owned. amount.

Revaluations The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair

Following initial recognition at cost, property, plant and value less costs of disposal and its value in use. Value in use is
equipment (excluding ROU assets) are carried at fair value (or the present value of the future cash flows expected to be
an amount not materially different from fair value) less derived from the asset. Where the future economic benefit of
subsequent accumulated depreciation and accumulated an asset is not primarily dependent on the asset’s ability to
impairment losses. Valuations are conducted with sufficient generate future cash flows, and the asset would be replaced if
frequency to ensure that the carrying amounts of assets did the entity were deprived of the asset, its value in use is taken
not differ materially from the assets’ fair values as at the to be its depreciated replacement cost.
reporting date. The regularity of independent valuations
depended upon the volatility of movements in market values Derecognition
for the relevant assets. An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised
upon disposal or when no further future economic benefits
Revaluation adjustments are made on a class basis. Any are expected from its use or disposal.
revaluation increment is credited to equity under the heading
of asset revaluation reserve except to the extent that it Intangibles
reversed a previous revaluation decrement of the same asset The FSANZ's intangibles comprise internally developed
class that was previously recognised in the surplus/deficit. software for internal use and purchased software. These
Revaluation decrements for a class of assets are recognised assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and
directly in the surplus/deficit except to the extent that they accumulated impairment losses.
reversed a previous revaluation increment for that class.
Internally developed software and purchased software with
Any accumulated depreciation as at the revaluation date is values of $25,000 or greater are capitalised. Any purchases
eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and under these thresholds are expensed in the year of acquisition
the asset restated to the revalued amount. (other than when they form part of a group of similar items
which are significant in total).
Depreciation
Depreciable property, plant and equipment assets are written- Software is amortised on a straight-line basis over its
off to their estimated residual values over their estimated anticipated useful life. The useful lives of the FSANZ's
useful lives to the FSANZ using, in all cases, the straight-line software are 4 years (2022: 4 years) to purchased software
method of depreciation. Leasehold improvements are and 10 years (2022: 10 years) for internally developed
depreciated on a straight line basis over the lesser of the software's.
estimated useful life of the improvements or the unexpired
All software assets were assessed for indications of
period of the lease.
impairment as at 30 June 2023.

2023 2022
$’000 $’000
2.2B: Other Non-Financial Assets
Prepayments 942 639
Total other non-financial assets 942 639
No indicators of impairment were found for other non-financial assets.

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2.3 Payables

2023 2022
$’000 $’000

2.3A: Suppliers
Trade creditors and accruals 937 1,081
Total suppliers 937 1,081
Suppliers expected to be settled in no more than 12 months. Settlement was usually made within 30 days.

2.3B: Other payables

Salaries and wages 419 403
Leave payable 158 88
Paid Parenting Leave 8 -
Separations and redundancies 234 -
Unearned income 3,508 3,222
Total other payables 4,327 3,713

Accounting Policy
Unearned Income
Amounts received in advance for services not yet provided or work not yet undertaken are recorded as unearned
income, unless the revenue falls under AASB1058 – Income of Not-for-Profit Entities.

2.4 Other Provisions

2.4 Other provisions

Provision for
restoration
$’000
Opening balance as at 1 July 2022 324
Remeasured make good provision (19)
Total as at 30 June 2023 305

FSANZ currently has 2 (2022: 2) agreements for the leasing of premises which have provisions requiring the entity to
restore the premises to their original condition at the conclusion of the lease.

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2.5 Interest Bearing Liabilities

2023 2022
$’000 $’000

2.5 Leases
Lease liabilities 5,322 6,483
Total leases 5,322 6,483

Total cash outflow for leases for the year ended 30 June 2023 was [$1.414m] (2022: $1.302m)

Maturity analysis - contractual undiscounted cash flows

Within 1 year 1,235 1,225
Between 1 to 5 years 4,220 4,732
More than 5 years - 826
Total leases 5,455 6,783

FSANZ in its capacity as lessee hold leases in Canberra, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand that make up of the
above, which are long term and contain both extension options and regular increases in rent.

Accounting Policy
For all new contracts entered into, FSANZ considers whether the contract is, or contains a lease. A lease is
defined as ‘a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to use an asset (the underlying asset) for a
period of time in exchange for consideration’.

Once it has been determined that a contract is, or contains a lease, the lease liability is initially measured at the
present value of the lease payments unpaid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate
implicit in the lease, if that rate is readily determinable, or the department’s incremental borrowing rate.

Subsequent to initial measurement, the liability will be reduced for payments made and increased for interest. It
is remeasured to reflect any reassessment or modification to the lease. When the lease liability is remeasured,
the corresponding adjustment is reflected in the right-of-use asset or profit and loss depending on the nature of
the reassessment or modification.

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People and Relationships

This section describes a range of employment and post employment benefits provided to our people.
3.1 Employee Provisions
2023 2022
$’000 $’000

Employee provisions
Leave 4,914 4,694
Total employee provisions 4,914 4,694

Accounting Policy Superannuation

Liabilities for short-term employee benefits and The FSANZ's staff are members of the Commonwealth
termination benefits expected within twelve months of Superannuation Scheme (CSS), the Public Sector
the end of reporting period are measured at their Superannuation Scheme (PSS), or the PSS accumulation
nominal amounts. plan (PSSap), or other superannuation funds held
outside the Australian Government.
Other long-term employee benefits are measured as net
total of the present value of the defined benefit The CSS and PSS are defined benefit schemes for the
obligation at the end of the reporting period minus the Australian Government. The PSSap is a defined
fair value at the end of the reporting period of plan assets contribution scheme. The liability for defined benefits is
(if any) out of which the obligations are to be settled recognised in the financial statements of the Australian
directly. Government and is settled by the Australian Government
in due course. This liability is reported in the Department
Leave of Finance’s administered schedules and notes.
The liability for employee benefits includes provision for
annual leave and long service leave. The FSANZ makes employer contributions to the
The leave liabilities are calculated on the basis of employees' defined benefit superannuation scheme at
employees’ remuneration at the estimated salary rates rates determined by an actuary to be sufficient to meet
that will be applied at the time the leave is taken, the current cost to the Government. The FSANZ accounts
including the entity’s employer superannuation for the contributions as if they were contributions to
contribution rates to the extent that the leave is likely to defined contribution plans.
be taken during service rather than paid out on
termination. The liability for superannuation recognised as at 30 June
2023 represents outstanding contributions.
The liability for long service leave has been determined
by reference to the shorthand method as prescribed by Accounting Judgements and Estimates
the FRR. The estimate of the present value of the liability Employee provisions are dependent on management
takes into account attrition rates and pay increases assumptions for their measurement.
through promotion and inflation. No accounting assumptions or estimates have been
identified that have a significant risk of causing a
Separation and Redundancy material adjustment to carrying amounts of assets and
Provision is made for separation and redundancy benefit liabilities within the next reporting period.
payments. The FSANZ recognises a provision for
termination when it has developed a detailed formal plan
for the terminations and has informed those employees
affected that it will carry out the terminations. As at 30
June 2023 FSANZ has no provision for separation and
redundancy (2022: 0). This has been reported in Note
2.3B as Other Payable.

