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Moringa, Moringa oleifera Lamarck, is a fast-growing, sub-tropical tree from the family Moringaceae that has global application as a highly nutritious ‘super food’. The high-protein green leaves, green pods and seed oil of the Moringa tree are all edible.

Although M. oleifera has been recognised as a food source across the world for many years, it remains classified as a non-traditional and novel food under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The objective of this project was to complete the research and development required to amend the Code to permit the use of M. oleifera leaf, pods and seed oil as a food in Australia and New Zealand.

A formal application to amend the Code was submitted to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) in January 2024. The project research clearly showed that M. oleifera is a safe and nutritious food source, suitable for human consumption. The outcome is anticipated by September 2024.

Achieving this milestone will have profound and positive impacts on the Australian and New Zealand Moringa industries. Producers and retailers will be able to market and sell their products in both domestic and international markets. The range of products could also increase dramatically given Moringa’s potential use in the production of pet products, cosmetics, fodder and biofuel.