Controls over food are set down in the Pure Food Act, Public Health Act, Restaurant Licensing Act, Sale of Meat Act, Slaughtering Act, Bread Act, Baby Feed Supplies Act and regulations made under these acts. Most of the food laws of Papua New Guinea are adopted from the Australian food laws. Only the central authorities are empowered to enact food safety legislation, but the provincial government may enact certain laws which are not inconsistent with the national laws.

The Food Sanitation Act 1991 (No. 29 of 1991) being an Act for securing wholesome, sound and safe food for human consumption, and for related purposes. Reprinted version of 2006 of Act No 29 of 1991 - The Pure Food Act (Chapter 233), the Restaurants (Licensing) Act (Chapter 235) and the Sale of Meat Act (Chapter 237) are repealed.