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3.2 Key Management Personnel Remuneration

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and
controlling the activities of the FSANZ, directly or indirectly, including any director (whether executive or otherwise) of
that FSANZ. The FSANZ has determined the key management personnel to be the Chief Executive Officer, Branch
Managers and Board of Directors. Key management personnel remuneration is reported in the table below:

2023 2022
$’000 $’000
Short-term employee benefits 1,688 1,454
Post-employment benefits 205 180
Other long-term employee benefits 116 17
Total key management personnel remuneration expenses¹
2,009 1,651

The above table includes paid part time Directors (board positions) 12 (2022: 12). The total number of key
management personnel that are included in the above table are 15 (2022:17).

¹ The above key management personnel remuneration excludes the remuneration and other benefits of the Portfolio Minister. The
Portfolio Minister's remuneration and other benefits are set by the Remuneration Tribunal and are not paid by the FSANZ.

3.3 Related Party Disclosures

Related party relationships:

FSANZ is an Australian Government controlled entity. Related parties to FSANZ are key management personnel
including the portfolio minister and other Australian Government Entities.
Transactions with related parties:
Given the breadth of Government activities, related parties may transact with the government sector in the same
capacity as ordinary citizens. Such transactions include the payment or refund of taxes. These transactions have not
been separately disclosed in this note.
Significant transactions with related parties can include:
• the payments of grants or loans;
• purchases of goods and services;
• asset purchases, sales transfers or leases;
• debts forgiven; and
• guarantees.

Giving consideration to relationships with related entities, and transactions entered into during the reporting period by
the FSANZ, it has been determined that there are no related party transactions to be separately disclosed.

FinancIAL Statements 79
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Managing Uncertainties
This section analyses how FSANZ manages financial risks within its operating environment.

4.1 Contingent Assets and Liabilities

FSANZ did not have any contingent assets or liabilities to report as at 30 June 2023 (2022: Nil).

Accounting Policy
Contingent liabilities and contingent assets are not recognised in the statement of financial position but are reported in the notes.
They may arise from uncertainty as to the existence of a liability or asset or represent an asset or liability in respect of which the
amount cannot be reliably measured. Contingent assets are disclosed when settlement is probable but not virtually certain and
contingent liabilities are disclosed when settlement is greater than remote.

4.2 Financial Instruments

2023 2022
$’000 $’000

Financial Assets
Financial assets at amortised cost
Cash and cash equivalents 2,237 1,938
Trade and other receivables 209 164
Investment 13,000 13,010
Total financial assets at amortised cost 15,446 15,112

Total financial assets 15,446 15,112

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Trade creditors 937 1,081
Total financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 937 1,081

Total financial liabilities 937 1,081

Accounting Policy
Financial assets Amortised cost is determined using the effective interest
In accordance with AASB 9 Financial Instruments, the FSANZ method.
classifies its financial assets in the following categories:
a) financial assets at fair value through profit or loss; Effective Interest Method
b) financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive Income is recognised on an effective interest rate basis for
income; and financial assets that are recognised at amortised cost.
c) financial assets measured at amortised cost.
Financial Assets at Fair Value Through Other Comprehensive
The classification depends on both the FSANZ's business model Income (FVOCI)
for managing the financial assets and contractual cash flow Financial assets measured at fair value through other
characteristics at the time of initial recognition. Financial assets comprehensive income are held with the objective of both
are recognised when the FSANZ becomes a party to the contract collecting contractual cash flows and selling the financial assets
and, as a consequence, has a legal right to receive or a legal and the cash flows meet the SPPI test.
obligation to pay cash and derecognised when the contractual
rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are Any gains or losses as a result of fair value measurement or the
transferred upon trade date. recognition of an impairment loss allowance is recognised in
other comprehensive income.
Comparatives have not been restated on initial application.
Financial Assets at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss (FVTPL)
Financial Assets at Amortised Cost Financial assets are classified as financial assets at fair value
Financial assets included in this category need to meet two through profit or loss where the financial assets either doesn't
criteria: meet the criteria of financial assets held at amortised cost or at
1. the financial asset is held in order to collect the contractual FVOCI (i.e. mandatorily held at FVTPL) or may be designated.
cash flows; and
2. the cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest
(SPPI) on the principal outstanding amount.

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4.2 Financial Instruments (Contd.)

Accounting Policy (Contd.)

Financial assets at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any Financial liabilities
resultant gain or loss recognised in profit or loss. The net gain or Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities ‘at
loss recognised in profit or loss incorporates any interest earned fair value through profit or loss’ or other financial liabilities.
on the financial asset. Financial liabilities are recognised and derecognised upon ‘trade
date’.
Impairment of Financial Assets
Financial assets are assessed for impairment at the end of each Financial Liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss
reporting period based on Expected Credit Losses, using the Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are initially
general approach which measures the loss allowance based on an measured at fair value. Subsequent fair value adjustments are
amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses where risk has recognised in profit or loss. The net gain or loss recognised in
significantly increased, or an amount equal to 12-month expected profit or loss incorporates any interest paid on the financial
credit losses if risk has not increased. liability.

The simplified approach for trade, contract and lease receivables is Financial Liabilities at Amortised Cost
used. This approach always measures the loss allowance as the Financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at
amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses. fair value, net of transaction costs. These liabilities are
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
A write-off constitutes a derecognition event where the write-off interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective
directly reduces the gross carrying amount of the financial asset. interest basis.

Supplier and other payables are recognised at amortised cost.

Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the goods or services
have been received (and irrespective of having been invoiced).

2023 2022
$’000 $’000

4.2A Net Gains or Losses on Financial Assets

Financial assets at amortised cost
Interest revenue 493 57
Exchange gains/(losses) (5) (20)
Net gains on financial assets at amortised cost 488 37

4.3 Fair Value Measurement

4.3 Fair Value Measurement

Fair value measurements
at the end of the reporting
period

2023 2022
$'000 $'000

Non-financial assets
Leasehold improvements 1,582 1,889
Other property, plant and equipment 151 163

Total Non-financial asset 1,733 2,052

Accounting Policy
FSANZ procured valuation services from Pickles Valuation Services (PVS) in 2023 and relied on valuation models provided by
PVS for the carrying amount as at 30 June 2023. FSANZ’s asset policy requires that a formal independent valuation process is
conducted at least once every three to four years. In years when an independent valuation is not conducted, an assessment is
performed by management to ensure that the fair value criterion is reasonable. This assessment normally focuses on ‘indicators’
to determine whether there has been a material movement in the carrying amount of the assets since the last reporting date.

No change in valuation technique occurred during the period. The highest and best use of all non-financial assets are the same
as their current use.

