,"On 11 December 2025, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) issued its final decision rejecting Application A1294, which sought approval to permit Moringa oleifera leaves, immature seed pods, and seed oil to be sold as food or used as an ingredient in Australia and New Zealand. The application was filed by Noosa Organica Pty Ltd, requesting amendments to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to allow these products to enter the retail food market.
FSANZ’s decision follows a comprehensive risk assessment conducted under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991. After reviewing all available scientific evidence—including the applicant’s submission and extensive peer-reviewed research—FSANZ concluded that the safety of Moringa oleifera for human consumption could not be established.
Key Findings From FSANZ’s Assessment
FSANZ evaluated potential public health and safety issues associated with consuming Moringa oleifera plant parts. Its scientific review highlighted major gaps and safety concerns, including:
1. Insufficient Toxicological Data
FSANZ found that most studies assessing moringa safety were not conducted in accordance with internationally accepted guidelines.
For leaves, available animal studies indicated potential safety risks:Evidence of liver and kidney effects at high doses in subchronic toxicity studies.
Reproductive toxicity, including complete loss of litters in pregnant rats fed moringa leaf powder and embryo resorption in studies using leaf extracts.
Some evidence suggesting abortifacient and contraceptive effects in both animals and anecdotal human use.
For pods and seed oil, almost no toxicological data was available.
2. Potential Genotoxicity
Studies reported conflicting results, with at least one positive finding in a micronucleus test. FSANZ determined that genotoxicity risks could not be ruled out based on available evidence.
3. Unknown Presence of Undesirable Substances
There was insufficient information to identify:
Which specific compounds in moringa may cause harm, and
In what quantities they may be present in leaves, pods, or oil.
4. Lack of Safety Thresholds
The absence of reliable, guideline-compliant studies prevented FSANZ from establishing:
Safe exposure levels
Health-based guidance values
Long-term safety margins
As a result, a dietary exposure assessment could not be conducted.
5. International Standards Do Not Guarantee Safety
FSANZ noted that regulatory positions vary globally:
Canada considers some moringa parts as non-novel but has not conducted a full safety assessment.
The EU does not classify leaves or pods as novel foods, but also has no published safety assessments.
Codex Alimentarius only provides a standard for edible fats and oils generally—not specifically for moringa.
Risk Management Decision
After examining all evidence, FSANZ determined it had insufficient scientific assurance to confirm that moringa leaves, pods, or oil are safe for human consumption. FSANZ also concluded that the potential health risks to consumers outweigh any potential benefits.
Accordingly, FSANZ decided to:
Reject Application A1294, and
Maintain the status quo, meaning moringa leaf, pods, and seed oil remain non-permitted novel foods in Australia and New Zealand.
Rights of Review
Under section 143 of the FSANZ Act, the applicant may request a review of this decision by the Administrative Review Tribunal."
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