New Zealand

Partial country profile NZ Oceania

All countries can be selected. A scientific country assessment, however, exists only where we found and checked reliable sources.

Applicable frameworks: New Zealand · International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

At a glance

Data availability by topic
TopicApplicable frameworks
Pesticides and pesticide residuesNew Zealand Data quality: moderate
Veterinary medicines and antibioticsNew Zealand Data quality: moderate
Hormonal growth promotersNew Zealand Data quality: low
Contaminants (heavy metals, PFAS, PCBs, dioxins, nitrate)New Zealand Data quality: moderate
Mycotoxins (mould toxins)international framework only International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO) Data quality: moderate
Pathogens (Salmonella, Campylobacter, etc.)New Zealand Data quality: moderate
Additives and processinginternational framework only International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO) Data quality: high
Animal husbandry and feedNew Zealand Data quality: low
Controls, imports, recalls, labellingNew Zealand Data quality: low
Drinking waterNew Zealand Data quality: moderate

National profile: New Zealand

New Zealand uses the joint Food Standards Code for contaminants but sets its own pesticide and veterinary drug limits (Food Notice; default 0.1 mg/kg). In MPI's 2023–24 survey of 300 plant foods, 8 samples (10 of 157,623 test results) exceeded an MRL; in 2022–23, 27 of 300 samples did, including off-label methamidophos use. The animal residue programme found six results above limits among more than 215,000 results in 2021–22. Veterinary and horticultural antibiotic sales fell to 37,858 kg in 2024, 47% below the 2017 peak. HGPs are allowed only in beef cattle under veterinary control. Battery cages for hens are banned since 1 January 2023; colony cages are still allowed. Foodborne campylobacteriosis, mainly linked to chicken, fell to 70 cases per 100,000 by end-2024 according to NZ Food Safety.

Research scope: Researched NZ-specific rules and monitoring: Food Notice MRLs and the 0.1 mg/kg default, the National Chemical Residues Programme (2021–22), the dairy contaminants programme (2022–23), the Food Residues Survey Programme (2022–23, 2023–24), the 2016 and 2024 NZ Total Diet Studies, the 2023 antibiotic sales analysis and the 2024 release, HGP rules, Campylobacter targets, cage rules and Taumata Arowai drinking water reports. Shared Food Standards Code parts (Standard 1.4.1 / Schedule 19 contaminants) are described in AU and apply in NZ. mpi.govt.nz is behind bot protection; documents were read from Internet Archive copies. The 2023–24 NCRP report, the 2024 antibiotic sales report and the layer-hen regulations (legislation.govt.nz, HTTP 403) could not be read. Not covered: mycotoxins, additives, Salmonella in poultry, imported food inspection statistics, HGP use share.

Last checked: 25 October 2026

Pesticides and pesticide residues – New Zealand

Data quality: moderate Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
MRLs are set separately from Australia in the Food Notice: Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds (Food Act 2014, Food Regulations 2015). If no MRL is listed, a default MRL of 0.1 mg/kg applies. Imported plant foods may comply with NZ MRLs or Codex MRLs; food from Australia may comply with Australian MRLs (Standard 1.4.2 applies in Australia only).
B. What is actually used in production?
Not documented as quantities. Tracebacks show off-label use (e.g. withholding periods not met; methamidophos on unauthorised crops) and unmanaged residue sources.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
Food Residues Survey Programme 2023–24: 300 samples (248 NZ-grown, 52 imported), >500 compounds, 157,623 results; 10 non-compliant results in 8 samples (7 NZ-grown, 1 imported); conformance >99.99% of results. 2022–23: 300 samples (226 NZ, 74 imported), 33 non-compliant results in 27 samples; methamidophos in silver beet 3.6 mg/kg vs MRL 0.01. 2016 NZTDS: about 40% of samples had a detectable agricultural chemical residue; 2024 NZTDS (infants and toddlers) Q4: 99.5% of 50,177 agricultural chemical tests below LOQ.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
MPI assessed all 2023–24 non-compliant results and found no food safety risk. 2016 NZTDS: all dietary exposures very low.
E. How robust are the data?
FRSP collects samples under MPI direction from retail, markets and distributors, rotating 5–7 Codex commodity classes per year; it is not stated to be random. MPI reports conformance per test result (>99.99%), which looks much better than a per-sample rate; per-sample rates are derived here. The 0.1 mg/kg default is higher than the EU 0.01 mg/kg default, which affects comparisons.
Indicators
IndicatorValueYearSamplesSampling designScopeSource
Pesticides: samples above the maximum residue level
pest_mrl_exceed_pct
NZ Food Residues Survey Programme
Derived by this agent from 8 of 300 samples; MPI reports 10 of 157,623 results (<0.01%).
2.7 % of samples with ≥1 residue above MRL2023-24300unknownall foodsRS-NZ-03
Pesticides: samples above the maximum residue level
pest_mrl_exceed_pct
NZ Food Residues Survey Programme
Derived from 27 of 300 samples (22 of 226 NZ-grown; 5 of 74 imported).
9 % of samples with ≥1 residue above MRL2022-23300unknownall foodsRS-NZ-04

Notes on foods

  • Fruit and vegetables: FRSP 2022–23: methamidophos (not authorised) found in celery, choy sum and silver beet (3.6 mg/kg vs MRL 0.01 mg/kg); growers admitted off-label use.

Sources: RS-NZ-03, RS-NZ-04, RS-NZ-05, RS-NZ-07, RS-AU-03, RS-AU-04

Veterinary medicines and antibiotics – New Zealand

Data quality: moderate Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
Veterinary medicines are registered under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act 1997; most antibiotics require veterinary authorisation. Residue limits for animal products are in the Animal Products Notice: Contaminant Specifications and the Food Notice MRLs. NZ Food Safety is reassessing and reclassifying antibiotic products in four tranches.
B. What is actually used in production?
Antibiotic sales (veterinary and horticultural): 39,549 kg in 2023 and 37,858 kg in 2024 (peak 71,361 kg in 2017). Critically important antibiotics 3,416 kg in 2023. 2023 AMU in mg per kg liveweight biomass: layer poultry 16.31, meat poultry 37.71, pigs 99.84, dairy cattle 6.49, beef cattle 1.10, sheep 1.04. Zinc bacitracin (in feed for meat poultry) 3,883 kg in 2023.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
NCRP 2021–22: over 2,000 random monitoring samples, more than 215,000 results, six above maximum permissible levels (eprinomectin, fenpyroximate and sulfoxaflor in deer; lignocaine in velvet antler; mercury in two sheep livers). Dairy NCCP 2022–23: 199 products, ~33,000 results, no exceedances.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
MPI assessed all six NCRP exceedances as no human food or feed safety risk.
E. How robust are the data?
NCRP has a random monitoring part and a targeted surveillance part; results are reported per test result. The 2023–24 NCRP report could not be read. AMU figures are sales with species split from registrant estimates and MPI's own biomass denominator; not the EU PCU method.
Indicators
IndicatorValueYearSamplesSampling designScopeSource
Antimicrobial sales, animals (tonnes)
amu_tonnes
MPI Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis
Includes companion animals and horticulture.
39.549 tonnes of antibiotic active ingredient sold (animals and plants)2023–unknownall foodsRS-NZ-08
Antimicrobial sales, animals (tonnes)
amu_tonnes
MPI Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis (press release)
37.858 tonnes of antibiotic active ingredient sold (animals and plants)2024–unknownall foodsRS-NZ-09
Antimicrobial sales, animals (mg/kg biomass)
amu_mg_per_kg_biomass
MPI Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis
Mostly zinc bacitracin in feed.
37.71 mg antibiotic per kg liveweight biomass – meat poultry2023–unknowndomestic productsRS-NZ-08
Antimicrobial sales, animals (mg/kg biomass)
amu_mg_per_kg_biomass
MPI Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis
16.31 mg antibiotic per kg liveweight biomass – layer poultry2023–unknowndomestic productsRS-NZ-08
Antimicrobial sales, animals (mg/kg biomass)
amu_mg_per_kg_biomass
MPI Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis
6.49 mg antibiotic per kg liveweight biomass – dairy cattle2023–unknowndomestic productsRS-NZ-08
Residues: results above the limit (number)
residue_results_above_limit_n
NZ National Chemical Residues Programme
New metric id; n = 'over 2,000' monitoring samples.
6 test results above maximum permissible levels (of >215,000)2021-222,000mixeddomestic productsRS-NZ-01