FinancIAL Statements 81
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Other Information
5.1 Aggregate Assets and Liabilities

2023 2022
$’000 $’000

Assets expected to be recovered in:

No more than 12 months
Cash and cash equivalents 2,237 1,938
Trade and other receivables 344 306
Investments - Term Deposits 13,000 13,010
Others non-financial assets 942 639
Total no more than 12 months 16,523 15,893
More than 12 months
Buildings - right of use assets 6,602 8,173
Plant and equipment 663 171
Intangibles 1,291 1,256
Total more than 12 months 8,556 9,600
Total assets 25,079 25,493

Liabilities expected to be settled in:

No more than 12 months
Suppliers - trade creditors and accruals 937 1,081
Other payables 4,327 3,713
Leases 1,161 1,161
Employee provisions 1,873 1,950
Total no more than 12 months 8,298 7,905
More than 12 Months
Leases 4,161 5,322
Employee provisions 3,040 2,744
Other provision 305 324
Total More than 12 months 7,507 8,390
Total liabilities 15,805 16,295

82 FinancIAL Statements
APPENDICES
Work Plan 84
Report against the FSANZ Act requirements 87
2022–23 summary report on emerging issues 98
List of requirements 100
Australian Public Service Net Zero 2030 reporting 104
Index 105

APPENDIces 83
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

APPENDIX ONE
Work Plan
Under Section 20 of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (the FSANZ Act), FSANZ
is required to maintain a publicly available Work Plan. The Work Plan provides details of the
progress of all applications and proposals intended to amend the Australia New Zealand Food
Standards Code (the Code). The Work Plan is regularly updated and published on the FSANZ
website. Section 20 of the FSANZ Act requires FSANZ to report annually on the Work Plan.
This report is below.

Applications can be either paid or unpaid. While the same statutory timeframes apply, work
on paid applications starts immediately once payment is received while work on unpaid
applications starts when resources become available, taking into account the number of
applications already underway. The current lead time for starting work on unpaid applications
is approximately 12 months. This is down from 14 months for 2021–2022. Proposals are not
governed by statutory timeframes however must be reported annually. Information on the
different types of procedures for assessing applications is in the Work Plan.

Applications received or proposals prepared before 1 October 2007 continue to be assessed

under the procedures in place at that time. The tables below provide detail on applications and
proposals listed and assessed under the Work Plan.

Table 13: Applications and proposals on the Work Plan

30 JUNE 30 JUNE 30 JUNE 30 JUNE 30 JUNE

AS AT
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

General procedure 20 (8 paid) 22 (12 paid) 39 (9 paid) 34 (9 paid) 30 (16 paid)

Minor procedure 0 0 0 0 0

Major procedure 4 (1 paid) 8 (1 paid) 1 (paid) 5 6 (1 paid)

High level health claims 0 0 0 0 0

Urgent applications or 0 1 0 1 0
proposals

Under review 0 2 0 0 0

TOTAL 24 33 40 40 36

With the Food Ministers’ 7 2 2 7 3

Meeting (FMM) or
awaiting notification to
the FMM

Estimated waiting time 6 months 9 months 9 months 14 months 12 months

for unpaid applications approx approx approx

84 APPENDIces
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Table 14: Total applications received and accepted and proposals prepared

AS AT 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23

Applications 11 17 21 19 20

Proposals 2 4 3 5 2

TOTAL 13 21 24 24 22

Table 15: Applications and proposals approved, withdrawn or rejected

AS AT 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23

Approvals made by the 20 22 16 18 22

FSANZ Board

Final assessments made 0 0 0 0 0

by the FSANZ Board

Applications withdrawn 4 0 5 5 4
or rejected

TOTAL completed 24 22 21 23 26

More information on the figures above are in Appendix two. There may also be some
discrepancies where decisions have been made in one financial year and the notification of that
decision is made in the next financial year.

Food Ministers’ Meeting

Table 16: Notification outcomes

2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23

Approval decisions 20 20 16 18 22
notified

Final assessment 0 0 0 0 0
decisions notified

Requests for review 0 2 0 0 0

Review decisions 0 0 0 0 0
notified

APPENDIces 85
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Reviews requested by the Food Ministers’ Meeting

The Food Ministers’ Meeting is notified of FSANZ decisions to vary standards. Ministers can
request a review of a FSANZ decision following notification, provided that six of the 10 ministers
request the review.

Under the 2008 Inter-Governmental Food Regulation Agreement, ministers can request reviews
of FSANZ decisions based on one or more of the following criteria:
1. it is not consistent with existing policy guidelines set by the Food Ministers’ Meeting
2. it is not consistent with the objectives of the legislation which establishes FSANZ
3. it does not protect public health and safety
4. it does not promote consistency between domestic and international food standards where
these are at variance
5. it does not provide adequate information to enable informed choice
6. it is difficult to enforce or comply with in both practical or resource terms
7. it places an unreasonable cost burden on industry or consumers.

No reviews were requested in 2022–23.

Ministerial policy guidelines and statements

The Food Ministers’ Meeting is responsible for developing food regulatory policy for domestic
and imported foods and developing policy guidelines for setting food standards for domestic
and imported foods. In developing or reviewing food regulatory measures and variations to
food regulatory measures, under the FSANZ Act (section 18) FSANZ must have regard to any
written policy guidelines formulated by ministers and notified to FSANZ for these purposes.

Gazettal of variations 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023

Gazettal and registration on the Federal Register of Legislation of amendments to the Code
occurs throughout the year after the Food Ministers’ Meeting notifies FSANZ that it does not
need to review its decision on a standard or a variation to a standard or if, after a review by
FSANZ, ministers accept or amend the standards or variation to a standard. Each series of
amendments is sequentially numbered.

FSANZ gazetted amendments to the Code relating to 20 applications and 5 proposals.

Gazetted amendments are listed in Appendix two.

86 APPENDIces
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

APPENDIX TWO
Report against the FSANZ Act requirements
Applications received and proposals prepared before 1
October 2007
Section 69 of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (as was in force prior to 1 July
2007) requires FSANZ to report on its processing of applications and proposals received or
prepared before 1 October 2007.

During 2022–2023, 1 application (A613) received before 1 October 2007 remained on the Work
Plan pending advice from applicants:
1. Nil withdrawn;
2. Nil rejected by FSANZ;
3. Nil finalised and notified to the Food Ministers’ Meeting;
4. Nil considered after a request for a review and notified to the
Food Ministers’ Meeting; and
5. 1 remained on the Work Plan as at 30 June 2022.
During 2022–2023, 1 proposal (P290) prepared before 1 October 2007 remained on our
Work Plan:
1. Nil withdrawn;
2. Nil rejected by FSANZ;
3. Nil finalised and notified to the Food Ministers’ Meeting;
4. Nil considered after a request for a review and notified to the
Food Ministers’ Meeting; and
5. 1 remained on the Work Plan as at 30 June 2022.
(e) Any occasion during 2022–2023 that FSANZ, after preparing a draft standard or a
draft variation of a standard, failed to make a decision under section 18 of the FSANZ
Act (as was in force prior to 1 July 2007) within the period required under section 35
(as was in force prior to 1 July 2007) and a statement of the reasons for that failure:

Application A613 – Definitions for Nutritive Substance and Nutritive Ingredients remains on the
work plan while Proposal P1024 – Revision of the Regulation of Nutritive Substances and Novel
Foods seeks to develop an alternative framework for the regulation of nutritive substances and
novel foods in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Proposal P290 – Food Safety Programs for Catering Operations to the General Public is on hold
after being superseded by Proposal P1053 – Food Safety Management tools to consider food
safety management requirements for the food service and retail sector, for which Standard
3.2.2A has been gazetted.

