Global Food & Flavor Regulatory Intelligence Report: Regional Legal & Compliance Updates Across Six Continents (Week of April 7–13, 2026

North America

Key legal and regulatory news for the food and flavor industry in Asia from the week of April 7–13, 2026

🍯 Regulatory Update: FDA Honey Sampling Finds Low Levels of Food Fraud

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the results of its Fiscal Year 2025 sampling assignment on honey. The assignment tested both domestic and imported honey for economically motivated adulteration (EMA), a term for food fraud involving the addition of cheaper undeclared sweeteners.

• Key Findings: The FDA tested 102 samples (54 domestic, 48 imported). The overall violation rate was about 4% , with two domestic and two imported products testing positive for adulteration. This follows a 10% violation rate in the 2021-22 assignment for imported honey.
• Enforcement Actions:
  • For Imports: The FDA stopped the violative shipments at the border and placed the associated firms and products on Import Alert 99-47. This subjects future shipments to Detention without Physical Examination.
  • For Domestic Products: The agency is working with the involved firms on corrective actions, including voluntary recalls.
• Official Statements: The FDA stated that while the majority of products were compliant, the findings "highlight the ongoing vulnerability of honey to food fraud" and reaffirm the need for vigilance.

🏛️ Legal Landscape: Food Industry Warns of Higher Costs Due to State Laws

A collection of food trade groups are actively discouraging states from forcing companies to publicize how they determine ingredients are safe for public consumption without regulatory review.

• The Trend: As California, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania advance ingredient disclosure bills, the food industry is warning legislators against enacting proposals they say will raise food prices and slow innovation.
• The Argument: The groups argue the states risk getting ahead of federal regulations currently in the works to make companies disclose scientific assessments establishing a new food substance is generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

South America

Key legal and regulatory news for the food and flavor industry in Asia from the week of April 7–13, 2026

📜 Brazil Updates Food Additive Regulations (ANVISA IN No. 432/2026)

Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) published a new regulatory instruction on April 6, 2026, which came into force immediately .

• Regulatory Scope: Instruction No. 432/2026 modifies the previous IN No. 211/2023, redefining technical criteria for the use of food additives across various product categories.
• Key Changes:
  • Substance Exclusions: Certain substances have been removed for specific uses. For example, potassium tartrates (INS 336) are no longer permitted as acidity regulators in liquid sweeteners, and tocopherols (INS 307) have been removed as antioxidants in non-alcoholic soy-based beverages .
  • Substance Inclusions: The update expands the list of authorized substances. Notably, lecithin (INS 322(i)) is now permitted as an emulsifier in UHT-treated dairy beverages, and glycolipids (INS 246) are authorized as preservatives in juices, liquid supplements, beers, and alcoholic beverages up to 15% alcohol by volume .
  • New Processing Aids: Perlite has been added as an authorized processing aid for clarification or filtration in oils and fats .

📊 Proposed MERCOSUR Dairy Additive Standards (Consultation Closed)

A proposed regulation from the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) regarding additives in dairy products is currently in the review phase. The public consultation period for this proposal closed on January 2, 2026 .

• Proposal Details: Announcement No. 04/25 aims to harmonize standards for food additives and processing aids in milk and dairy products across MERCOSUR member states.
• Proposed Limits: The draft outlines specific maximum usage levels for additives in products like modified milk and dairy-based beverages, including limits for Carmine, Riboflavin, and Sorbic acid .

🏛️ Upcoming Changes: MERCOSUR Labeling Overhaul

A significant update to packaged food labeling is under review for the MERCOSUR bloc, which includes key South American markets like Argentina and Brazil .

• Draft Regulation: GMC Resolution No. 03/25 Rev. 1 proposes a comprehensive overhaul of labeling rules for packaged foods.
• Key Provisions: The draft introduces stricter requirements on font sizes and layout to improve legibility. It also tightens ingredient declaration rules by lowering the composite ingredient disclosure threshold from 25% to 5% , requiring more detailed additive labeling .
• Timeline: The public comment period closed on March 8, 2026. Once finalized, the regulation provides staggered transition periods of 12 to 60 months for different product categories .

