Malayalis, take out this 'superfood' from your airport luggage if heading to these countries

For a long time, this 'backyard superfood' of Kerala was capturing markets by leaps and bounds around the world, with fitness enthusiasts making everything from curries and stir-fries to tea and desserts with it. But now, our beloved moringa, whose leaves, fruits, flowers, and bark are regularly used by Malayalis, is experiencing a setback.  Australia and New Zealand have officially banned the sale and use of moringa leaves, moringa pods, and moringa oil as food or food ingredients. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) issued an order on April 8, 2026, rejecting all applications to bring moringa to market and enforcing the ban.

This strict action is based on the recommendation of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the official body that inspects the quality and safety of food products. They cite the lack of necessary safety documentation to bring moringa to market as a food product. Therefore, FSANZ has classified moringa as a 'novel food' (a new type of food with no definite assurances of safety).

An application (Application A1294) was submitted requesting amendments to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to allow moringa leaves (fresh and dried), immature pods, and oil from moringa seeds to be sold as food or food ingredients for retail. However, applicants failed to provide sufficient scientific evidence to prove that moringa poses no safety risks to human health. Following this, the authorities rejected the application and decided to strictly enforce the market ban.

Consequently, it is now illegal to use moringa in any retail food item or food ingredient. Furthermore, authorities have clarified that imported products containing moringa will be intercepted at the border and will be subject to Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON).

Also, according to reports, those travelling to Australia carrying plant or herbal products, such as moringa, should declare them on their 'Incoming Passenger Card.' Or else, it can result in heavy fines or visa penalties. 

Impact on the market and exports
This ban will significantly affect traders and importers of food products exporting to Australia and New Zealand. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is strictly enforcing these regulations. Any imported commercial moringa product labelled for human consumption that attempts to cross the border will be seized or destroyed.

The sale of moringa as an ingredient in products like smoothie powders, health drinks, or other food additives in supermarkets or health food stores is completely prohibited. Companies have been advised to carefully review their formulations and ensure they comply with the list of approved ingredients (Schedule 25) before exporting to Australia.

Under the 'Imported Food Control Act' of 1992, products that do not meet the standards will be declared 'Failed Food' and destroyed or returned. Importing moringa in violation of the law is a serious offence under Section 8 of this Act.

Things expatriates should know
Regarding this, Binu Mathew, a native of Kozhikode who has been living in Australia with his family for the past 15 years, told Manorama that there are no significant personal problems for expatriates. In Australia, moringa was mostly sold in the form of moringa leaf powder. From now on, these will not be available in the market as food or food ingredients. Following this, many companies are rebranding their moringa products before releasing them into the market. Binu added that products previously labelled as food are now being sold with labels like 'For External Use Only' or 'For Therapeutic Use'.

Generally, it is not possible to bring seeds or saplings of any plant from home to Australia. They are allowed to cross the border only in frozen or fully processed form. Given the current ban on moringa, there is a very low chance that such products will cross the border without proper labelling. Some companies have submitted petitions to the Australian Federal Parliament seeking to lift this ban.

Main reasons behind the ban
Moringa is currently considered a 'novel food' in Australia. There is no precise historical record or confirmation of moringa being used as a staple food in Australia or New Zealand before 1994. When seeking commercial approval for a new food product, strong and high-quality scientific evidence is required. However, there is currently insufficient data to prove that moringa is completely safe for human consumption.

Exemptions from the ban
a)Medicinal supplements: Although there is a strict ban on selling them as food, legal exemptions are allowed in certain specific areas. While banned as a general food, moringa is legally permitted to be sold in capsule form if listed as a 'complementary medicine' by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. However, these should only be marketed as medicinal supplements, not as food.

b)Personal use: There is no legal obstacle to growing moringa trees on one's own land and using their leaves or fruits for private purposes.

Ban in Brazil
Brazil had imposed a similar ban on moringa even before Australia. On June 4, 2019, Brazil's health regulatory agency, ANVISA, banned the use of moringa nationwide. In addition to the lack of safety evidence, the fact that sellers of moringa in forms like tea and capsules were making unsubstantiated medicinal claims about curing cancer, diabetes, and heart-related diseases prompted Brazil to take such a strict measure.