APPENDIces 87
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

(f) Extensions of time FSANZ granted under subsection 35(2) of the FSANZ Act during
2022–2023 and the reasons for those extensions:

Nil

(g) The number of applications made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal during
2022–2023 for a review of a decision made by FSANZ:

Nil

(h) The results of the applications made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal that
were determined during 2022–2023:

N/A

(i) The number of standards made under the FSANZ Act during 2022–2023:

Nil (includes standards and variations to standards gazetted)

(j) The number of draft standards and draft variations approved during 2022–2023
under: Section 18 of the FSANZ Act; or (Final Assessment)

Nil

(k) The number of occasions during 2021–2022 when requests were made under
section 21 of the FSANZ Act (as was in force prior to 1 July 2007) for a review of a draft
standard or draft variation:

Nil

(l) The number of occasions during 2022–2023 when requests were made under
section 22 of the FSANZ Act (as was in force prior to 1 July 2007) for a review of a draft
standard or draft variation:

Nil

(m) The number of occasions during 2022–2023 when a draft standard or draft
variation was rejected under section 23 of the FSANZ Act (as was in force prior to
1 July 2007):

Nil

(n) The number of occasions during 2022–2023 when requests were made under
section 28A of the FSANZ Act (as was in force prior to 1 July 2007) for a review of a
standard or variation:

Nil

(p) The number of occasions during 2022–2023 when a standard or variation was
revoked or amended under section 28C of the FSANZ Act (as was in force prior to
1 July 2007):

Nil

88 APPENDIces
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Applications received and Proposals prepared from 1 October

2007 onwards
Section 152 of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 requires FSANZ to report on
its processing of applications and proposals in the following manner:

(aa) The number of applications that were made under section 22 during 2022–2023:

23

(ab) The number of applications accepted under subsection 26(1) during 2022–2023:

20

(ac) The number of applications rejected under subsection 26(1) during 2022–2023 and
the reasons for the rejections:

Nil

(ad) The number of applications withdrawn in 2022–2023 under subsection 24(1)

during the current year:

4 (A1205, A1223, AXXXX and AXXXX)

(ae) The number of applications accepted under subsection 26(1) during 2022–2023
that FSANZ had not begun to assess under section 29 during 2022–2023:

4 (A1257, A1260. A1261, A1278)

(af) The number of applications accepted under subsection 26(1) during a previous
financial year that FSANZ had not begun to assess under section 29 before the end of
2022–2023:

Nil

(a) The number of applications that were considered under Subdivision D of Division 1
of Part 3 during 2022–2023:

51

(b) The number of applications that were considered under Subdivision E of Division 1
of Part 3 during 2022–2023:

Nil

(c) The number of applications that were considered under Subdivision F of Division 1
of Part 3 during 2022–2023:

(d) The number of applications that were considered under Subdivision G of Division 1
of Part 3 during 2022–2023:

APPENDIces 89
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

(e) For each of those Subdivisions, the number of applications considered under that
Subdivision that were disposed of during 2021–2022 and the manner of their disposal:

Subdivision D:

20 Approved (A1219, A1220, A1221, A1224, A1227, A1228, A1229, A1238, A1239, A1240,
A1241, A1244, A1246, A1248, A1249, A1251, A1252, A1253, A1255, A1256)

3 Withdrawn (A1205, A1223, AXXXX)

Nil Rejected

Subdivision E:

Nil Approved

Nil Withdrawn

Subdivision F:

Nil Approved

Nil Withdrawn

Subdivision G:

Nil Approved

1 Withdrawn (AXXXX)

(f) For each of those Subdivisions, the average time taken to dispose of applications
during 2022–2023 (for Approval only):

Subdivision D:

9 months

Subdivision E:

N/A

Subdivision F:

N/A

Subdivision G:

N/A

(fa) The number of applications accepted under subsection 26(1) during a previous
financial year that FSANZ had begun to assess under section 29 before the end of the
current year, but that FSANZ had not disposed of before the end of 2022–2023:

Nil

90 APPENDIces
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

(fb) For an application covered by paragraph (fa), the period that has elapsed since
the application was accepted under subsection 26(1):

N/A

(g) The number of applications made during 2022–2023 in relation to which a charge
fixed under section 146 was payable:

17 (A1262, A1263, A1264, A1265, A1266, A1267, A1268, A1269, A1270, A1271, A1272, A1273,
A1274, A1275, A1276, A1277, A1278)

(h) The number of applications made during 2022–2023 in relation to which no charge
fixed under section 146 was payable:

4 (A1257, A1260, A1261, A1279)

(i) The average number of days that elapsed between the acceptance or rejection
under section 26 of an application made during 2022–2023 in relation to which
no charge fixed under section 146 was payable, and the commencement of the
assessment of the application under section 29:

N/A

(j) Each occasion during 2022–2023 on which the consideration period under section
109 elapsed without FSANZ completing the procedure that FSANZ must, under
Subdivision C of Division 1, adopt in considering the application:

A1239 Food derived from EPA & DHA producing & herbicide-tolerant canola line LBFLFK.
Approved by the Board 14 September 2022.

(k) Each occasion during 2022–2023 on which FSANZ extended the consideration
period under subsection 109(4), and the reasons for that extension:

A1269 – Cultured Quail as a Novel Food – FSANZ have extended the consideration period by up
to 6 months. The extension of time in which to assess the application was required due to the
complex nature of the assessment and the need to obtain and assess further information.

(ka) The number of applications declared under section 95 to be urgent applications

during 2022–2023:

Nil

(l) The number of proposals prepared by FSANZ under section 55 during 2022–2023:

2 (P1061, M1021)

(la) The number of proposals prepared under section 55 during 2022–2023 that FSANZ
had not begun to assess under section 59 during that year:

Nil

APPENDIces 91
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

(lb) The number of proposals prepared under section 55 during a previous financial
year that FSANZ had not begun to assess under section 59 before the end of 2022–2023:

Nil

(n) The number of proposals that were disposed of during 2022–2023 and the manner
of their disposal:

2 (P1053, P1061)

Nil Abandoned

(o) The average time taken to dispose of proposals under each of Subdivisions D, E, F,
G and H of Division 2 of Part 3 during 2022–2023:

General

1143 days (P1053)

Minor

101 days (P1061)

Major

N/A

Urgent

N/A

High-level health claim variation

N/A

(p) The average number of days that have elapsed between the preparation of a
proposal under section 55 to which Subdivision G of Division 1 of Part 3 does not apply
and the commencement of the assessment of the proposal under section 59:

0 days (P1057, P1058, P1059, P1060)

(pa) The number of proposals prepared under section 55 during a previous financial
year that FSANZ had begun to assess under section 59 before the end of 2022–2023,
but that FSANZ had not disposed of before the end of 2022–2023:

10 (P1010, P1024, P1028, P1047, P1049, P1055, P1056, P1058, P1059, P1060)

(pb) For a proposal covered by paragraph (pa), the period that has elapsed since the
proposal was prepared under section 55:

P1010 – 48 months, 17 days (or 4 years, 17 days)

P1024 – 126 months, 18 days (or 10 years, 6 months, 18 days)

92 APPENDIces
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

P1028 – 119 months, 14 days (or 9 years, 11 months, 14 days)

P1047 – 63 months, 3 days (or 5 years, 3 months, 3 days)

P1049 – 58 months, 14 days (or 4 years, 10 months, 14 days)