Asia

Key legal and regulatory news for the food and flavor industry in Asia from the week of April 7–13, 2026

🇨🇳 China: 50 New Food Safety Standards Released

Last week, China's National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly released 50 new food safety national standards (GB standards) along with 9 standard modification sheets, marking a significant update to the country's food regulatory framework.

• Scope of Updates: The new standards cover a wide range of areas including food labeling (2 standards), special dietary foods (3 standards), food products (4 standards), production and operation specifications (3 standards), food additives (8 standards), and testing methods (29 standards).
• Major Changes for Food and Flavor Industry:
  • Mandatory Allergen Labeling: For the first time, China will require mandatory labeling of allergenic substances. When eight major food groups (cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, fish, eggs, peanuts, soybeans, milk, and nuts) are used as ingredients, they must be emphasized in the ingredient list (e.g., bold, underlined) or indicated through a separate allergen warning.
  • Ban on "Zero Additive" Claims: The new standard explicitly prohibits the use of claims such as "no additives" (不添加) or "zero addition" (零添加) on prepackaged food labels, as these phrases were found to mislead consumers about product safety and naturalness.
  • Nutrition Label Expansion: The mandatory nutrients on nutrition labels have been expanded from "1+4" (energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, sodium) to "1+6" , adding sugar and saturated fat (acid) to help consumers make healthier choices and support national "Three Reductions" (salt, oil, sugar) initiatives.
  • Digital Labeling: China will be the first country to widely implement digital food labels (QR codes) that allow consumers to access product information via mobile devices, with features like voice reading and video explanations.
• Transition Period: Most standards, including the new labeling rules, have a 2-year transition period before full implementation.

🇮🇳 India: Major FSSAI Reforms Take Effect April 1, 2026

India's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) implemented a series of significant regulatory reforms on April 1, 2026, aimed at reducing compliance burdens for food businesses.

• Perpetual Licenses: FSSAI registrations and licenses now have perpetual (lifetime) validity, eliminating the need for periodic renewals. This applies to all food business operators (FBOs) and is expected to substantially reduce paperwork and compliance costs.
• Revised Turnover Thresholds (effective April 1, 2026):
  • Basic Registration: For businesses with annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore (increased from ₹12 lakhs)
  • State License: For turnover between ₹1.5 crore and ₹50 crore
  • Central License: For turnover above ₹50 crore
• Deemed Registration for Street Vendors: Street food vendors already registered with Municipal Corporations under the Street Vendors Act, 2014, are now considered deemed registered under FSSAI, benefiting over 1 million vendors by eliminating dual registration requirements.
• Risk-Based Inspections: A technology-enabled, dynamic risk-based inspection framework has been introduced. Inspections will focus on non-compliant businesses and high-risk food categories, while compliant businesses will face fewer inspections.

🇹🇭 Thailand: New Food Innovation Hub and Major Trade Event

• Tetra Pak Opens Innovation Centre: On April 2, 2026, Swedish packaging giant Tetra Pak announced the opening of a new food innovation centre in Rayong, Thailand, located in the Eastern Economic Corridor. The facility is designed to help food and beverage companies accelerate product development, test recipes, analyze taste and shelf life, and reduce time-to-market for new products, particularly benefiting smaller companies with access to advanced technology.
• THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026: The region's largest food and beverage trade show will take place in Bangkok from May 26–30, 2026, expanding into a new Hall 4. The event will feature over 3,300 exhibitors from 60+ countries, with first-time participants including Georgia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mongolia, and Saudi Arabia. The European Union will serve as the official Partner Region.

🇯🇵 Japan: Cashew Nuts Added to Allergen Labeling Requirements

Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) announced a significant amendment to the Food Labeling Standards effective April 1, 2026.

• New Mandatory Allergen: Cashew nuts have been added to the list of ingredients requiring mandatory labeling as specific raw materials (allergens). This addition expands Japan's list of mandatory allergens, which already included shrimp, crab, wheat, buckwheat, egg, milk, and peanuts.

