What has changed
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has made a variation to Schedule 20 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Schedule 20 sets the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for agricultural and veterinary chemicals permitted in food. This variation is identified as Instrument No. APVMA 3, 2026.
The instrument came into force on 14 July 2026. It is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991.
What Schedule 20 covers
Schedule 20 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code sets the legal limits for residues of agricultural and veterinary chemicals that may remain in food products. These limits apply across food categories covered by the Code.
The source document does not specify which particular chemicals or food categories had their residue limits changed in this variation.
Key actions
- Review the updated Schedule 20 at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00984 to check if any chemicals relevant to your food products have changed residue limits.
- If your business imports, manufactures, or processes food that may be affected by pesticide or veterinary chemical residue rules, confirm your products meet the new MRLs now in force from 14 July 2026.
- Contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry or Food Standards Australia New Zealand for clarification on how specific changes affect your products.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.