P1055 – 40 months, 11 days (or 3 years, 4 months, 11 days)

P1056 – 30 months, 17 days (or 2 years, 6 months, 17 days)

P1058 – 14 months, 17 days (or 1 year, 2 months, 17 days)

P1059 – 14 months, 4 days (or 1 year, 2 months, 4 days)

P1060 – 13 months, 11 days (or 1 year, 1 month, 11 days)

(pc) The number of proposals declared under section 95 to be urgent proposals during
2022–2023:

Nil

In relation to applications or proposals declared to be urgent under section 95, either

in 2022–2023 or in previous financial years, the number which were disposed of under
section 101 and the manner of their completion:

Nil

(pd) The number of occasions during the current year when the 12-month period
referred to in subsection 101(1) ended with no decision having been made under that
subsection and the reasons for no decision having been made:

Nil

(q) The number of applications made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal during
2022–2023 for review of decisions of FSANZ:

Nil

(r) The results of the applications made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal that
were determined during 2022–2023:

Nil

(ra) The number of draft standards and draft variations approved during 2022–2023
under each of the following:

Section 33 and 63:

21

Section 41 and 69:

Section 52 and 78:

Nil

APPENDIces 93
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

Section 97:

Nil

(s) The number of standards made during 2022–2023:

Gazettal and registration on the Federal Register of Legislation of amendments to the Australia
New Zealand Food Standards Code occurs throughout the year after the Food Ministers’
Meeting notifies FSANZ that it does not need to review its decision on a Standard or a variation
to a Standard; or if, after a review by FSANZ, the Food Ministers’ Meeting accepts or amends the
Standards or variation to a Standard. Each series of amendments is sequentially numbered.

FSANZ gazetted amendments to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code for 20
applications and 5 proposals.

Table 17: Gazetted food standard variations

AMENDMENT NO. 219 (26 MAY 2023)

A1255 Alpha-amylase from GM Bacillus To permit alpha-amylase sourced from a genetically

subtilis as a processing aid ​​ modified strain of Bacillus subtilis containing the alpha-
amylase gene from Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, as a
processing aid in the manufacture of bakery products. ​

AMENDMENT NO. 218 (4 MAY 2023)

A1256 Colour of pregnancy warning labels To permit pregnancy warning labels on corrugated
for corrugated cardboard packaging cardboard packaging used for multiple individual units
of alcoholic beverages to be in a single colour on a
contrasting background.​

AMENDMENT NO. 217 (21 APRIL 2023)

A1252 Glucoamylase from GM Aspergillus To permit glucoamylase from a genetically modified strain
niger (gene donor: Penicillium oxalicum) as of Aspergillus niger containing the glucoamylase gene
a processing aid from Penicillium oxalicum, as a processing aid in baking
processes, brewing processes and starch processing.​

A1253 Bovine lactoferrin in infant formula To permit the voluntary use of bovine lactoferrin as a
products nutritive substance in infant formula products.

AMENDMENT NO. 216 (2 MARCH 2023)

A1220 Beta-amylase from GM Bacillus To permit the use of beta-amylase from a genetically
licheniformis as a processing aid modified strain of Bacillus licheniformis in starch
processing for maltose syrup production. ​

A1221 Phospholipase A1 from GM To permit the use of phospholipase A1 from a genetically

Aspergillus niger as a processing aid modified strain of Aspergillus niger as a processing aid
during degumming of vegetable oils and fats.

A1224 Glucose oxidase from Penicillium To permit the enzyme glucose oxidase, sourced from
rubens as a processing aid Penicillium rubens, as a processing aid for use in the
production of various foods and beverages.​​​​

A1251 2'-FL combined with galacto- To permit 2'-FL in combination with galacto-
oligosaccharides and/or inulin-type oligosaccharides and/or inulin-type fructans in infant
fructans in infant formula products formula products.​​​
94 APPENDIces
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

AMENDMENT NO. 215 (16 JANUARY 2023)

A1219 Alpha-amylase from GM Bacillus To permit the use of Alpha-amylase from GM Bacillus
licheniformis as a processing aid licheniformis as an enzyme processing aid for use in
brewed beverages, potable alcohol production and starch
processing.

A1249 Addition of phytosterols, To permit the addition of phytosterols, phytostanols

phytostanols or their esters as a novel or their esters as a novel food to plant-based milk
food to plant-based milk alternatives alternatives. ​

AMENDMENT NO. 214 (8 DECEMBER 2022)

A1239 Food derived from EPA and DHA To permit food derived from canola line LBFLFK,
producing and herbicide-tolerant canola genetically modified for herbicide tolerance and to
line LBFLFK produce omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA) in the seed.​

A1240 Polygalacturonase from GM To permit polygalacturonase from a genetically

Aspergillus oryzae as a processing aid modified strain of Aspergillus oryzae containing the
polygalacturonase gene from Aspergillus tubingensis, as a
processing aid in the manufacture of fruit and vegetable
juices/products, coffee processing, flavouring production,
and wine production.​

A1241 Pectinesterase from GM Aspergillus To permit pectinesterase from a genetically modified

oryzae as a processing aid strain of Aspergillus oryzae containing the pectinesterase
gene from Aspergillus tubingensis, as a processing aid in the
manufacture of fruit and vegetable juices/products, coffee
processing, flavouring production and wine production.​

A1246 Phospholipase A1 from GM To permit phospholipase A1 from a genetically modified

Aspergillus oryzae strain of Aspergillus oryzae, containing the phospholipase
A1 gene from Valsaria rubricosa, as a processing aid in the
manufacture of bakery products.

A1248 Glucoamylase from GM Aspergillus To permit glucoamylase from a genetically modified strain
niger (gene donor: Gloeophyllum trabeum) of Aspergillus niger, containing the gene for glucoamylase
as a processing aid from Gloeophyllum trabeum, as a processing aid in potable
alcohol and starch processing.​

P1053 Food Safety Management Tools ​ To require food service and retail businesses to apply
tools to strengthen food safety management in these
settings with the aim of lowering the incidence of
foodborne illness. The work is part of a broader review of
chapter 3 and 4 of the Food Standards Code.

AMENDMENT NO. 213 (27 OCTOBER 2022)

A1238 Serine endopeptidase enzyme To permit serine endopeptidase sourced from a

from GM Trichoderma reesei genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei containing
the serine endopeptidase gene from Malbranchea
cinnamomea, as a processing aid in the manufacture of
vegetable and animal protein hydrolysates.

APPENDIces 95
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A1244 Chymosin from GM Trichoderma To permit a new processing aid, a chymosin enzyme
reesei as a processing aid (enzyme) derived from a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma
reesei, for use in the manufacture of certain dairy foods. ​

Amendment No. 212 (8 September 2022)

M1020 Maximum Residue Limits (2021) To consider varying certain maximum residue limits
(MRLs) for residues of specified agricultural and veterinary
(agvet) chemicals that may occur in food commodities.

AMENDMENT NO. 211 (1 SEPTEMBER 2022)

A1215 Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as a To permit the addition of Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) to
processing aid Schedule 18 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards
Code.

