Microbiological limits for food (Standard 1.6.1)

NOTE: This standard applies to both Australia and New Zealand.

Standard 1.6.1 Microbiological limits in food aims to prevent foodborne illness from food containing unsafe levels of microorganisms. The standard sets out how to determine whether a specific lot of food has an unacceptable level of microorganisms. Maximum permissible limits for particular microorganisms in different food groups are listed in the accompanying Schedule 27.

In addition to the standard, FSANZ has developed guideline levels for certain other microorganisms and foods. These can be accessed in our Compendium of Microbiological Criteria for Food. If these guideline levels are exceeded, it generally indicates a problem in the food production process or hygiene procedures that needs to be addressed.

Review of microbiological limits

FSANZ is reviewing the microbiological limits in Standard 1.6.1, considering recent scientific evidence, international standards and preventative measures throughout the food chain mandated through Chapters 3 and 4 of the Code.

The review is looking at what microbiological criteria are required in food safety management and for what purpose. For example, criteria may be established to determine the safety of a specific lot of food (food safety criteria) or to verify if a food safety system or a processing step is working (process hygiene criteria).

To date, food safety criteria have been added to Standard 1.6.1 for:

• Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods (through Proposal P1017)
• raw milk products (through Proposal P1022)
• powdered infant formula products (through Proposal P1039).

FSANZ's approach to the review is outlined in our 2015 consultation paper: 

• Consultation paper (PDF 672kb) 

• File

  Microbial limits public submissions (ZIP 2.3MB)

More information

• Compendium of Microbiological Criteria for Food (contains additional guideline values for microorganisms and/or foods not included in the standard)
• Limits for Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat food
• Guidance on the Application of Microbiological Criteria for Listeria monocytogenes in RTE food
• Agents of Foodborne Illness - technical publication on pathogens that cause foodborne illness)
• Safe Food Australia - information on safe food production and the food safety standards
• Codex Alimentarius Commission