🇮🇩 Indonesia: China-Indonesia Food Trade Forum Highlights Halal Compliance

The 2026 China-Indonesia Food and Ecosystem Forum took place on March 30–31, 2026, emphasizing the growing trade relationship between the two countries and the importance of regulatory compliance for market entry.

• Key Focus Areas: The forum highlighted the need for comprehensive support for Chinese food companies entering Indonesia, including guidance on Halal certification (HALAL) , food准入 standards, investment approvals, and财税 legal compliance. The Asian Trade, Tourism and Economic Council (ATTEC) is actively facilitating this "industrial cluster出海" (collective overseas expansion) model.

Africa

Legal and regulatory news for the food and flavor industry in Africa from the week of April 7–13, 2026

🇿🇦 South Africa: New Mycotoxin Limits Regulation Published

South Africa's Department of Health published a new regulation through the Government Gazette titled Regulation No. 7091 of 2026 (R. 7091), which establishes revised maximum limits for mycotoxins in foodstuffs .

• Publication and Effective Date: The regulation was published in February 2026, but news of its implications continued to circulate last week. It will come into full effect 24 months after publication (expected February 2028), replacing the older R1145/2004 regulation .
• Key Changes:
  • The new regulation expands the number of mycotoxin limits from 9 to 33 (adding 24 new limits and updating 1 existing limit).
  • For the first time, ochratoxin A limits are introduced for wheat, barley, rye, chili peppers, and grape juice.
  • Tighter limits are set for total aflatoxins in polished rice (5 µg/kg) and ready-to-eat cereal-based foods for infants and young children (5 µg/kg).
  • The limit for aflatoxin M1 in milk has been relaxed from 0.055 µg/L to 0.5 µg/L to align with Codex Alimentarius standards .
• Alignment with International Standards: The new regulation is largely harmonized with the Codex Alimentarius General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed (CXS 193-1995) .
• Industry Impact: The regulation will affect imports of cereals, spices, nuts, and infant foods into South Africa. Exporters are advised to review their testing protocols for ochratoxin A and aflatoxins in particular .

🇿🇦 South Africa: Draft Quality Standards for Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

A proposed regulation regarding the control of the sale of frozen fruits and frozen vegetables in South Africa remains under review, having been notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under reference G/TBT/N/ZAF/266 .

• Proposal Summary: The regulation establishes minimum quality standards for grading frozen fruits and vegetables, prescribes labeling requirements for such products when offered for sale, and sets out a control system to ensure compliance with these quality standards .
• Key Distinction: Food safety matters are explicitly excluded from the scope of this regulation, which focuses solely on quality parameters such as grading, size, and labeling .
• Current Status: The public comment period for this draft regulation closed on January 5, 2026. Stakeholders are now awaiting the final publication and implementation date .

🇰🇪 Kenya: KEBS Reduces Food Certification Processing Time

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) announced a reduction in the certification duration for food production from 77 days to 57 days, effective as of last week .

• Key Change: The processing time for obtaining production permits has been cut by 20 days, allowing farmers and food producers to enter the market faster .
• Certification Process:
  • Applicants must be registered enterprises and specify their annual turnover.
  • KEBS officers conduct site visits to inspect hygiene, raw material quality, and collect end-product samples for laboratory testing.
  • Testing takes approximately 21–28 days .
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Any individual or company found processing substandard goods can face fines of up to Sh2 million (approx. $15,400 USD), imprisonment, product destruction, or business closure .

🇪🇬 Egypt: Major Enforcement Actions and New Regulations

Egypt saw significant activity last week, including a large-scale enforcement operation and multiple new regulatory issuances.

🐟 71 Tons of Unfit Fish Seized Ahead of Sham El-Nessim

The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation announced the seizure of 71 tons and 632 kilograms of unfit salted and smoked fish during intensive inspection campaigns conducted last week ahead of the Sham El-Nessim spring festival .

• Scope of Enforcement: The General Authority for Veterinary Services (GAVS) carried out campaigns across all governorates, recording 177 violations and taking legal action against offenders .
• Consumer Advisory: The Ministry urged citizens to verify product quality before purchasing and to report violations through the Authority's 24/7 hotline: 19561 .

