FSANZ develops the standards in consultation with experts, other government agencies and stakeholders; the standards are enforced by state and territory departments, agencies and local councils in Australia, the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand, and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for food imported into Australia.

[2] According to legislation, the recommendations made by the body should be open and accountable, and based upon a rigorous scientific assessment of risk to public health and safety,[3][4] though FSANZ's commitment to this has been disputed by leading public health and consumer representatives across Australia and New Zealand.

[5] Publications from FSANZ include the Australian Total Diet Survey and Shoppers' Guide to Food Additives and labels.

[citation needed] In 2000 FSANZ established a programme to appoint Fellows to provide expert advice.

Notable fellows include Louise Burke, Jim Mann, Cliona Ni Mhurchu, Indrawati Oey, and Nicole Roy.