Notes on foods

  • Dairy: NCCP 2022–23: no exceedances in 199 dairy products. Dairy cattle received 52% of antibiotic sales in 2023 (AMU 6.49 mg/kg).
  • Poultry: AMU 2023: meat poultry 37.71 mg/kg, layers 16.31 mg/kg.
  • Red meat: NCRP 2021–22: deer and sheep exceedances (see measured).

Sources: RS-NZ-01, RS-NZ-02, RS-NZ-08, RS-NZ-09, RS-NZ-20

Hormonal growth promoters – New Zealand

Data quality: low Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
HGPs are approved only for beef cattle under the ACVM Act. Illegal in dairy cattle used for milk, bobby calves and other species. Only a veterinarian (or technician under direct control) may administer. HGP Regulated Control Scheme: NAIT RFID tag, HGP ear tag, movements tracked to slaughter (Animal Products (Regulated Control Scheme – Hormonal Growth Promotants) Notice).
B. What is actually used in production?
Use is limited by trade: export meat processors generally do not accept HGP-implanted cattle. No figure on the number of treated cattle was found.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
MPI states it regularly samples production animals for HGPs; specific results not read.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
MPI: no scientific evidence of detrimental human health impact from approved HGPs; no labelling required.
E. How robust are the data?
Rules documented; use share and test results not found.

Notes on foods

  • Red meat: HGPs legal only in beef cattle, under veterinary control and tracking; export processors generally refuse implanted cattle.
  • Dairy: HGPs prohibited in dairy cattle.

Sources: RS-NZ-10

Contaminants (heavy metals, PFAS, PCBs, dioxins, nitrate) – New Zealand

Data quality: moderate Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
Standard 1.4.1 and Schedule 19 of the joint Food Standards Code apply in New Zealand (see AU). Animal-product contaminant limits are also set in the Animal Products Notice: Contaminant Specifications (e.g. mercury in sheep liver 0.03 mg/kg).
B. What is actually used in production?
not applicable
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
2016 NZTDS: cadmium and mercury exposure unchanged from previous TDS; lead exposure 30–40% lower than in 2009 for most age groups; aluminium higher than expected in some baked goods (additive 541). 2024 NZTDS Q4: element tests mostly below LOQ, none of food safety concern; elevated aluminium in two foods. NCRP 2021–22: mercury above the NZ limit in two sheep livers.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
MPI: exposures to contaminants low; aluminium risk low; a 2019 follow-up found high aluminium intakes in young children had been reversed after industry phased out additive 541.
E. How robust are the data?
TDS composite samples estimate exposure; 2024 study is still quarterly interim data.

Sources: RS-NZ-01, RS-NZ-05, RS-NZ-06, RS-NZ-07, RS-AU-06, RS-AU-07

Pathogens (Salmonella, Campylobacter, etc.) – New Zealand

Data quality: moderate Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
Campylobacter Performance Target under the National Microbiological Database poultry programme (2019 description): standard-throughput processors may have no more than 6 of 45 carcass rinse samples above 3.78 log10 CFU/carcass and no more than 29 of 45 at or above 2.30 log10. Regulatory limits introduced from 2007–2008. Target: foodborne campylobacteriosis from 88 to 70 per 100,000 by end of 2024 (Campylobacter Action Plan).
B. What is actually used in production?
Poultry processors improved processing; NZ Food Safety reports a sustained reduction in birds with detectable Campylobacter at the end of primary processing.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
NMD Sept 2015–Aug 2017: 21.7% of barn-raised and 25.8% of free-range chicken carcasses positive; about 2.5% above the enumeration limit; 2018: under 5% of samples from standard premises above the limit. Foodborne campylobacteriosis 76.8 per 100,000 in 2023 (4,010 domestic cases, 989 hospitalised); NZ Food Safety states 70 per 100,000 was reached at end of 2024 (secondary report).
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
Campylobacteriosis is NZ's most common foodborne illness; an independent analysis (PHCC, 2025) argues hospitalisations rose 69.7% since 2007; NZ Food Safety disputes its methodology.
E. How robust are the data?
NMD data are regulatory processor samples at end of processing, not retail; the current wording of the limits after the 2019 review was not verified. The 2024 rate comes from a news report quoting the regulator.
Indicators
IndicatorValueYearSamplesSampling designScopeSource
Campylobacter: broilers
campylobacter_broiler_pct
NMD poultry programme (end of primary processing)
Free-range: 25.8%. Sample count not stated in the excerpt.
21.7 % of carcass rinse samples positive – barn-raised chickens2015-2017–mixeddomestic productsRS-NZ-11
Campylobacteriosis (foodborne) per 100,000
campylobacteriosis_foodborne_per_100k
ESR annual foodborne disease report (via MPI release)
New metric id. Attribution-based estimate.
76.8 estimated NZ-acquired foodborne cases per 100,000 population2023–unknowndomestic productsRS-NZ-12
Campylobacteriosis (foodborne) per 100,000
campylobacteriosis_foodborne_per_100k
NZ Food Safety statement (Food Safety News)
Secondary source.
70 estimated NZ-acquired foodborne cases per 100,000 population2024–unknowndomestic productsRS-NZ-13

Notes on foods

  • Poultry: Chicken meat is the main source of human Campylobacter infection in NZ; carcass contamination is regulated through the NMD Campylobacter Performance Target.

Sources: RS-NZ-11, RS-NZ-12, RS-NZ-13

Animal husbandry and feed – New Zealand

Data quality: low Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
Conventional (battery) cages for layer hens have been illegal since 1 January 2023, after a phase-out announced in 2012 (Code of Welfare: Layer Hens / Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018; regulation text not read). Colony (furnished) cages with perches, nests and scratch areas remain legal.
B. What is actually used in production?
SPCA (advocacy) estimated about one third of laying hens in colony cages in January 2023. Major retailers pledged to stop selling caged eggs (Woolworths NZ end-2025, Foodstuffs end-2027) – SPCA report. Zinc bacitracin is used in meat-poultry feed (antibiotics domain).
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
not documented
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
not applicable
E. How robust are the data?
Rules rest on secondary sources because legislation.govt.nz could not be accessed; share in colony cages is an advocacy estimate.

Notes on foods

  • Eggs: Battery cages banned since 1 Jan 2023; colony cages still allowed (~one third of hens in Jan 2023 per SPCA).

Sources: RS-NZ-14, RS-NZ-15, RS-NZ-21

Controls, imports, recalls, labelling – New Zealand

Data quality: low Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
NZ Food Safety (MPI) runs residue and contaminant programmes under the Animal Products Act 1999, Food Act 2014 and ACVM Act 1997. Non-compliant results trigger tracebacks, farm visits and placement on a national surveillance list; importers receive letters. Most food traded between NZ and Australia is not border-inspected because of the joint standards (DAFF).
B. What is actually used in production?
not applicable
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
No NZ imported-food inspection statistics were read.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
not applicable
E. How robust are the data?
Framework only.