🥫 New Shelf-Life Regulations for Sweetened Flavored Milk

The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture submitted an addendum to the WTO regarding Egyptian Standard ES 2613-2 for the shelf-life of food products, specifically addressing sterilized flavored sweetened milk packaged in metal cans .

• Key Requirement: The amendment introduces specific shelf-life durations for products under Standard No. ES 1641/2023, with periods of 12 months and 9 months depending on product sub-categories .
• Comment Deadline: The public comment period for this addendum remains open until April 14, 2026 .

🥩 New Standards for Non-Heat-Treated Processed Meat

The Ministry of Industry issued Ministerial Decree No. 57 of 2026, mandating the application of Egyptian Standard ES 9238 for "Non-heat-treated processed meat" .

• Standards Replaced: This new standard cancels and supersedes five previous standards, including ES 1688/2005 (frozen beef burger), ES 1973/2005 (frozen kofta/balls), ES 1972/2005 (frozen sausage), ES 2097/2005 (minced meat mixed with soybean protein), and ES 2911/2005 (frozen poultry sausage) .
• Grace Period: Producers and importers have been granted a six-month grace period to comply with the new standard .
• Additional Standards: Decree No. 57 also introduced a new olive oil standard (No. 49) replacing the 2016 version, and granted a six-month grace period for canned finfish producers to comply with Standard No. 1521 .

🌽 GMO Food Labeling and Import Regulations (Update)

Decision No. 1 of 2026 from Egypt's National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) , which introduces comprehensive regulations for genetically modified (GMO) foods, is now in effect as of April 2026 .

• Key Provisions:
  • Products containing more than 1% GMO content must bear a clear "Genetically Modified (GM)" label.
  • Import documentation must include certificates confirming free sale, GMO content percentage, product safety, compliant labeling, and full supply-chain traceability .
• Enforcement: NFSA will enforce compliance through regular and unannounced inspections, with the six-month transition period now concluded .

Summary Table: Key African Regulatory Developments (Week of April 7–13, 2026)

Europe

Legal and regulatory news for the food and flavor industry in Europe from the week of April 7–13, 2026

🍽️ EFSA Publishes Major New Guidance on Food Additive Data Requirements

On January 20, 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a comprehensive new guidance document establishing updated scientific data requirements for food additive applications under Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 . While published earlier in the year, industry discussion and strategic planning around the implications of this guidance intensified last week as the six-month transition period approaches its conclusion in July 2026 .

• Scope and Evolution: The 2026 guidance represents the first major scientific update since 2012, incorporating more than a decade of practical experience, scientific advances, and methodological refinements. It integrates multiple horizontal EFSA guidances published after 2012, including those on mixtures, benchmark dose modeling, threshold of toxicological concern (TTC), allergenicity assessment, genotoxicity evaluation, and engineered nanomaterials . Importantly, the guidance is methodologically aligned with the scientific guidance on flavourings adopted in November 2022, reflecting a harmonized approach across food improvement agents .
• Key Changes for Industry:
  • Characterization and Nanomaterials: The guidance explicitly addresses small particles, including nanoparticles. Where a particulate fraction is present, applicants must use the "Particle-TR" decision process to determine whether conventional assessment suffices or whether nano-specific requirements apply. Analytical methods must now demonstrate fitness-for-purpose for detecting and characterizing small particles .
  • Mandatory Exposure Assessment Tool: The Food Additive Intake Model (FAIM) is now the mandatory tool for exposure assessment for the general population (infants aged ≥16 weeks through elderly). For infants below 16 weeks, FAIM does not apply; applicants must use alternative approaches with conservative infant formula consumption data (200 and 260 ml/kg bw/day) .
  • Genotoxicity "Stop Rule": A critical new provision establishes that if a proposed food additive is concluded to be genotoxic in vivo via a relevant route of administration, safety cannot be established and applicants should not perform further toxicological testing. This represents a definitive endpoint in the assessment pathway .
  • Environmental Assessment: A new section addresses environmental protection requirements. Full environmental assessment is required on a case-by-case basis, triggered by factors such as lack of extensive metabolism to innocuous products, persistence in sewage treatment plants, bioconcentration potential (log Kow ≥ 3), or literature indicating environmental concern .
• Transition and Practical Implications: The new requirements take effect six months after publication (expected July 2026). Companies seeking food additive authorizations are advised to use this transitional window to adapt their preparation processes, particularly regarding enhanced characterization requirements, mandatory FAIM usage, and potential environmental assessment needs .

