Review of the regulations for contaminants and natural toxicants

Australia and New Zealand have recently adopted a joint standard for the regulation of contaminants and natural toxicants in foods. The standard was developed as part of a general review of food standards in Australia and New Zealand and forms part of the new joint Food Standards Code recently adopted by both Governments. Maximum levels (MLs) for contaminants and natural toxicants were established in the new joint Standard only where they serve an effective risk management function, based on a scientific risk assessment, and only for those foods that provide a significant contribution to the total dietary exposure. To assist both enforcement agencies and industry to maintain contaminant levels at the lowest achievable levels, generally expected levels (GELs), have been established to complement the use of MLs. GELs, while not legally enforceable, provide a benchmark against which to measure contaminant levels in foods.