Sources: RS-NZ-01, RS-NZ-03, RS-AU-16

Drinking water – New Zealand

Data quality: moderate Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai regulates drinking water. Registered suppliers must meet the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules (2022, revised 2024; new Rules 2026 from 1 July 2027) and Maximum Allowable Values in the Drinking Water Standards. Multi-barrier treatment (bacterial, protozoal, residual disinfection) is a regulatory requirement.
B. What is actually used in production?
Councils supply about 4.3 million people.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
Drinking Water Regulation Report 2025: registered supplies serve ~4.5 million people (84%); 16% are outside the registered system. Council supplies: 98% with a bacterial barrier, 94% residual disinfection, 90% protozoal barrier (76% in 2023); 51 supplies (~311,000 people) without a protozoal barrier at end-2025. 221 laboratory E. coli notifications and 296 chemical MAV exceedance notifications in 2025; nitrate above MAV in four supplies. JMP: safely managed drinking water 100% (2024).
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
Queenstown 2023 cryptosporidiosis outbreak: almost 100 cases; lack of a protozoa barrier was a likely factor.
E. How robust are the data?
Supplier-reported data with known reporting gaps; 16% of the population is outside the regulator's view. The JMP 100% value conflicts with the national report and should be used with caution.
Indicators
IndicatorValueYearSamplesSampling designScopeSource
Safely managed drinking water (WHO/UNICEF)
water_safely_managed_pct
WHO/UNICEF JMP (World Bank WDI mirror)
Conflicts with Taumata Arowai data; check JMP method.
100 % of population using safely managed drinking water2024–unknownall foodsRS-NZ-19
Drinking water with a protozoa barrier
water_protozoal_barrier_pct
Taumata Arowai Drinking Water Regulation Report 2025
New metric id.
90 % of council-supplied population with a protozoal treatment barrier2025–unknownall foodsRS-NZ-16

Sources: RS-NZ-16, RS-NZ-17, RS-NZ-18, RS-NZ-19

Sources – New Zealand (26)
  1. RS-NZ-03: Food Residues Survey Programme Report 2023–2024 (NZFS Technical Paper 2025/05, April 2025) – New Zealand Food Safety (MPI) (2025). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/68766/direct (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  2. RS-NZ-04: Food Residues Survey Programme Report 2022–2023 (NZFS Technical Paper 2024/14, September 2024) – New Zealand Food Safety (MPI) (2024). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/65391/direct (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  3. RS-NZ-05: Latest NZ Total Diet Study gives more insight on what we're eating (media release, 24 May 2018) – MPI / New Zealand Food Safety (2018). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news/media-releases/latest-nz-total-diet-study-gives-more-insight-on-what-were-eating/ (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  4. RS-NZ-07: Fourth quarter results of the 2024 NZ Total Diet Study (Infants and Toddlers) (last reviewed 26 Aug 2025) – New Zealand Food Safety (MPI) (2025). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-business/food-monitoring-surveillance/new-zealand-total-diet-study/fourth-quarter-results-of-the-2024-nz-total-diet-study-infants-and-toddlers/ (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  5. RS-AU-03: Explanatory Statement – Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Schedule 20 – Maximum Residue Limits Variation Instrument No. APVMA 1, 2023 (F2023L00107) – Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) (2023). https://legislation.gov.au/F2023L00107/asmade/2023-02-15/es/original/pdf (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  6. RS-AU-04: Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Standard 1.4.2 – Agvet chemicals (compilation 1 March 2016, F2015L00415) – Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) (2016). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2015L00415/2016-03-01/2016-03-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  7. RS-NZ-01: National Chemical Residues Programme – Results for 1 July 2021 – 30 June 2022 and the programme for 2022–23 (NZFS Technical Paper 2023/02) – New Zealand Food Safety (MPI) (2023). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/56158/direct (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  8. RS-NZ-02: National Chemical Contaminants Programme – Dairy Product Result Summary (July 2022 to June 2023) (NZFS Technical Paper 2024/08) – New Zealand Food Safety (MPI) (2024). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/61651/direct (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  9. RS-NZ-08: 2023 Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis (September 2024) – New Zealand Food Safety (MPI) (2024). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/65187/direct (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  10. RS-NZ-09: New Zealand antibiotic sales for plants and animals continue downward trend (NZFS press release, 5 November 2025) – New Zealand Food Safety (via Scoop) (2025). https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2511/S00078.htm (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  11. RS-NZ-20: National Chemical Residues Programme Results for 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 (ISBN 978-1-991345-60-8) – New Zealand Food Safety (MPI) (2025). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/68763-Results-for-1-July-2023-30-June-2024 (Not verified, accessed 2026-10-25)
  12. RS-NZ-10: Using hormonal growth promotants (last reviewed 16 Nov 2020) – MPI (2020). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/animals/growth-hormones/using-hormonal-growth-promotants/ (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  13. RS-NZ-06: Monitoring what's in our food with the Total Diet Study (infographic) – MPI (2018). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/43669/direct (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  14. RS-AU-06: Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Schedule 19 – Maximum levels of contaminants and natural toxicants (compilation 13 September 2024, F2015L00454) – FSANZ (2024). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2015L00454/2024-09-13/2024-09-13/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  15. RS-AU-07: Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Standard 1.4.1 – Contaminants and natural toxicants (compilation 1 September 2022, F2015L00408) – FSANZ (2022). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2015L00408/2022-09-01/2022-09-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  16. RS-NZ-11: Review of the Campylobacter Regulatory Limits for Meat Chickens (NZFS Discussion Paper 2019/06, June 2019) – New Zealand Food Safety Campylobacter Risk Management Strategy Working Group (2019). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/35265/direct (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  17. RS-NZ-12: New Zealand Food Safety on track to meet campylobacteriosis-reduction target (media release, 5 September 2024) – MPI / New Zealand Food Safety (2024). https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news/media-releases/new-zealand-food-safety-on-track-to-meet-campylobacteriosis-reduction-target/ (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  18. RS-NZ-13: New Zealand group urges action to combat Campylobacter (23 July 2025) – Food Safety News (J. Whitworth) (2025). https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/07/new-zealand-group-urges-action-to-combat-campylobacter/ (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  19. RS-NZ-14: Colony cages: the struggle continues for chickens (12 January 2023) – SPCA New Zealand (2023). https://www.spca.nz/advocacy/news/article/colony-cages (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  20. RS-NZ-15: Terms and terminology (glossary) – Egg Producers Federation of New Zealand (2025). https://eggfarmers.org.nz/glossary/ (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  21. RS-NZ-21: Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018 (layer hen cage provisions) – New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office (2026). https://legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2018/50/en/latest/ (Not verified, accessed 2026-10-25)
  22. RS-AU-16: Imported Food Inspection Scheme – DAFF (2026). https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/food/inspection-testing/ifis (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  23. RS-NZ-16: Factsheet: Drinking Water Regulation Report 2025 – Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai (2026). https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Network-Performance/Factsheet-DWRR-2025.pdf (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  24. RS-NZ-17: More New Zealanders benefiting from stronger drinking water protections (21 September 2026) – Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai (2026). https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/home/articles/more-new-zealanders-benefiting-from-stronger-drinking-water-protections (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  25. RS-NZ-18: Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules (page) – Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai (2026). https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/drinking-water-suppliers-and-operators/for-drinking-water-suppliers/ways-to-comply/drinking-water-quality-assurance-rules (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  26. RS-NZ-19: World Bank WDI API – JMP drinking water indicators for New Zealand – World Bank (data from WHO/UNICEF JMP) (2026). https://api.worldbank.org/v2/country/NZL/indicator/SH.H2O.SMDW.ZS?format=json&mrv=4 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)