🔬 EFSA Finalizes Safety Evaluations for Multiple Flavouring Substances

The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) has been actively publishing scientific opinions on flavouring substance evaluations. Two significant opinions were released in early 2026 and remain highly relevant for industry compliance.

Flavouring Group Evaluation 9, Revision 4 (FGE.09Rev4)

Published on February 3, 2026, this opinion evaluated 21 flavouring substances, including secondary alicyclic saturated and unsaturated alcohols, ketones, and related esters .

• Substances Assessed: The evaluation included four additional flavouring substances: p-menthan-3-one [FL-no: 07.059], 2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one [FL-no: 07.202], l-piperitone [FL-no: 07.255], and menthol 1-and 2-propylene glycol carbonate [FL-no: 09.843] .
• Safety Conclusions: None of the substances were considered to have genotoxic potential. The Panel concluded that 20 of the 21 substances do not give rise to safety concerns at their estimated levels of dietary intake based on the Maximized Survey-Derived Daily Intake (MSDI) approach. For the remaining candidate substance [FL-no: 07.207], additional toxicity data (further metabolism and/or toxicity studies) are requested .
• Specifications: Specifications including complete purity criteria and identity for the materials of commerce have been provided for all candidate substances .

Flavouring Group Evaluation 87, Revision 3 (FGE.87Rev3)

Adopted on December 11, 2025, and published in the EFSA Journal in early 2026, this opinion considers 19 bicyclic secondary alcohols, ketones and related esters evaluated by JECFA at its 63rd meeting .

• New Information: This revision was prompted by new information on annual production volume for 4,4a,5,6-tetrahydro-7-methylnaphthalen-2(3H)-one [FL-no: 07.136], allowing calculation of the MSDI for this substance. New data on uses and use levels for substances [FL-no: 07.089, 07.136, 07.153, and 07.159] were also provided .
• Safety Findings: For [FL-no: 07.136], the Panel agreed with JECFA's conclusion of "no safety concern at estimated levels of intake" based on the MSDI approach. For [FL-no: 07.089, 07.153, 07.159], the modified Theoretical Added Maximum Daily Intake (mTAMDI) exposure estimates are above the TTC for structural class II substances; therefore, more reliable data on uses and use levels should be provided to refine the exposure assessment .
• Data Gaps: For the remaining 15 substances, use levels are needed to calculate mTAMDIs to identify those requiring more refined exposure assessments. Specifications for all 19 substances are considered adequate .

🍯 New EU "Breakfast" Directives Implementation Timeline

The revised EU "Breakfast" Directives, which update rules on the composition, naming, labeling, and presentation of honey, fruit juices, jams, and milk, are moving toward implementation .

• Background: A provisional political agreement was reached on January 31, 2024, between the European Council and the European Parliament. The specific amendments and corresponding directives were published on May 24, 2024 .
• Key Provisions for the Flavor Industry:
  • Honey: Labels must now indicate countries of origin in descending order based on weight, with the percentage representing each country in the blend .
  • Fruit Juices: Three new categories are introduced: "reduced sugar fruit juice" , "reduced-sugar fruit juice from concentrate" , and "concentrated reduced-sugar fruit juice" . Operators may use the label "fruit juices contain only naturally occurring sugars." Coconut water may be used as a synonym for coconut juice .
  • Fruit Jams: Minimum fruit content increases by 100g per kg for jams and 50g per kg for extra jams. The general rule establishes 450g for jam and 500g for extra jam .
  • Milk: Simplified labeling eliminates distinctions between "evaporated" and "condensed" milk, aligning with the Codex Alimentarius standard. Treatments producing lactose-free dehydrated milk products are now permitted .
• Timeline: The agreement takes effect 20 days after publication. Member States have 18 months to implement the new provisions into national legislation and six months to apply them across the Union. Exporters are strongly advised to comply with the revised directives to ensure continued market access .

