Joint Australia NZ Food Standards adopted
In 2002, New Zealand adopted the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, and all its amendments, as joint food standards (except for the Australia-specific chapters and standards).
The 2002 Standard which adopted the Code has now been superseded by the Adoption of the Joint Food Standards under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code Notice. The Notice took effect from 26 February 2018.
- Download the Notice for adoption of the joint food standards [PDF, 126 KB]
- Read about the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
- Check the Food Standards Code
Updates to food standards
The Notice adopts the standards up to and including amendment number 176 (excluding amendment 169). You can find these amendments to the Food Standards Code on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) website.
As further amendments to the Food Standards Code are made we'll update New Zealand's adoption of the standards through Notice amendments.
Outcome of the review of the kava Standard
New Zealand has not adopted amendments to the kava Standard in the joint Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code into New Zealand law. This follows a review of the kava Standard by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) under Proposal P1057.
The kava Standard that existed before March 2022 will remain in effect in New Zealand. This standard covers kava products for sale in New Zealand with permitted products being:
- a beverage obtained by the aqueous suspension of kava root using cold water only, and not using any organic solvent; or
- dried or raw kava root.
Warning statements are also required for products that are sold:
- 'Use in moderation’; and
- 'May cause drowsiness'.
Processing aids and additives are not permitted in kava for sale.
Background
In March 2022, the FSANZ Board agreed on amendments to the Code as part of urgent Proposal P1057 to:
- ensure kava beverages are prepared and consumed in line with historically safe practices;
- clarify the current prohibition on the use of processing aids and food additives in the manufacture or processing of dried or raw kava root and kava beverages; and
- require that kava is sourced from noble varieties of the kava plant, which have a history of safe use.
These amendments came into effect immediately in Australia. However, they were not adopted by New Zealand to enable an assessment to be made on the impacts in the New Zealand context.
In March 2023, following a 12-month review, FSANZ reaffirmed these amendments, which were then approved at the Australia and New Zealand Food Ministers’ Meeting in April 2023. At this meeting New Zealand confirmed it will not be adopting the amendments into New Zealand law based on differences between Australia and New Zealand with respect to cultural use of kava and the limited public health concern expressed.
The kava standard that applies in New Zealand can be found in the New Zealand Gazette.
Next steps
MPI will work with FSANZ to ensure that the requirements for kava businesses in New Zealand and Australia are clear.
Find out more
Proposal P1057 - Review of the kava standard
Standard 2.6.3 – Kava – Food Standards - New Zealand Gazette
Food Standards 2002 no longer apply
The New Zealand (Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code) Food Standards 2002, which originally adopted the Code into New Zealand law, no longer apply. These revoked Standards and their amendments are still available to download for your reference.