International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

Codex Alimentarius, run by FAO and WHO, sets international food standards: maximum residue limits for pesticides and veterinary drugs, maximum levels for contaminants such as aflatoxins and lead, additive rules and hygiene codes. These standards are voluntary. A country is bound only by its own law, but under WTO rules Codex is the reference point in trade disputes. Codex accepts some hormonal growth promoters and ractopamine; the ractopamine limits were adopted in 2012 by a vote of 69 to 67, and many countries, including the EU and China, still ban it. WHO recommends stopping antibiotic use for growth promotion and for routine prevention in healthy animals; WOAH reports that 22% of reporting countries still allowed growth promoters in 2022. WHO estimates that unsafe food caused about 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths in 2021, with the highest burden in Africa and South-East Asia. There is no international monitoring that measures residues in each country's food; such data come from national programmes.

Research scope: International reference framework: Codex Alimentarius (standards, MRL databases, CAC 2012 report), WHO (antimicrobial guidelines and MIA List, GEMS/Food, Drinking-water Guidelines, foodborne disease burden estimates 2015 and 2026), FAO (JECFA/JMPR, INFOSAN), WOAH ANIMUSE 9th report, WHO/UNICEF JMP and IARC classifications, all read from primary documents in October 2026. These are voluntary references, not laws of any country; they are shown when a country has no researched profile. Not covered or not verifiable: WOAH animal-welfare housing chapters, a 10th ANIMUSE report (not found), the post-2012 Codex status of bovine somatotropin from a primary report, and Codex positions on PFAS (no ML exists).

Last checked: 25 October 2026

Pesticides and pesticide residues – International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

Data quality: moderate Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
International reference only. Codex texts are voluntary references. They become binding only when a country adopts them into national law. Under the WTO SPS Agreement, measures based on Codex are presumed consistent; stricter national rules are allowed if they are scientifically justified. National law decides what is allowed in a given country. Codex sets maximum residue limits (CXLs) for pesticide/commodity combinations. Scientific basis: the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR, since 1963) evaluates toxicology (acceptable daily intake, acute reference dose) and residue data; the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues proposes the limits; the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) adopts them. The Codex database lists MRLs and extraneous MRLs adopted up to CAC 49 (July 2026). Up to 2024, CAC had adopted 6,453 MRLs and 63 EMRLs. A Codex MRL applies at the point of entry into a country or into trade channels. Codex does not approve or ban pesticide active substances; registration and bans are national decisions.
B. What is actually used in production?
Not documented at the international level. Codex and JMPR do not collect data on actual pesticide use.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
No international monitoring programme reports MRL exceedance rates. WHO GEMS/Food collects contaminant and residue data submitted voluntarily by national institutions (more than 9 million analytical results in total). These data are not representative samples and are not published as exceedance rates per country.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
JMPR derives health-based guidance values (ADI, ARfD) and dietary exposure estimates (IESTI for short-term, IEDI with GEMS/Food cluster diets for long-term intake). Exceeding an MRL is non-compliance with a legal limit; whether it is a health concern depends on estimated intake relative to the ADI/ARfD (the JMPR approach). The 2026 WHO foodborne disease burden estimates did not include pesticide residues because of insufficient data.
E. How robust are the data?
High for the legal reference values (official, current database). There are no globally comparable data on use or residue levels. Country exceedance rates depend on national MRLs, sampling design (random vs risk-based) and laboratory scope, so they cannot be compared with Codex values directly.

Notes on foods

  • Fruit and vegetables: Codex MRLs exist for many fruit and vegetable commodities; national MRLs can be lower or higher.
  • Cereals and rice: Codex MRLs apply to cereal grains as traded (raw agricultural commodity).

Sources: RS-INT-01, RS-INT-02, RS-INT-05, RS-INT-07, RS-INT-36, RS-INT-21, RS-INT-29

Veterinary medicines and antibiotics – International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

Data quality: moderate Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
International reference only. Codex texts are voluntary references. They become binding only when a country adopts them into national law. Under the WTO SPS Agreement, measures based on Codex are presumed consistent; stricter national rules are allowed if they are scientifically justified. National law decides what is allowed in a given country. Codex MRLs and risk management recommendations (RMRs) for veterinary drug residues are listed in CXM 2-2024, based on JECFA evaluations. RMRs state that there is no safe residue level and that authorities should prevent residues by not using the substance in food-producing animals: carbadox, chloramphenicol, chlorpromazine, dimetridazole, furazolidone, gentian violet, ipronidazole, malachite green, metronidazole, nitrofural, olaquindox, ronidazole and stilbenes. Antimicrobial resistance: Codex CXC 61-2005 (amended 2021) states that responsible use does not include growth promotion with medically important antimicrobials; medically important antimicrobials should be used only for treatment, control or prevention under professional oversight. Codex CXC 54-2004 states antibiotics should not be used in feed for growth promotion without a public health safety assessment. WHO guidelines (2017) recommend an overall reduction in use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals, complete restriction for growth promotion and for prevention in healthy animals (strong recommendations, low-quality evidence), and suggest not using critically important antimicrobials for group control and not using highest-priority ones for treatment (conditional, very low-quality evidence). The WHO MIA List (2024) classes 3rd/4th-generation cephalosporins, quinolones, polymyxins (e.g. colistin) and phosphonic acid derivatives (fosfomycin) as highest priority critically important (HPCIA).
B. What is actually used in production?
WOAH ANIMUSE, 9th report (2025, data year 2022): 70,648 tonnes of antimicrobials reported for animals by 107 participants (adjusted estimate up to 74,035 t). Biomass-adjusted use 89-93 mg/kg (71% of global animal biomass covered); terrestrial food animals 95-98 mg/kg; aquatic 21 mg/kg. Trend panel of 85 participants (62% of biomass): 102 mg/kg in 2020 to 97 mg/kg in 2022 (-5%). Regional changes 2020-2022: Africa -20%, Americas -4%, Europe -23%, Asia-Pacific -2%, Middle East +43% (Middle East participants cover only 17% of the region's biomass). Tetracyclines (28.29%) and penicillins (17.75%) were the largest classes; fluoroquinolones 3.7%, polymyxins 1.8%, 3rd/4th-gen cephalosporins 0.9%. In 2022, 34 of 157 Members (22%) still reported antimicrobial growth promoter use; 112 (71%) reported it is no longer authorised. Colistin as a growth promoter was still reported by 8 participants. Regional mg/kg levels by country are not published in the report; only 38 of 111 quantitative reporters made national reports public, and 39 Members had public reports on the ANIMUSE portal by January 2025.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
No international programme measures veterinary drug residues in food. Residue monitoring is national (see country profiles). Codex CXG 71-2009 gives guidance for designing national residue control programmes.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
JECFA evaluations (ADI, recommended MRLs) are the scientific basis of Codex veterinary drug MRLs. WHO (2017) systematic reviews: where antimicrobial use in animals was restricted, AMR prevalence in animal bacteria was 10-20% lower and multidrug resistance 24-32% lower; in humans (13 studies meta-analysed) AMR prevalence was 24% lower in intervention groups. The 2026 WHO foodborne disease estimates did not include antimicrobial-resistant bacteria because of insufficient data.
E. How robust are the data?
ANIMUSE data are mostly sales and import data, not farm-level use. Coverage differs by region; participants and methods change between years. mg/kg biomass values are estimates; WOAH reports ranges. Country-level data are public only for Members that choose to publish.
Indicators
IndicatorValueYearSamplesSampling designScopeSource
Antimicrobial sales, animals (mg/kg biomass)
amu_mg_per_kg_biomass
WOAH ANIMUSE 9th report - trend panel
Global, 85 participants reporting 2020-2022 consistently, 62% of global animal biomass; mostly sales/import data. 2020 value: 102 mg/kg. n = number of participating countries/territories, not samples.
97 mg antimicrobial per kg estimated animal biomass202285mixedall foodsRS-INT-24
Antimicrobial sales, animals (mg/kg biomass)
amu_mg_per_kg_biomass
WOAH ANIMUSE 9th report - 2022 cross-section
Global range 89-93 mg/kg depending on coverage adjustment; 107 participants, 71% of global animal biomass; food-producing animals only. 'value' is the lower bound, 'value_upper' the upper bound.
89 mg antimicrobial per kg estimated animal biomass (range)2022107mixedall foodsRS-INT-24
Antimicrobial sales, animals (tonnes)
amu_tonnes
WOAH ANIMUSE 9th report
Reported total; WOAH's coverage-adjusted estimate is up to 74,035 t. n = participants.
70648 tonnes of antimicrobial agents (reported)2022107mixedall foodsRS-INT-24
Countries using growth promoters (share)
agp_use_members_pct
WOAH ANIMUSE 9th report
34 of 157 participants; self-reported legal/practice status, not measured use.
22 % of WOAH reporting Members still using antimicrobial growth promoters2022157mixedall foodsRS-INT-24