M1019 Review of Schedule 22 – Foods To develop a draft regulatory measure for Schedule 22
and classes of foods (2021) – Food and classes of foods. The proposed variation will
address inconsistencies between the foods and classes
of foods and crop groups, including subgroups, adopted
by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines
Authority (APVMA) and Codex Alimentarius and the foods
and classes of foods described and listed in Schedule
22. A revised Schedule 22 will provide clarity for food
commodities listed in Schedules 20/21 and / or foods
referenced by other standards and Schedules of the
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

AMENDMENT NO. 210 (12 AUGUST 2022)

P1030 Composition and Labelling of To undertake an assessment of the compositional and

Electrolyte Drinks labelling requirements for electrolyte drinks.

P1052 Primary Production and Processing To require primary producers and processors of berries,
Requirements for Horticulture (Berries, leafy vegetables and melons to identify and control food
Leafy Vegetables and Melons) safety hazards associated with their growing and primary
processing to strengthen food safety and traceability
throughout the food supply chain, from paddock to plate.
The work is part of a broader review of chapter 3 and 4 of
the Food Standards Code.

AMENDMENT NO. 209 (15 JULY 2022)

A1232 Food derived from drought- To permit food derived from wheat line IND-00412-7, also
tolerant and herbicide-tolerant wheat line known as ‘HB4 wheat’. This wheat has been genetically
IND-00412-7 modified (GM) to have tolerance to drought and the
herbicide glufosinate.

A1233 2'-FL from new GM source for To permit 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), produced by genetically
infant formula modified Escherichia coli K-12, in infant formula products.

96 APPENDIces
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

(ta) The number of variations given to the Authority under subsection 82(6) during
2022–2023:

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority gazetted and registered on the
Federal Register of Legislation 5 amendments to Schedule 20:

Gazette No. 18 8 April 2023

Gazette No. 4 21 February 2023

Gazette No. 23 15 November 2022

Gazette No. 17 23 August 2022

Gazette No. 14 12 July 2022

(u) The number of occasions during 2022–2023 when requests were made by the Food
Ministers’ Meeting under Division 3 of Part 3 for a review of a draft standard or draft
variation:

Nil

(v) The number of occasions during 2022–2023 when a draft standard or draft
variation was rejected by the Food Ministers’ Meeting under Division 3 of Part 3:

Nil

(w) The number of occasions during 2022–2023 when requests were made by the Food
under Division 4 of Part 3 for a review of a standard or variation:

Nil

(x) The number of occasions during 2022–2023 when a standard or variation was
revoked or amended by the Council under Division 4 of Part 3:

Nil

(y) A summary of policy guidelines notified to FSANZ during 2022–2023:

Food Ministers endorsed the Policy Guideline on menu labelling. The Policy Guideline provides
policy guidance to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) on menu labelling to support
consumers to make informed healthy choices and create consistency across jurisdictions’ menu
labelling regulations.

(z) Such other matters (if any) as are specified in the Regulations:

Nil

APPENDIces 97
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

APPENDIX THREE
2022–23 summary report on emerging issues
FSANZ maintained a proactive approach to identifying potential food issues on the horizon
through our tailored strategic framework – the VIBE (Vigilance and Intelligence Before
food issues Emerge). The VIBE capitalises on the inherent intelligence signals that arise as
part of our daily work, combined with ongoing intelligence acquired from our national and
international collaborators.

Agency staff apply a wide lens when identifying potential matters of relevance to food, which
are assessed by a cross-sectional team each month. Matters considered to be of potential
concern were triaged into one of five categories (see image below) based on the level of
available evidence. The details of the relevant issues were captured in the VIBE Register.

TRENDING/
EMERGING EM
O N/ T Active research to
In
fo ER
Z
RI IGH s to e GE
gather evidence or th rm
av e a
O a fo tio D
H RES gnal/ ssibl evidence already sc ilab od n a
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In 2022–23, FSANZ considered a range of food issues through the VIBE. The image below
captures a sample of some of the trending/emerging, emerged and established issues. Brief
commentary on each issue is included.

98 APPENDIces
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

ISSUE

Food Packaging – Australian Government recycled food

packaging initiatives are driving innovation in the
packaging industry. Recycled packaging and bio-based
packaging is emerging which raises potential food
Trending/ chemical migratory issues and allergen concerns.
Emerging
Cell-based meat - derived from cell culture and cell-based
agriculture is emerging as the new wave of food
Active research to
innovation, and is gaining considerable attention from
gather evidence food regulators, the food industry and consumers across
already available that the globe.
demonstrates a trend
in a food issue. Enoki mushrooms – are commonly used in Asian cooking.
A number of cases of Listeria-based illness from vacuum
packed enoki mushroom consumption in the period
2016–2022 have been reported. Recalls in the US and
Australia have occurred from imported products from
China and Korea. Enoki mushrooms and Listeria were first
highlighted as a potential issue by the VIBE.

ISSUE
Emerged Pyrrolizidine alkaloids – FSANZ undertook an analytical survey
sampling mainly honey and teas to inform an Australian
Information about the position in light of the EC regulations (effective 1 July 2022).
food issue is available The data is currently being assessed by FSANZ.
in recent scientific
reports (including Kava - Following commercial importation of kava in
Australia for traditional ceremonial use only, an urgent
embargoed), journal proposal was raised to amend the Australia New
articles, media. Zealand Food Standards Code due to concerns kava
might be used more broadly in food. A review of the
Code amendment was undertaken 12 months from
the date of effect and was re-affirmed in March 2023.

ISSUE

Established Ultra-processed foods - these foods have been linked in

the scientific literature to non-communicable diseases
Government reports, such as cardiac disease, diabetes and obesity.
draft legislation
underway, food issue is Aspartame - reviews of this artificial sweetener by IARC
in the public domain. and JECFA have been closely monitored by the VIBE.
Following these two reviews, the World Heath Organisation
(WHO) has reaffirmed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
for aspartame.

APPENDIces 99
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

APPENDIX 4
List of requirements
Below is the table set out in Schedule 2A of the PGPA Rule. Section 17BE(u) requires this table
be included in entities’ annual reports.

Table 18: List of requirements

PGPA RULE PART OF

DESCRIPTION REQUIREMENT
REFERENCE REPORT

17BE Contents of annual report

17BE(a) Part 1 – About Details of the legislation establishing the body Mandatory
FSANZ

17BE(b)(i) Part 1 – A summary of the objects and functions of the Mandatory

Objectives and entity as set out in legislation
functions

17BE(b)(ii) Part 1 – The purposes of the entity as included in the Mandatory

Purpose entity’s corporate plan for the reporting period

17BE(c) Part 3 – The names of the persons holding the position Mandatory
Accountability of responsible Minister or responsible Ministers
to the Minister during the reporting period, and the titles of
and Parliament those responsible Ministers

17BE(d) Part 3 – Directions given to the entity by the Minister If applicable,

Ministerial under an Act or instrument during the reporting mandatory
directions period

17BE(e) Part 3 – Any government policy order that applied in If applicable,

Government relation to the entity during the reporting period mandatory
policy orders under section 22 of the Act

17BE(f) N/A Particulars of non-compliance with: If applicable,

a) a direction given to the entity by the Minister mandatory
under an Act or instrument during the
reporting period; or
b) a government policy order that applied in
relation to the entity during the reporting
period under section 22 of the Act