🦠 First Human Case of H9N2 Avian Influenza Reported in EU

On April 9, 2026, health authorities confirmed the first human case of H9N2 avian influenza virus infection in the European Union .

• The Case: The infection was detected in a returning traveler in Italy. Health authorities currently assess the risk to the general population as "very low" .
• Industry Implications: While this specific case does not directly impact food safety regulations, it has prompted increased surveillance and attention within the poultry and egg product sectors. The development follows a decline in highly pathogenic avian influenza detections across Europe, with Austria recently lifting poultry stall requirements in response to decreased cases in wild birds .
• Context: According to EFSA, the spread of HPAI in waterfowl reached its highest level in five years during fall and winter, but detections have since decreased across the EU .

📋 EFSA Issues Reporting Guidance for Use Levels on Food Flavourings

EFSA has published new reporting guidance for use levels on food additives and food flavourings to support industry compliance with data submission requirements .

• Purpose: The guidance establishes standardized reporting protocols for "No-Presence" data at the sample level, ensuring consistency in how industry submits information on flavouring substance use levels to EFSA .
• Relevance: This guidance complements the broader 2026 Food Additive Guidance and the existing flavouring application procedures, providing practical tools for applicants preparing dossiers for scientific evaluation of flavouring substances .
• Application Context: For companies submitting new flavouring substance applications or proposed new uses, EFSA requires information on the identity of the flavouring, its characterization, conditions of use, dietary exposure, and safety. The reporting guidance standardizes how use level data should be presented .

🌾 EUDR Simplification Proposal from German Ministry

The German Federal Ministry of Agriculture (BMLEH) has submitted a proposal to the EU Commission to further simplify the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) concerning deforestation-free supply chains .

• Key Proposals: The German proposal suggests facilitating reporting obligations and simplifying trade with low-risk countries. This follows ongoing industry concerns about administrative burdens associated with the regulation .
• Industry Impact: The regulation affects supply chains for commodities including soy, palm oil, and cocoa—all relevant to the food and flavor industry. Simplifications could reduce compliance costs for importers and manufacturers .

👤 Leadership Appointment: Nomad Foods Strengthens European Leadership

On April 13, 2026, Nomad Foods, Europe's leading frozen food company, appointed Jon Fernández de Barrena as President for Southern Europe .

• Relevance: Fernández de Barrena joins Nomad Foods from Alvinesa Natural Ingredients, a Spanish company specializing in high-value-added natural ingredients for the aquaculture feed industry. His background in natural ingredients may signal strategic directions for product development .
• Leadership Structure: The appointment is part of a broader reorganization, with plans to appoint a President for Central Europe and a Chief Marketing Officer later in 2026. The Southern Europe division covers France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Adriatics .

📊 Summary Table: Key European Regulatory Developments (Week of April 7–13, 2026)

Oceania

Legal and regulatory news for the food and flavor industry in Oceania from the week of April 7–13, 2026

🇦🇺🇳🇿 FSANZ Abandons "Added Sugars" Labeling Proposal

On March 31, 2026, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) officially decided to abandon Proposal P1058, which would have required the separate listing of "added sugars" in the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) .

• Official Rationale: FSANZ concluded that mandating added sugars information on labels provides no clear public health benefit for consumers and may actually mislead or confuse them. The agency found that such labeling could reduce consumer trust in food labeling or encourage purchases inconsistent with dietary guidelines .
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: The assessment determined that the substantial costs imposed on both industry and government would not be justified by any potential public health outcomes .
• What Remains Unchanged: The decision does not affect the regulatory changes introduced under Proposal P1062, which address voluntary nutrition content claims about "added sugars." These remain in effect .
• Industry Implications: Food manufacturers can continue using existing sugar labeling formats without the need to reformulate labels or conduct new testing to quantify added sugar content.

🌱 IFF Secures First Heart Health Claim for Soy Protein in Australia & New Zealand

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) announced that FSANZ has approved a new heart health claim for isolated soy protein, marking a significant milestone for the plant-based ingredients sector in the region .