Notes on foods

  • Poultry: Codex/WHO texts apply to all food animals; WHO 2017 recommends no routine preventive use in healthy flocks.
  • Fish and seafood: WOAH 2022: aquatic food animals 21 mg/kg; fluoroquinolones were 15.8% of aquatic use (3.9 mg/kg). Codex RMR: malachite green and gentian violet should not be used.

Sources: RS-INT-08, RS-INT-10, RS-INT-11, RS-INT-17, RS-INT-18, RS-INT-19, RS-INT-20, RS-INT-24, RS-INT-35, RS-INT-29

Hormonal growth promoters – International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

Data quality: high Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
International reference only. Codex texts are voluntary references. They become binding only when a country adopts them into national law. Under the WTO SPS Agreement, measures based on Codex are presumed consistent; stricter national rules are allowed if they are scientifically justified. National law decides what is allowed in a given country. Codex (CXM 2-2024) treats several hormonal growth promoters as acceptable when used according to good practice: estradiol-17beta, progesterone and testosterone in cattle have MRL 'unnecessary' (JECFA: residues from growth-promoter use are unlikely to pose a hazard). Numeric MRLs exist for trenbolone acetate (cattle muscle 2, liver 10 ug/kg), zeranol (muscle 2, liver 10 ug/kg) and melengestrol acetate (muscle 1, liver 10, kidney 2, fat 18 ug/kg). Beta-agonists: ractopamine MRLs for cattle and pigs (muscle 10, liver 40, kidney 90, fat 10 ug/kg; ADI 0-1 ug/kg bw) were adopted at CAC 35 in July 2012 by secret ballot, 69 votes to 67 with 7 abstentions, without consensus; China, Norway and the EU recorded opposition and the EU stated its ban would remain. Zilpaterol MRLs for cattle (kidney 3.3, liver 3.5, muscle 0.5 ug/kg) were adopted at CAC 46 (2023). Stilbenes (e.g. diethylstilbestrol): Codex RMR - no safe level, should not be used. Somatotropins: porcine somatotropin ADI/MRL 'not specified' (CAC 26, 2003). Draft MRLs for bovine somatotropin (bST/rbST, dairy) were 'held at Step 8' since 1999 according to the 2012 CAC report; CXM 2-2024 contains no bST MRL. Codex MRLs do not oblige any country to permit these substances. In the WTO EC-Hormones dispute (DS26), the Appellate Body (1998) found the EC import ban inconsistent with SPS Article 5.1 (risk assessment), but the ban remained part of EU law.
B. What is actually used in production?
Not documented internationally. Use of hormonal implants, beta-agonists and bST is authorised in some countries and banned in others (see country profiles).
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
No international residue monitoring. National programmes test for hormones and beta-agonists.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
JECFA evaluations underpin the Codex values (e.g. ractopamine ADI 0-1 ug/kg bw; estradiol-17beta ADI 0-0.05 ug/kg bw). At CAC 35 (2012) the EU delegation stated that EFSA had concluded the data were insufficient to propose ractopamine MRLs and that risks to human health had not been sufficiently ruled out. This profile records the positions; it does not resolve the scientific disagreement.
E. How robust are the data?
High for the legal status of Codex texts (primary documents). The scientific assessment differs between JECFA and some national authorities; the ractopamine standard was adopted by a narrow vote, not by consensus.

Notes on foods

  • Red meat: Codex values exist for hormonal growth promoters and ractopamine/zilpaterol in cattle (and ractopamine in pigs).
  • Dairy: No Codex MRL for bovine somatotropin (rbST) as of CXM 2-2024.
  • Poultry: Codex lists no hormonal growth promoter MRLs for poultry.

Sources: RS-INT-08, RS-INT-09, RS-INT-05, RS-INT-06, RS-INT-35

Contaminants (heavy metals, PFAS, PCBs, dioxins, nitrate) – International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

Data quality: moderate Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
International reference only. Codex texts are voluntary references. They become binding only when a country adopts them into national law. Under the WTO SPS Agreement, measures based on Codex are presumed consistent; stricter national rules are allowed if they are scientifically justified. National law decides what is allowed in a given country. Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed (CXS 193-1995, last amended 2025) lists maximum levels for international trade. Examples (mg/kg): lead - milk 0.02, meat of cattle/pigs/sheep 0.1, poultry meat 0.1, fish 0.3, cereal grains 0.2, leafy vegetables 0.3, fruiting vegetables 0.05, infant formula 0.01; inorganic arsenic - husked rice 0.35, polished rice 0.2; methylmercury - tuna 1.2, shark 1.6, marlin 1.7, alfonsino 1.5, orange roughy 0.8, pink cusk-eel 1.0. CXS 193 contains no maximum levels for dioxins, PCBs or PFAS; Codex has a code of practice to reduce dioxins and PCBs in food and feed (CXC 62-2006) and to reduce lead (CXC 56-2004) and arsenic in rice (CXC 77-2017).
B. What is actually used in production?
Not applicable (contaminants are not intentionally used).
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
WHO GEMS/Food holds more than 9 million analytical results submitted by national institutions (records by region, e.g. WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region 15,064 in total, none added in the past year as of the access date). The data can be browsed online but are not representative surveys and are not summarised as national compliance rates.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
JECFA withdrew its tolerable weekly intakes for lead and inorganic arsenic in 2010 because they were no longer considered health-protective (lead: IQ and blood-pressure effects; inorganic arsenic: lung cancer BMDL). WHO 2026 foodborne disease estimates (data year 2021): chemical hazards accounted for 73% of foodborne deaths, mostly inorganic arsenic (42%) and lead (31%); inorganic arsenic and lead were among the leading causes of foodborne DALYs. PFAS were not included for lack of data. IARC classifies TCDD dioxin and PCB-126 in Group 1 (Volume 100F).
E. How robust are the data?
Codex MLs: high (primary text). Burden estimates: model-based with wide uncertainty intervals. GEMS/Food data: heterogeneous, non-representative.
Indicators
IndicatorValueYearSamplesSampling designScopeSource
Share of chemical causes in foodborne deaths
fbd_chemical_deaths_share_pct
WHO foodborne disease burden estimates, 2026 edition
Global model-based estimate (not a sampling result); 9 chemical hazards included; inorganic arsenic 42% and lead 31% of chemical-related deaths.
73 % of foodborne deaths due to chemical hazards2021–mixedall foodsRS-INT-29

Notes on foods

  • Fish and seafood: Codex methylmercury MLs apply to specific large predatory species; lead ML for fish 0.3 mg/kg.
  • Cereals and rice: Codex inorganic arsenic ML: polished rice 0.2 mg/kg, husked rice 0.35 mg/kg.
  • Dairy: Codex lead ML for milk 0.02 mg/kg.

