Food safety authorities in Australia and New Zealand have rejected an application to allow Moringa oleifera — commonly known as the drumstick tree — to be sold as a food or food ingredient.

The decision by Food Standards Australia New Zealand means fresh and dried moringa leaves, immature green seed pods, and moringa seed oil are not permitted for retail food use under current food standards.

FSANZ said the available scientific evidence was not sufficient to confirm the safety of moringa as a food product for consumers. The regulator stressed that novel foods must undergo strict safety assessments before being approved for sale.

Moringa has been widely used as a traditional food in some countries, but in Australia and New Zealand it is classified as a novel food, meaning it requires regulatory approval before being introduced into the food supply.

Authorities say the decision highlights the importance of strong scientific evidence when assessing new foods and protecting public health.