The regulatory framework for selling eggs in Australia

In September 2021, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) announced a review of the Primary Production Standard for Eggs and Egg Products. This standard is contained within Standard 4.2.5 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Food Standards Code). Standard 4.2.5 was first introduced in 2012 in response to food-borne illness outbreaks suspected of being linked to eggs and egg products, and to address inconsistent regulation of the egg industry across States and Territories and an omission of coverage of the on-farm primary production of eggs. This article considers key aspects of Standard 4.2.5, and its legal enforcement at the State or Territory level, the responsibilities for a Food Management Safety Statement, traceability, and a summary of registration requirements. Other legislation regulating the marketing of eggs, and import and export laws relating to egg and egg products is also discussed.