Sources: RS-INT-12, RS-INT-41, RS-INT-21, RS-INT-22, RS-INT-29, RS-INT-31, RS-INT-33

Mycotoxins (mould toxins) – International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

Data quality: moderate Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
International reference only. Codex texts are voluntary references. They become binding only when a country adopts them into national law. Under the WTO SPS Agreement, measures based on Codex are presumed consistent; stricter national rules are allowed if they are scientifically justified. National law decides what is allowed in a given country. CXS 193-1995: aflatoxin M1 in milk 0.5 ug/kg. Total aflatoxins (ug/kg): almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts 10 (ready-to-eat) / 15 (for further processing); peanuts for further processing 15; dried figs 10; chili pepper and nutmeg 20; maize grain for further processing 15; maize flour/meal 10; husked rice 20; polished rice 5; sorghum for further processing 10; cereal-based foods for infants and young children 5. MLs also exist for deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, ochratoxin A and patulin. Codex codes of practice cover aflatoxin B1 in feed for dairy animals (CXC 45-1997), peanuts (CXC 55-2004), tree nuts (CXC 59-2005), cereals (CXC 51-2003), dried figs and spices.
B. What is actually used in production?
Not applicable.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
GEMS/Food holds about 1.09 million total-aflatoxin records and about 0.19 million aflatoxin B1 records (all regions, voluntarily submitted). No representative global prevalence figure exists.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
IARC classifies aflatoxins as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1; Monographs Volume 100F). JECFA (2001), cited in CXS 193: the additional liver-cancer risk predicted with aflatoxin M1 limits of 0.05 or 0.5 ug/kg is very small; hepatitis B carriers might benefit from lower aflatoxin intake. The 2026 WHO burden estimates excluded growth impairment from aflatoxin exposure.
E. How robust are the data?
Codex MLs: high. Occurrence data: not representative; strong regional and climatic variation.

Notes on foods

  • Dairy: Codex aflatoxin M1 ML 0.5 ug/kg in milk; national limits can be lower (see country profiles).
  • Legumes and nuts: Codex total aflatoxin MLs 10-15 ug/kg for tree nuts and peanuts depending on processing.
  • Cereals and rice: Codex total aflatoxin MLs for maize (15 / 10 ug/kg) and rice (20 husked / 5 polished).

Sources: RS-INT-12, RS-INT-41, RS-INT-21, RS-INT-33, RS-INT-29

Pathogens (Salmonella, Campylobacter, etc.) – International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

Data quality: moderate Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
International reference only. Codex texts are voluntary references. They become binding only when a country adopts them into national law. Under the WTO SPS Agreement, measures based on Codex are presumed consistent; stricter national rules are allowed if they are scientifically justified. National law decides what is allowed in a given country. Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969, revised 2020 and 2022) set out good hygiene practice and HACCP. Specific codes and guidelines: Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat (CXG 78-2011, farm-to-consumption approach without numeric targets), eggs and egg products (CXC 15-1976, rev. 2007: Salmonella Enteritidis monitoring and vaccination may reduce risk where SE is associated with poultry or eggs), meat hygiene (CXC 58-2005), milk and milk products (CXC 57-2004), fresh fruits and vegetables (CXC 53-2003), Listeria monocytogenes (CXG 61-2007), STEC in beef, leafy vegetables, raw milk and sprouts (CXG 99-2023). JEMRA provides microbiological risk assessments.
B. What is actually used in production?
Not documented internationally; control programmes are national.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
No international prevalence monitoring of pathogens in food. WHO burden estimates (2026 edition, data year 2021, 42 hazards): 866 million illnesses (95% UI 680-1090 million), 1.52 million deaths (0.783-2.51 million), 57.1 million DALYs (39.4-81.1 million). Biological hazards caused about 860 million illnesses. Non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica, inorganic arsenic and lead caused the most DALYs. Children under 5 (9% of the population) had nearly one third of cases. The first WHO estimates (2015, data year 2010, 31 hazards) gave 33 million DALYs; WHO states the 2026 edition supersedes all earlier estimates. National estimates for every WHO Member State are available in the WHO Global Health Observatory.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
Foodborne disease burden is highest in the African and South-East Asia regions (nearly three quarters of illnesses, 60% of deaths). WHO states many cases could be prevented by improved water, sanitation and hygiene, pasteurisation and access to health care.
E. How robust are the data?
Burden estimates are model-based (systematic reviews, meta-regression, expert elicitation for foodborne attribution) with wide uncertainty. They are not measured case counts and should not be ranked against national surveillance numbers. Many hazards (e.g. AMR bacteria) are not included.
Indicators
IndicatorValueYearSamplesSampling designScopeSource
Foodborne illnesses (million)
fbd_illnesses_million
WHO foodborne disease burden estimates, 2026 edition (FERG)
Global model-based estimate, 42 hazards; 95% UI 680-1090 million.
866 million foodborne illnesses per year2021–mixedall foodsRS-INT-31
Foodborne deaths (million)
fbd_deaths_million
WHO foodborne disease burden estimates, 2026 edition (FERG)
Global model-based estimate, 42 hazards; 95% UI 0.783-2.51 million.
1.52 million foodborne deaths per year2021–mixedall foodsRS-INT-31
Foodborne disease burden (DALYs, million)
fbd_dalys_million
WHO foodborne disease burden estimates, 2026 edition (FERG)
Global model-based estimate, 42 hazards; 95% UI 39.4-81.1 million.
57.1 million DALYs2021–mixedall foodsRS-INT-31
Foodborne disease burden (DALYs, million)
fbd_dalys_million
WHO FERG first estimates (2015)
31 hazards; superseded by the 2026 edition and not directly comparable (different hazard set and methods).
33 million DALYs2010–mixedall foodsRS-INT-27

Notes on foods

  • Poultry: Codex CXG 78-2011 targets Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat; no numeric international targets.
  • Eggs: Codex CXC 15-1976 (rev. 2007) addresses Salmonella Enteritidis control incl. vaccination.
  • Fruit and vegetables: Codex CXC 53-2003 and CXG 99-2023 (STEC in leafy vegetables and sprouts).

