What has changed
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has registered 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 instrument is identified as Variation Instrument No. APVMA 4, 2026.
The variation came into force on 23 September 2026. The full text of the instrument is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01264.
What the instrument covers
Schedule 20 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code specifies the maximum levels of agricultural and veterinary chemical residues that are permitted in food products. This variation updates those limits, though the specific chemicals or food categories affected are not detailed in the summary of the instrument.
Key actions
- Check the full text of the variation at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01264 to identify which specific chemicals or food types had their maximum residue limits changed on 23 September 2026.
- If your business imports, manufactures, or sells food products involving agricultural or veterinary chemicals, confirm with your supplier or food safety adviser that your products meet the updated limits now in force.
- Set up a legislation alert for this instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation to receive notifications of future changes: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01264.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.