Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has officially classified Moringa oleifera—commonly known as the drumstick tree or kelor—as unsafe for human consumption, effectively banning its sale as a food or food ingredient in Australia. The ruling, finalized in November 2025, prevents the sale of leaves, young seeds, and plant-derived oils, leaving local growers facing potential crop destruction if these items enter the food supply.
The Regulatory Standoff for Australian Growers
For farmers like Gary Duffy, who operates in the Somerset region, the decision creates an immediate threat to his livelihood. Duffy is currently spearheading an appeal to overturn the FSANZ ruling, describing the process as a desperate attempt to save his business. “Our lives depend on the success of this application,” Duffy stated.
The impact is being felt across the industry. Joel Molloy, a grower who relocated his operations to Rosedale to focus on Moringa production, reported that the decision effectively wiped out a decade of investment overnight. “We were never asked for our opinion, we were never warned,” Molloy said. While the ban prohibits the sale of raw Moringa products, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) continues to allow the sale of Moringa in capsule or powder form, provided the products are registered with the agency as therapeutic goods.
Scientific Basis for the FSANZ Decision
The regulatory ban stems from a January 2024 application by Noosa Organica Pty Ltd, which sought to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to include Moringa oleifera as a recognized food ingredient. Following an extensive review of external studies, FSANZ concluded that the available data was insufficient to verify safety.
According to an FSANZ spokesperson, the primary concerns involve potential reproductive toxicity, based on animal trials, and conflicting results regarding genotoxicity. “This decision reinforces that high-quality, robust scientific evidence is required when requesting approval for a new food,” the spokesperson noted. The agency maintained that it cannot determine a safe level of exposure for humans without further, more comprehensive studies.
Courtney Stewart, a food industry consultant, views the move as standard regulatory caution. “FSANZ is just looking after consumers and ensuring everything is safe to consume,” Stewart said. “Until there is historical data that shows something is safe for long-term consumption, they won’t approve anything.”
While Moringa oleifera is restricted as a food in Australia, it has been a staple in traditional diets across India, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East for centuries. It is frequently used in curries and medicinal preparations.
Global Usage vs. Domestic Restrictions
The contrast between international use and Australian regulation is stark. Dr. Vandana Gulati, a senior lecturer in biomedical science at the University of New England, has spent two decades researching medicinal plants and notes that Moringa is widely considered a “superfood” in many cultures. “The oil extracted from its seeds contains many phytochemicals with excellent properties for infections, fever, and skin health,” Dr. Gulati explained.
Despite these traditional applications, Dr. Gulati acknowledges the safety concerns raised by regulators regarding populations who do not consume the plant regularly. The path forward for Australian farmers remains uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy Moringa in Australia?
Yes, but only if the product is registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a therapeutic good, such as specific capsules or powders. The sale of Moringa as a food or food ingredient, including leaves and fresh seeds, is prohibited.
Why did FSANZ ban Moringa?
FSANZ identified concerns regarding potential reproductive toxicity in animal studies and inconsistent findings on genotoxicity. The agency stated that insufficient peer-reviewed literature exists to establish a safe level of human consumption.
Can the government overturn this decision?
Growers must go through the formal process of submitting a new application for evaluation.
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