We inspect and test imported food under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS). The type and rate of tests applied depend on whether the food is a risk or surveillance food.
What we report
These reports list 'failing foods' under the Imported Food Control Act 1992. They show food imports that have failed analytical testing, or for containing non permitted additives or ingredients. They also show food is not permitted because it may be a prohibited plant, or fungi.
These reports don’t list food that has failed for having non-compliant labels. If a food fails a label inspection, the importer can fix the label, re-export the food or destroy it.
For an annual overview of inspection activity see our Imported Food Inspection data reports.
What happens next
If the failing food is a surveillance food, we can apply a holding order. This will refer all future consignments of that food for inspection. A holding order remains in place until a history of compliance can be demonstrated, usually after five consecutive passes. See a list of published holding orders.
If the failing food is a risk food we will refer 100% of future consignments until a compliance history is established.
Monthly reports
Subscribe for monthly reports
To stay updated on monthly failing food reports, subscribe to the Imported Food Inspection Scheme imported food notices. This will ensure that you receive both:
- Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) imported food notices, and
- monthly failing food reports.