Protecting health and safety through national food surveillance

Food Standards Australia New Zealand plays a key role in protecting public health by monitoring the safety of the food supply and supporting evidence-based food standards. In 2024 ꟷ 25, it conducted a series of national surveys to identify and assess potential risks in the food system.

The Australian Total Diet Study is Australia’s leading survey of chemicals, nutrients and other substances in the national diet. The 28th study includes analysis of around 2,000 food samples for over 500 chemicals, including pesticides, metals, antimicrobials, and mycotoxins. Trusted by the World Health Organization, the study provides valuable food safety and public health data.

FSANZ carried out additional surveys on:

• metal contaminants in apple products, herbs and spices, baking powder and baked products
• trans fats in foods
• Listeria in enoki mushrooms
• pyrrolizidine alkaloids in honey, teas and herbal infusions.

In addition, the agency advanced Australia’s largest national survey of antimicrobial resistant bacteria among raw retail meat since 2008.

FSANZ staff recording details of herbs and spices as part of the 28th Australian Total Diet Study. 
Image: Food Standards Australia New Zealand

Working together

FSANZ conducts its surveillance and survey activities in close partnership with food regulation bodies, laboratories, and research organisations across Australia and New Zealand. This includes collaboration with Health, Disability and Ageing, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, and Australian state and territory food regulators and health departments.

These partnerships position the agency to deliver a nationally consistent and scientifically rigorous surveillance program.

Benefits for the community

The Australian Total Diet Study provides a long-term overview of chemical exposure from the national diet. Targeted surveys focus on specific issues requiring further analysis.

The 2024 Consumer Insights Tracker survey indicates that public trust in FSANZ has increased to 81%, up from 79% in 2023, reflecting ongoing confidence in its efforts.

The agency’s surveillance work ensures safety of the food supply. It supports early risk detection, informs food regulations, and provides critical evidence to manage food safety issues.

Find out more

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (2021) Monitoring the safety of our food supply, FSANZ website, accessed 8 August 2025.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (2025) Consumer Insights Tracker, FSANZ website, accessed 8 August 2025.