What this rule does
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has made a variation to the Food Standards Code that excludes Blacklip Rock oysters farmed in the Northern Territory from the maximum level (ML) for cadmium that normally applies to molluscs. The rule came into force on 28 August 2026.
What the exemption covers
Under this variation, Blacklip Rock oysters farmed in the Northern Territory are not required to meet the cadmium maximum level that applies to other molluscs under the Food Standards Code. The source does not specify the existing cadmium maximum level, nor the measured cadmium levels in these oysters.
Key actions
- Businesses that sell, process, or import Blacklip Rock oysters farmed in the Northern Territory can check the full legislative instrument at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01125 to confirm exactly how the cadmium exemption applies to their product.
- Food businesses selling molluscs more broadly can review the explanatory statement linked on the same page to check whether this change affects labelling, sourcing, or compliance documentation.
- Businesses seeking clarification on how this exemption interacts with existing food safety obligations can contact the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing or Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.