Is Moringa Legal in Australia?

Moringa, often referred to as the "miracle tree," has gained global recognition for its impressive nutritional profile and potential health benefits. Originating from South Asia, Moringa Oleifera is known for its edible leaves, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, when it comes to its legality and consumption in Australia and New Zealand, some clarity is needed due to strict food regulatory standards.

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Moringa and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

In Australia and New Zealand, food safety and compliance are governed by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Novel Food). Until recently, the status of moringa as a food product has been in large part ignored in Australia. Although moringa has been widely used as a dietary supplement and traditional food in many countries, its formal classification as a food item in Australia required evaluation and approval.

This looks to change as a formal application to amend the Code was submitted to the Food Standards Australia & New Zealand in January 2024. The research clearly shows that Moringa Oleifera is a very safe and nutritious food source that is suitable for human consumption. Like it has been for hundreds of years overseas. We were expecting an outcome in September from the application but currently the process reads as:

  • Commence assessment (clock start) late February 2025 
  • Public comment late May 2025 
  • Board to complete approval by late November 2025 
  • Notification to Food Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) early December 2025 
  • Anticipated gazettal if no review requested mid February 2026

Reference for this information can be found here 

As with most things Government related in Australia, the approval will come after extensive safety assessments and consultations with stakeholders, including food safety experts, regulators, and industry representatives. As you most likely know, our government departments don’t move the quickest so the amendment is going to be a little while. All it is going to change is the fact that Moringa won’t have to be made to order like it is now. Here at Moringa Products Australia we have to order monthly based on what our customers order, this is how we make our products to order. Unfortunately this comes at a huge cost with shipping and logistics and the main reason we are considered expensive. If this regulation is amended, orders will be able to be done in bulk which is going to bring the price down across the board. 

Formal Application Timeline

Feb 2025
May 2025
Nov 2025 
Dec 2025
Feb 2026

Why the Change?

The growing popularity of moringa products and its increasing demand among health-conscious consumers prompted stakeholders to seek regulatory approval. This has been a long time coming and Aus/NZ are so far behind the ball when it comes to Moringa. Moringa is lauded for its high protein content, essential amino acids, vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and iron. These attributes make it appealing as a natural nutritional supplement and functional food.

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Moreover, its potential to contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture was an influencing factor. Moringa thrives in arid conditions and requires minimal resources to grow, making it an excellent candidate for diversifying Australia’s agricultural offerings while promoting sustainability. Estimations of the worth of Moringa in Australia by 2030 are estimated to be $1-$5 million dollars. From someone who has been in this industry coming up 10 years, this is grossly underestimated. The potential for an Australian Moringa agriculture sector with exports around the world is going to be worth a lot more, even the domestic market will far surpass these estimations.

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Safety of Moringa in Australia

The decision to allow the sale of moringa leaves followed rigorous safety evaluations that have passed with flying colours, as it was always going to. These assessments confirmed that moringa leaves are safe for human consumption. The leaves do not contain any substances of concern at levels that would pose a risk to health. However, it’s essential to use moringa from reputable sources to ensure the product is free from contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, or microbial pathogens. Our Moringa Farms don’t use these contaminants and as a fun fact, Our Moringa is actually used as a fertiliser on some of our plants to increase yield. Be careful on the Moringa that is available on the market, remember cheaper is not always better. We can also grow a much cheaper variety of Moringa to compete with these brands, but absolutely refuse too. Our brand and brands like Nutra Nourished are known for their quality. It is why we happily sell that brand as well as ours. You won’t find the cheaper, bigger brands on our site unless their quality can drastically improve.

Forms of Moringa Available

Moringa has become increasingly available in various forms in the Australian and New Zealand markets. These include:
Moringa Powder

Moringa Powder

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Moringa Tea

Moringa Tea

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Moringa Capsules

Moringa Capsules

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Moringa Oil

Moringa Oil

View 1 products
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Targeted Moringa Health Products: Mixing Moringa with other supplements like Ashwagandha, Turmeric and others can create some amazing products specifically designed to target ailments while providing nutrition

Guidelines for Consumers

If you're interested in incorporating moringa into your diet, here are a few tips:

  • Check for Certification: Ensure that the moringa products you purchase are approved for sale in Australia and New Zealand. Look for information in regards to Novel Foods and if the product or website does not have it listed, they are not following the law. 
  • Not All Moringa is the Same: Read your reviews, make sure they are verified. Google reviews are a great resource as Facebook and other Social platforms are very easy to make reviews and deceive the buyer.
  • Consult a Professional: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant or concerned about taking Moringa. Consult a healthcare provider before adding moringa to your diet. Do not ask the shops for advice, including ours. Moringa sellers are just that, sellers. We have no right to offer medical advice and if anyone is, that is a major red flag as a supplier.
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In Conclusion

Moringa is legally available in Australia and New Zealand as long as the Novel Food regulations are being adhered to. Once Moringa has been reclassified, it will pave the way for wider access to this nutrient-dense superfood while hopefully ensuring safety and quality standards are upheld. Whether you're looking for a natural way to boost your nutrient intake or explore sustainable food options, moringa is a promising choice with a lot to offer.By making informed choices and purchasing from reputable suppliers, you can enjoy the numerous benefits of moringa while supporting a growing industry grounded in health and sustainability.