Sources: RS-INT-41, RS-INT-14, RS-INT-15, RS-INT-16, RS-INT-04, RS-INT-27, RS-INT-28, RS-INT-29, RS-INT-30, RS-INT-31

Additives and processing – International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

Data quality: high Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
International reference only. Codex texts are voluntary references. They become binding only when a country adopts them into national law. Under the WTO SPS Agreement, measures based on Codex are presumed consistent; stricter national rules are allowed if they are scientifically justified. National law decides what is allowed in a given country. Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA, CXS 192-1995, revised up to 2026): only listed additives are recognised as suitable under the standard; an additive is considered only if JECFA has assigned an ADI (or found it safe on other criteria) and Codex has given it an INS number. Use levels are set per food category. Countries keep their own positive lists, which can be narrower or wider.
B. What is actually used in production?
Not documented internationally.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
No international monitoring of additive use levels; JECFA estimates intake when evaluating additives.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
Aspartame (INS 951): IARC (2023) classified it as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B, limited evidence); JECFA (2023) kept the ADI of 0-40 mg/kg bw. IARC classifications describe strength of evidence for hazard, not the size of risk. Processed meat (a processing category, not an additive): IARC Group 1 (colorectal cancer; about 18% higher risk per 50 g eaten daily). Red meat: IARC Group 2A. These are listed here as international reference classifications; claim-level evidence is handled in the project's study files.
E. How robust are the data?
High for the legal reference (primary text). IARC and JECFA answer different questions (hazard vs risk at given intake).

Notes on foods

  • Red meat: IARC: processed meat Group 1, red meat Group 2A (2015, Monographs Vol. 114).

Sources: RS-INT-13, RS-INT-39, RS-INT-34, RS-INT-32, RS-INT-35

Animal husbandry and feed – International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

Data quality: low Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
International reference only. Codex texts are voluntary references. They become binding only when a country adopts them into national law. Under the WTO SPS Agreement, measures based on Codex are presumed consistent; stricter national rules are allowed if they are scientifically justified. National law decides what is allowed in a given country. Codex Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding (CXC 54-2004, amended 2024): antibiotics should not be used in feed for growth promotion without a public health safety assessment; animal products that could carry the BSE agent should not be fed to ruminants; undesirable substances (e.g. mycotoxins, contaminants) in feed should be identified and minimised; feed traceability and records. CXS 193 includes feed MLs only where transfer to food of animal origin is relevant. Aflatoxin B1 in feed for dairy animals is covered by CXC 45-1997. WOAH standards: the Terrestrial Code chapter 6.10 on responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials (cited in the ANIMUSE report). WOAH animal-welfare chapters on housing (e.g. cages) were not verified in this research.
B. What is actually used in production?
WOAH ANIMUSE (2022 data): 22% of reporting Members still allowed or used antimicrobial growth promoters; most reported were bacitracin, tylosin and avilamycin.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
Not documented internationally.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
See vet_drugs (antimicrobial resistance) and mycotoxins (aflatoxin M1 transfer from feed to milk).
E. How robust are the data?
Codex text: high. No international data on housing systems or feed compliance.

Notes on foods

  • Dairy: Aflatoxin B1 in dairy feed transfers to milk as aflatoxin M1 (CXC 45-1997; CXS 193).

Sources: RS-INT-17, RS-INT-12, RS-INT-24

Controls, imports, recalls, labelling – International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

Data quality: moderate Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
International reference only. Codex texts are voluntary references. They become binding only when a country adopts them into national law. Under the WTO SPS Agreement, measures based on Codex are presumed consistent; stricter national rules are allowed if they are scientifically justified. National law decides what is allowed in a given country. Codex texts on food import and export inspection and certification (e.g. CXG 20-1995, CXG 26-1997, equivalence CXG 53-2003, traceability CXG 60-2006) guide national control systems. There is no international food inspection authority: official controls, recalls and border checks are national. INFOSAN (FAO/WHO) is a voluntary network of national food safety authorities from almost all FAO and WHO members; it shares information on incidents involving internationally traded food. WTO SPS Agreement: Codex standards are the benchmark for food-safety measures in trade disputes.
B. What is actually used in production?
Not applicable.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
INFOSAN does not publish per-country alert statistics comparable to RASFF. Not documented.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
Not applicable.
E. How robust are the data?
Codex and WTO texts: high. Implementation varies by country.

Sources: RS-INT-05, RS-INT-03, RS-INT-41, RS-INT-38, RS-INT-37

Drinking water – International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO)

Data quality: high Last checked: 25 October 2026

A. What is legally allowed or banned?
International reference only. WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (4th edition incorporating the 1st and 2nd addenda, 2022) are a scientific starting point for national standards; WHO does not promote a single international standard. Selected guideline values: E. coli or thermotolerant coliforms not detectable in any 100 ml sample; arsenic 0.01 mg/l (provisional); lead 0.01 mg/l (provisional); cadmium 0.003 mg/l; nitrate 50 mg/l (as NO3-); nitrite 3 mg/l (as NO2-). WHO recommends water safety plans and independent surveillance. Codex CXC 48-2001 covers hygiene of bottled/packaged drinking water.
B. What is actually used in production?
WHO/UNICEF JMP defines 'safely managed' drinking water as water from an improved source that is accessible on premises, available when needed and free from faecal and priority chemical contamination. Global 2024: 73.7% of the population used safely managed drinking water (WHO GHO); JMP states 1 in 4 people (2.1 billion) still lack it, including 106 million drinking untreated surface water. Urban 83.5%, rural 60.5%.
C. Which residues or levels were measured?
JMP estimates combine household surveys, censuses and administrative or regulatory data; water quality testing is included in some household surveys (e.g. MICS). Country-level data are published at washdata.org/data and in the WHO Global Health Observatory.
D. Which health risks are demonstrated?
WHO (2026) states that many foodborne illnesses and deaths could be prevented with measures including improved water, sanitation and hygiene. GDWQ guideline values are health-based (e.g. nitrate 50 mg/l based on short-term effects).
E. How robust are the data?
JMP is the globally comparable reference (one definition for all countries). Estimates are modelled; the water-quality component is missing or estimated for many countries.
Indicators
IndicatorValueYearSamplesSampling designScopeSource
Safely managed drinking water (WHO/UNICEF)
water_safely_managed_pct
WHO/UNICEF JMP (via WHO GHO, indicator WSH_WATER_SAFELY_MANAGED)
Global modelled estimate (GHO value 73.735). World Bank WDI world aggregate: 73.67%. JMP text: '1 in 4 ... still lack access'.
73.7 % of population using safely managed drinking water2024–mixedall foodsRS-INT-26

