Bringing a new food ingredient to the Australian or New Zealand market? You need to know whether it qualifies as a novel food under Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) regulations. If an ingredient is considered novel, it must go through a safety assessment before being sold. But what exactly makes an ingredient novel, and how can businesses stay compliant?
In this guide, we’ll simplify the process and answer your biggest questions about FSANZ’s criteria and how to navigate approval. What exactly makes an ingredient a novel food? What steps do you need to take to stay compliant? Keep reading to find out. For official FSANZ guidelines, check out their novel food resource.
What Is a Novel Food and Why Does it Matter?
According to FSANZ, a novel food is any ingredient without a significant history of human consumption in Australia or New Zealand that requires a safety review before entering the market. This applies whether the ingredient is entirely new or has undergone processing that changes its safety profile.
FSANZ’s Two Key Criteria
- Non-traditional food – The ingredient doesn’t have a well-documented history of consumption in Australia or New Zealand.
- Requires a safety assessment – The ingredient may pose health risks, so FSANZ must evaluate it before approval.
FSANZ offers guidance on how novel food status is determined. If you’re unsure about your ingredient, check their Advisory Committee on Novel Foods for expert recommendations.
Examples of Novel Foods
- Exotic plant extracts (e.g., moringa or baobab powder)
- New protein sources (e.g., insect-based proteins)
- Lab-grown or engineered foods (e.g., cultivated meat)
- Fermented or bioengineered ingredients with altered compositions
How to Get FSANZ Approval for a Novel Food
If your ingredient meets the novel food criteria, it must go through FSANZ’s approval process. Here’s what to expect:
1. Check If It’s Novel
Before anything else, research whether your ingredient has a consumption history in Australia or New Zealand. If you’re unsure, FSANZ provides a Novel Food Determination Tool based on existing applications, which can help assess if further review is needed.
2. Consult FSANZ’s Advisory Committee
Still uncertain? FSANZ’s Advisory Committee on Novel Foods (ACNF) can provide clarity on whether an ingredient requires approval. Their guidance page outlines the process for seeking recommendations.
3. Submit an Application for Safety Assessment
If your ingredient is classified as novel, you’ll need to submit a pre-market safety assessment application to FSANZ. This includes:
- Ingredient composition
- How the ingredient will be used in food products
- Toxicology and safety research
- Consumer exposure data
For a full breakdown of the application process, visit FSANZ’s Application Handbook.
Why Compliance with FSANZ Matters
FSANZ approval is not just a best practice; it is a legal requirement under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The Code clearly states that any food for retail sale cannot be, or contain, ingredients that are prohibited or restricted plants or fungi, produced using gene technology, irradiated, or novel unless specifically permitted by the Code.
Non-compliance with FSANZ regulations can result in serious legal penalties, costly product recalls, and major delays in launching your product. On top of financial risks, failing to meet the Code’s standards can damage your brand reputation and erode consumer trust.
By ensuring your product meets FSANZ’s novel food requirements, you are not only complying with the law but also protecting your investment and paving the way for a successful market launch.
Need Help Navigating FSANZ Regulations?
Figuring out novel food regulations can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. GRAS Experts specializes in regulatory compliance, helping businesses like yours get the approvals they need.
Contact us today for expert guidance on FSANZ compliance and approval processes. You can also fill out our form for a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific needs.