17BE(g) Part 2 – Annual performance statements in accordance Mandatory

Annual with paragraph 39(1)(b) of the Act and section
Performance 16F of the rule
Statements

100 APPENDIces
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

PGPA RULE PART OF

DESCRIPTION REQUIREMENT
REFERENCE REPORT

17BE(h), Part 3 – A statement of significant issues reported to the If applicable,

17BE(i) Compliance Minister under paragraph 19(1)(e) of the Act that mandatory
reporting relates to non-compliance with finance law and
action taken to remedy non-compliance

17BE(j) Part 3 – Information on the accountable authority, or Mandatory

Board each member of the accountable authority, of the
expertise and entity during the reporting period
experience

17BE(k) Part 3 – Outline of the organisational structure of the Mandatory

People entity (including any subsidiaries of the entity)

17BE(ka) Part 3 – Statistics on the entity’s employees on an ongoing Mandatory

Management and non-ongoing basis, including the following:
of Human a) statistics on full-time employees;
Resources b) statistics on part-time employees;
c) statistics on gender;
d) statistics on staff location

17BE(l) Part 1 – About Outline of the location (whether or not in Mandatory

FSANZ Australia) of major activities or facilities of
the entity

17BE(m) Part 3 – Information relating to the main corporate Mandatory

Corporate governance practices used by the entity during
Governance the reporting period

17BE(n), N/A For transactions with a related Commonwealth If applicable,

17BE(o) entity or related company where the value of mandatory
the transaction, or if there is more than one
transaction, the aggregate of those transactions,
is more than $10,000 (inclusive of GST):
a) the decision-making process undertaken by the
accountable authority to approve the entity
paying for a good or service from, or providing
a grant to, the related Commonwealth entity
or related company; and
b) the value of the transaction, or if there is
more than one transaction, the number of
transactions and the aggregate of value of the
transactions

APPENDIces 101
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

PGPA RULE PART OF

DESCRIPTION REQUIREMENT
REFERENCE REPORT

17BE(p) N/A Any significant activities and changes that If applicable,

affected the operation or structure of the entity mandatory
during the reporting period

17BE(q) N/A Particulars of judicial decisions or decisions If applicable,

of administrative tribunals that may have a mandatory
significant effect on the operations of the entity

17BE(r) N/A Particulars of any reports on the entity given by: If applicable,
a) the Auditor-General (other than a report under mandatory
section 43 of the Act); or
b) a Parliamentary Committee; or
c) the Commonwealth Ombudsman; or
d) the Office of the Australian Information
Commissioner

17BE(s) N/A An explanation of information not obtained from If applicable,

a subsidiary of the entity and the effect of not mandatory
having the information on the annual report

17BE(t) N/A Details of any indemnity that applied during the If applicable,
reporting period to the accountable authority, mandatory
any member of the accountable authority or
officer of the entity against a liability (including
premiums paid, or agreed to be paid, for
insurance against the authority, member or
officer’s liability for legal costs)

17BE(taa) Part 3 The following information about the audit Mandatory

Finance, Audit committee for the entity:
and Risk a) a direct electronic address of the charter
Management determining the functions of the audit
Committee committee;
b) the name of each member of the audit
committee;
c) the qualifications, knowledge, skills or
experience of each member of the audit
committee;
d) information about each member’s attendance
at meetings of the audit committee;
e) the remuneration of each member of the audit
committee

17BE(ta) Part 3 – Information about executive remuneration Mandatory

Executive
remuneration

102 APPENDIces
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

PGPA RULE PART OF

DESCRIPTION REQUIREMENT
REFERENCE REPORT

17BF Disclosure requirements for government business enterprises

17BF(1)(a)(i) N/A An assessment of significant changes in the If applicable,

entity’s overall financial structure and financial mandatory
conditions

17BF(1)(a)(ii) N/A An assessment of any events or risks that could If applicable,

cause financial information that is reported not mandatory
to be indicative of future operations or financial
conditions

17BF(1)(b) N/A Information on dividends paid or recommended If applicable,

mandatory

17BF(1)(c) N/A Details of any community service obligations the If applicable,

government business enterprise has including: mandatory
a) an outline of actions taken to fulfil those
obligations; and
b) an assessment of the cost of fulfilling those
obligations

17BF(2) N/A A statement regarding the exclusion of If applicable,

information on the grounds that the information mandatory
is commercially sensitive and would be likely to
result in unreasonable commercial prejudice to
the government business enterprise

APPENDIces 103
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

APPENDIX 5
Australian Public Service Net Zero 2030 Reporting
Table 19: Electricity emissions using the location-based approach

SCOPE 1 KG SCOPE 2 KG SCOPE 3 KG TOTAL KG

EMISSION SOURCE
CO2-E CO2-E CO2-E CO2-E

Electricity (Location Based N/A 88,040 7,236 95,276

Approach)

Natural Gas - N/A - -

Fleet Vehicles - N/A - -

Domestic Flights N/A N/A 21,154 21,154

Other Energy - N/A - -

Total kg CO2-e - 88,040 28,391 116,431

The electricity emissions reported above are calculated using the location-based approach.
When applying the market-based method, which accounts for activities such as Greenpower,
purchased LGCs and/or being located in the ACT, the total emissions for electricity, are below:

Table 20: Electricity emissions using the market-based approach

SCOPE 1 KG SCOPE 2 KG SCOPE 3 KG TOTAL KG

EMISSION SOURCE
CO2-E CO2-E CO2-E CO2-E

Electricity (Market Based N/A 7,191 952 8,143

Approach)

Natural Gas - N/A - -

Fleet Vehicles - N/A - -

Domestic Flights N/A N/A 21,154 21,154

Other Energy - N/A - -

Total kg CO2-e - 7,191 22,106 29,297

104 APPENDIces
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

INDEX
Australian Public Service Employee Census
2022, 50–52
gender data, 52
Australian Public Service Net Zero 2030
reporting, 104
A Australian Total Diet Study, 24
Advisory Committee on Novel Foods, 34 Australia's Foodborne Illness Reduction
advisory groups, 23 Strategy 2018–2021, 16
agricultural and veterinary chemicals, 18 Australia's National Antimicrobial Resistance
alcoholic beverages, 18, 94 Strategy – 2020 and Beyond, 26
Allergen Collaboration, 34
AMR. see antimicrobial resistance
B
antimicrobial resistance, 6 Bacillus spp., genetically modified, 94, 95

surveillance project, 26 bacteria, antimicrobial resistance. see

antimicrobial resistance
APEC. see Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
banana, disease-resistant, 15
apple products
Beauchamp, Glenys, Chair, 39
metal contaminants, 26
beef import, 30
patulin levels, 25
Binational Food Industry Dialogue, 34
APVMA. see Australian Pesticides and
Bi-National Food Safety Network, 19
Veterinary Medicines Authority
Board, FSANZ, 36–49
ASEAN. see Association of Southeast Asian
Nations appointment of members, 37
committees, 47–48
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's Food
Safety Cooperation Forum, 30 expertise, 38
aspartame, 99 members, 38–46
Aspergillus spp., genetically modified, 94 reviews, 37
Association of Southeast Asian Nations, 6 Branded Food Database, 27

collaborations, 2 breeding techniques, new. see genetically

modified food
MRL capacity building, 29
BSE. see Country Bovine Spongiform
Australia New Zealand Food Standards
Encephalopathy policy
Code, 4, 16, 18–19
applications to amend, 14–15, 84–85, C
87–102
caffeine in sports foods, 17
Australia New Zealand Science Forum, 22
Canada, low BSE status, 30
Australian 2023 National Nutrition and
Physical Activity Survey, 6 canola, genetically modified, 95