Sources: RS-INT-23, RS-INT-41, RS-INT-25, RS-INT-26, RS-INT-40, RS-INT-29

Sources – International reference framework (Codex, WHO, FAO) (41)
  1. RS-INT-01: About Codex (Codex Alimentarius website) – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission Secretariat (2026). https://codex.fao.org/about-codex/about-us (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  2. RS-INT-02: About Codex texts – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission Secretariat (2026). https://codex.fao.org/codex-texts/about-codex-texts (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  3. RS-INT-05: Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) – World Trade Organization (1994 (in force 1995)). https://www.wto.org/english/docs_e/legal_e/15sps_01_e.htm (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  4. RS-INT-07: Codex Pesticide Residues in Food and Feed Database – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (2026). https://codex.fao.org/codex-texts/codex-online-databases/pesticides-residues (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  5. RS-INT-36: Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) - WHO page – World Health Organization (2026). https://www.who.int/groups/joint-fao-who-meeting-on-pesticide-residues-(jmpr) (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  6. RS-INT-21: GEMS/Food - Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme (WHO web page) and GEMS/Food Contaminants database landing page – World Health Organization (2026). https://www.who.int/teams/nutrition-and-food-safety/databases/global-environment-monitoring-system-food-contamination (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  7. RS-INT-29: News release: Unsafe food causes 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths annually, young children at highest risk (4 June 2026) – World Health Organization (2026). https://www.who.int/news/item/04-06-2026-unsafe-food-causes-866-million-illnesses-and-1.5-million-deaths-annually--young-children-at-highest-risk (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  8. RS-INT-08: CXM 2-2024 Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and Risk Management Recommendations (RMRs) for Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (2024). https://codex.fao.org/restapi/searchstandard/MRL2e.pdf?lang=en&id=41 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  9. RS-INT-10: CXC 61-2005 Code of Practice to Minimize and Contain Foodborne Antimicrobial Resistance (amended 2021) – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (2005, amended 2021). https://codex.fao.org/restapi/searchstandard/CXC_061e.pdf?lang=en&id=302 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  10. RS-INT-11: CXG 94-2021 Guidelines on integrated monitoring and surveillance of foodborne antimicrobial resistance; CXG 77-2011 Guidelines for Risk Analysis of Foodborne AMR (rev. 2021) – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (2021). https://codex.fao.org/restapi/searchstandard/CXG_94e.pdf?lang=en&id=8037 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  11. RS-INT-17: CXC 54-2004 Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding (amended 2008, 2024) – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (2004, amended 2024). https://codex.fao.org/restapi/searchstandard/CXC_054e.pdf?lang=en&id=414 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  12. RS-INT-18: CXG 71-2009 Guidelines for the Design and Implementation of National Regulatory Food Safety Assurance Programmes Associated with the Use of Veterinary Drugs in Food Producing Animals (rev. 2012, 2014) – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (2009, rev. 2014). https://codex.fao.org/restapi/searchstandard/CXG_071e_2014.pdf?lang=en&id=7006 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  13. RS-INT-19: WHO guidelines on use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals – World Health Organization (2017). https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550130 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  14. RS-INT-20: WHO List of Medically Important Antimicrobials: a risk management tool for mitigating antimicrobial resistance due to non-human use (WHO MIA List, 7th revision) – World Health Organization (2024). https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/gcp/who-mia-list-2024-lv.pdf?sfvrsn=3320dd3d_2 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  15. RS-INT-24: Annual Report on Antimicrobial Agents Intended for Use in Animals, 9th report (ANIMUSE) – World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) (2025). https://www.woah.org/app/uploads/2025/05/en-woah-amu-report-2025-final.pdf (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  16. RS-INT-35: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) - WHO page – World Health Organization (2026). https://www.who.int/groups/joint-fao-who-expert-committee-on-food-additives-(jecfa) (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  17. RS-INT-09: REP12/CAC Report of the 35th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Rome, 2-7 July 2012 – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (2012). https://www.fao.org/input/download/report/772/REP12_CACe.pdf (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  18. RS-INT-06: DS26: European Communities - Measures Concerning Meat and Meat Products (Hormones) - case summary – World Trade Organization (1996-2014). https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/cases_e/ds26_e.htm (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  19. RS-INT-12: CXS 193-1995 General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed (last amended 2025) – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (1995, amended 2025). https://codex.fao.org/restapi/searchstandard/CXS_193e.pdf?lang=en&id=18 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  20. RS-INT-41: Codex 'Find a Codex text' list (LoadFilter endpoint behind codex.fao.org/codex-texts/find-a-codex-text) – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (2026). https://codex.fao.org/codex-texts/find-a-codex-text (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  21. RS-INT-22: GEMS/Food overview fact sheet 'Monitoring exposure to food chemicals' – World Health Organization (2017). https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/food-safety/gems-food/gems-overview-2017.pdf?sfvrsn=d33fae48_2 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  22. RS-INT-31: WHO estimates of the global, regional, and national burden of 42 foodborne infectious and chemical hazards, 2000-21: an updated data synthesis – Lake RJ, Devleesschauwer B, Majowicz S, et al. (2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.langlo.2026.103994 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  23. RS-INT-33: IARC Monographs Volume 100F: Chemical Agents and Related Occupations (A Review of Human Carcinogens) - publication page – International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (2012). https://publications.iarc.who.int/123 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  24. RS-INT-14: CXC 1-1969 General Principles of Food Hygiene (revised 2020, 2022) – FAO and WHO / Codex Alimentarius Commission (1969, rev. 2022 (publ. 2023)). https://codex.fao.org/restapi/searchstandard/CXC_001e.pdf?lang=en&id=23 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  25. RS-INT-15: CXG 78-2011 Guidelines for the Control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in Chicken Meat – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (2011). https://codex.fao.org/restapi/searchstandard/CXG_078e.pdf?lang=en&id=449 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  26. RS-INT-16: CXC 15-1976 Code of Hygienic Practice for Eggs and Egg Products (rev. 2007) – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (1976, rev. 2007). https://codex.fao.org/restapi/searchstandard/CXC_015e.pdf?lang=en&id=355 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  27. RS-INT-04: Codex and science (FAO/WHO scientific advice bodies) – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission Secretariat (2026). https://codex.fao.org/about-codex/about-us/science (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  28. RS-INT-27: World Health Organization Global Estimates and Regional Comparisons of the Burden of Foodborne Disease in 2010 – Havelaar AH, Kirk MD, Torgerson PR, et al. (WHO FERG) (2015). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001923 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  29. RS-INT-28: WHO estimates of the global burden of foodborne diseases: Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group 2007-2015 – World Health Organization (2015). https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565165 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  30. RS-INT-30: WHO estimates of the global burden of foodborne diseases 2000-2021 (2026 edition) - programme page – World Health Organization (2026). https://www.who.int/teams/nutrition-and-food-safety/monitoring-nutritional-status-and-food-safety-and-events/foodborne-disease-estimates/2026-edition (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  31. RS-INT-13: CXS 192-1995 General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA), revised up to 2026, and GSFA online database – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (1995, rev. 2026). https://codex.fao.org/restapi/searchstandard/CXS_192e.pdf?lang=en&id=353 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  32. RS-INT-39: Codex online databases (Veterinary Drug Residues in Foods; GSFA) – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (2026). https://codex.fao.org/codex-texts/codex-online-databases (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  33. RS-INT-34: News release: Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released (14 July 2023) – World Health Organization / IARC / JECFA (2023). https://www.who.int/news/item/14-07-2023-aspartame-hazard-and-risk-assessment-results-released (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  34. RS-INT-32: IARC Press Release No. 240: IARC Monographs evaluate consumption of red meat and processed meat (Monographs Vol. 114) – International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (2015). https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr240_E.pdf (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  35. RS-INT-03: Codex and trade – FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission Secretariat (2026). https://codex.fao.org/about-codex/about-us/trade (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  36. RS-INT-38: International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) - FAO page – FAO and WHO (2026). https://www.fao.org/food-safety/emergencies/infosan/en (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  37. RS-INT-37: FAO Food safety and quality - programme page – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2026). https://www.fao.org/food-safety/en/ (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  38. RS-INT-23: Guidelines for drinking-water quality: fourth edition incorporating the first and second addenda – World Health Organization (2022). https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240045064 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  39. RS-INT-25: JMP: Drinking water service ladder and 'Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2024: special focus on inequalities' – WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) (2025). https://washdata.org/reports/jmp-2025-wash-households (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  40. RS-INT-26: WHO Global Health Observatory OData API - indicator WSH_WATER_SAFELY_MANAGED (global, total) – World Health Organization (data from WHO/UNICEF JMP) (2026). https://ghoapi.azureedge.net/api/WSH_WATER_SAFELY_MANAGED?$filter=SpatialDimType%20eq%20'GLOBAL' (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)
  41. RS-INT-40: World Bank WDI API - SH.H2O.SMDW.ZS, World aggregate – World Bank (source: WHO/UNICEF JMP) (2026). https://api.worldbank.org/v2/country/WLD/indicator/SH.H2O.SMDW.ZS?format=json&date=2015:2024 (checked, accessed 2026-10-25)

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