FSANZ Approves M1022 Proposal for 2023 Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) Harmonisation

On February 14, 2025, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) published the Approval Report for Proposal M1022, titled "2023 MRL Harmonisation Proposal." This proposal aimed to amend Schedule 20—Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The amendments sought to align MRLs with those adopted at the 2023 Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting, address stakeholder requests for harmonization with international trading partners' standards, and reflect changes in agricultural and veterinary chemical usage in Australia as requested by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). The proposal underwent a public consultation period starting on September 16, 2024, during which three submissions were received. After considering these submissions, FSANZ approved the draft variation on February 5, 2025. The Food Ministers' Meeting was notified of this decision on February 14, 2025, and has 60 days to request a review or indicate no intention to do so.