• The Claim: Foods formulated to help consumers achieve a daily intake of 20-25 grams of isolated soy protein, consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet, may carry a claim linking soy protein consumption to healthy blood cholesterol levels .
• Scientific Basis: The approval is supported by a multi-year, cross-continental research collaboration involving IFF, the Soy Nutrition Institute Global, the U.S. Soybean Export Council, and researchers from Australia and the University of Toronto. The clinical evidence supports a causal relationship between isolated soy protein consumption and improved blood lipids .
• Market Context: With dyslipidemia affecting approximately 60% of Australian adults and many New Zealanders, this approval offers a practical food-based nutrition strategy to help manage cholesterol. Australia and New Zealand now join 11 other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan, that recognize this heart health claim for soy protein .
• Industry Impact: The approval enables food and beverage manufacturers to develop next-generation products in categories such as beverages, dairy alternatives, nutrition bars, snacks, and plant-based foods that combine taste with clinically supported health benefits .

🇦🇺 AFGC Hosts FSANZ Binational Food Industry Dialogue Webinar

On April 8, 2026, the Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC) held a member debrief webinar following the latest FSANZ Binational Food Industry Dialogue (BFID) meeting, providing industry stakeholders with key regulatory and policy updates .

• Key Topics Discussed:
  • Update on FSANZ Applications and Proposals and the "2030 Roadmap"
  • Activities of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
  • Updates from the NZ Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • Discussion on Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF)
• Industry Context: The BFID serves as a crucial platform for binational regulatory coordination between Australia and New Zealand. The webinar, led by AFGC Director Duncan Craig and featuring speakers from Kellogg's and Mars Food & Nutrition, provided members with direct insights into evolving regulatory priorities .

🇳🇿 New Zealand's Digital Food Labelling Trial: EOI Deadline

New Zealand Food Safety (part of the Ministry for Primary Industries) is proceeding with a one-year trial of digital food labels on selected imported packaged foods. The Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline was April 8, 2026 .

• Trial Overview: Under the trial, approved stores are temporarily exempt from placing compliant New Zealand labeling information on the physical packaging of certain imported foods. Instead, they must provide a compliant label digitally (e.g., via QR code). The physical label must still comply with the origin country's rules .
• Eligibility: The trial is limited to a maximum of 4 food businesses, with a maximum of 2 sites per business. Products must be imported pre-packaged foods for retail sale in New Zealand. Excluded products include dietary supplements, supplemented foods, special purpose foods, alcoholic beverages, kava, and royal jelly .
• Key Requirements: Participating businesses must have adequate digital systems to host and deliver labeling information electronically, and a consumer information strategy enabling access for those with food allergies, intolerances, or special nutritional needs .
• Trial Duration: The preferred start date is between May and August 2026. After the trial ends, participating stores must revert to physical labels compliant with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code .

🇦🇺 Proposed MRL Amendments for Agricultural Chemicals

On March 19, 2026, Australia notified the WTO of a proposed amendment to Schedule 20 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code under reference G/SPS/N/AUS/631. The proposal remained in active discussion during the week of April 7-13 .

• Scope of Changes: The amendment seeks to adjust Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for various agricultural and veterinary chemicals to align with other national regulations on the safe and effective use of these substances .
• Affected Substances:
  • Plant Commodities: Azoxystrobin, cyclamide, cyclobutrifluram, cyprodinil, fluopicolide, and isofetamid
  • Animal Commodities: Cyclobutrifluram, metaflumizone, and thifenazone
• Timeline: The public comment period for this proposal closes on May 18, 2026. The anticipated approval, publication, and effective dates are all expected in May 2026 .

🇦🇺 New Food Safety Requirements for Kava from New Zealand

Effective March 2, 2026, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) implemented new food safety requirements for kava products imported from New Zealand .

• Key Change: Kava products from New Zealand are now classified as a "risk food" under amendments to the Imported Food Control Order 2019 .
• Requirements: Importers must now comply with revised food safety requirements, including specific labeling and inspection protocols detailed in the BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions) case for kava .
• Effective Date: New risk management measures applied immediately following the Order amendments on March 2, 2026 .

📊 Summary Table: Key Oceania Regulatory Developments (Week of April 7–13, 2026)

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