Australian BSE Food Safety Assessment cell-derived meat, 99

Committee, 34 chemical residue limits, 18–19
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Chetwin, Suzanne, 40
Medicines Authority, 18, 97 Ciprian, Teresa, 40, 47

INDEX 105
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

E
Codex Alimentarius Commission, 19
Codex committees, 30–31
Comcover risk management benchmarking Egg Standards Development Advisory
survey, 49 Group, 18

communication, science, 24 eggs, safety, 18

communication to stakeholders, 32 electricity emissions. see Australian Public
Service Net Zero 2030 reporting
Consumer and Public Health Dialogue, 34
electrolyte drinks, 96
Consumer Insights Tracker, 6, 21
employees. see also Workforce Strategy
consumer trust survey, 21
2024–2028
Country Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
policy, 30 APS Census, 50–52

Cuthbert, Dr Sandra, CEO executive remuneration, 55–57

experience, 39 flexible work arrangements, 49
position branches, 49 gender data, 52–54
year in review, 4–7 health and wellbeing, 50, 51
leadership culture, 7
D training initiatives, 50
DAFF. see Department of Agriculture, workforce statistics, 52–54
Fisheries and Forestry energy content labelling, alcoholic
data beverages, 18
dietary intake, 6 enoki mushrooms, 24–25, 99
employee gender, 52–54 Enterprise Agreement, 50
food safety and standards, 27–28 Enterprise Singapore, 30
databases European Commission's Rapid Alert System
for Food and Feed, 21
analysis of nutrients in food, 28
Branded Food Database, 27
F
Health Star Rating System, 28
Finance, Audit and Risk Management
National Nutrition and Physical Activity
Committee, 47–48
Survey, 28
financial performance overview, 59
Nutrition Panel Calculator, 27
financial statements, 60–81
Davey, Josephine, 41, 47
food and food classes, 96
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry, 18 food incidents, 19–21
grant funding, 31 food labelling. see labelling
dietary intake survey. see Australian 2023 Food Ministers' Meeting, 16–17, 85–86, 94
National Nutrition and Physical Activity reviews of FSANZ decisions, 86
Survey food packaging, 99
Dunbier, Dr Michael, 41, 47 food recalls, 6, 19–20
food regulatory activity, 13, 22, 24, 27,
33, 86

106 INDEX
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

G
food regulatory agencies, 19
food regulatory system, 4, 21
genetically modified food, 17
food safety, 4, 5
amendments to Australia New Zealand
eggs, 18
Food Standards Code, 94–96
emerging issues, 27, 98–99
imported beef, 30 H
management proposals, 16
Hart, John, 42
management tools, 5, 16, 95
Havea, Professor Palatasa, 43
monitoring, 24
Health Canada, 31
regulatory science, 22
Health Star Rating System, 28
Food Safety Cooperation Forum, APEC, 30
Food Standards Australia New Zealand, 84 I
Board, 36–49
imported food, 26
Chair of the Board, 38, 39
beef, 30
Chief Executive Officer, 4–7, 39, 49
infant formula regulations, 17
collaborations, 6, 22–24, 34. see also
INFOSAN. see International Food Safety
international initiatives
Authorities Network
committees with external members, 34
internal audit, 48
Corporate Plan, 36
Internal Audit Program 2022–23, 48
Fellows program, 23, 24
International Food Safety Authorities
future challenges, 7 Network, 20–21
goals, 9 International Heads of Food Agencies
highlights 2022–23, 2–3 Forum, 2023, 31
international initiatives, 29–31 international initiatives, 29–31
performance measures, 13–28, 36
purpose and vision, 10 J
stakeholder communication, 32–33 Jurisdictional Technical Forum, 34
Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey, 33
website, 32 K
Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act kava standard, 5, 16–17, 99
1991, 7, 9, 13, 84 Kearney, the Hon Ged, 36
and Board members' expertise, 38
report against requirements, 87–102
foodborne illness annual cost, 6
FSANZ. see Food Standards Australia
New Zealand
Fusarium wilt resistance, 15

INDEX 107
FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

L P
labelling, 21, 97 patulin levels, 25
alcoholic beverages, 18 PBS. see Portfolio Budget Statement
electrolyte drinks, 96 2022–23
pregnancy warning labels, 94 peer review, 23
sugars, 18 people. see employees
Lawrence, Professor Mark, 43 People and Culture Committee, 48
Listeria spp. in enoki mushrooms, 24–25 Policy Guideline on menu labelling, 97
Lovell, Jane, 44, 47 Portfolio Budget Statement 2022–23, 13
performance measures, 13
M pregnancy warning labels, 94. see also
labelling, alcoholic beverages
Mahoney, Deon, 45
Public Governance, Performance and
Malizani, James, 48
Accountability Act 2013, 9, 12, 36
maximum residue limit, 6, 19, 29
Public Governance, Performance and
melons, imported, 26 Accountability Rule 2014, 49
metal contaminants, 26 publications, FSANZ, 32
Minister responsible, 36 pyrrolizidine alkaloids, 25, 99
MRL. see maximum residue limit
MRL Harmonisation project, 19, 29 Q
quail, cultured, 15
N
National Nutrition and Physical Activity R
Survey, 28
regulatory science, 22
new foods, 2, 5, 15, 31
Regulatory Science Strategy 2019–23, 22
New Zealand Food Safety Business Unit, 22
Retail and Manufacturers Liaison
New Zealand Government, reporting to, 9 Committee. see Binational Food Industry
New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries Dialogue
Operational Research Programme, 23 risk assessment, 22, 24–25, 48
nutrients in food, analysis, 29 imported food, 26
Nutrition Panel Calculator, 28 risk management, 47, 48–49

O S
O'Connor, Mary, 48 Salmonella spp. in eggs, 18
OECD Working Party for the Safety of Novel Science and Food Safety Dialogue, 6, 31
Foods and Feeds, 31
science communication, 24
Scientific Advisory Group on Eggs, 18
Singapore Food Agency, 30
social media, 32

108 INDEX
 FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT 2022 . 23

sports foods, 17
staff. see employees
sugars, added, 18
Surveillance, Evidence and Analysis
Working Group, 24, 34
surveys
Australian Total Diet Study, 24
Comcover risk management
benchmarking survey, 49
consumer trust, 21
National Nutrition and Physical
Activity, 6
stakeholder satisfaction, 33

T
tampering, food, 20
Taylor, Dr Roscoe, 46
titanium dioxide in food, 26
Trichoderma spp., genetically modified,
95–96

U
ultra-processed foods, 99

V
VIBE. see Vigilance and Intelligence Before
food/issues Emerge
Vigilance and Intelligence Before food/
issues Emerge, 98–99

W
website, FSANZ, 32
wheat, genetically modified, 96
Work Plan, 14, 84–86
workforce. see employees
Workforce Strategy 2024–2028, 50

INDEX 109