About the consultation
We are looking at how labelling can provide information about sugars to consumers.
We are seeking your views on 7 proposed policy options:
- Status quo.
- Education on how to read and interpret labelling information about sugars.
- Change the statement of ingredients to overtly identify sugars-based ingredients.
- Quantify added sugars in the nutrition information panel.
- Advisory labels for foods high in added sugar.
- Pictorial display of the amount of sugars or added sugars in a serving of food, or both.
- A digital link on the label to web-based information about added sugar content.
To find out more about the options, view the consultation document below.
This consultation is open to everyone.
Key documents
Labelling of sugars on packaged foods and drinks – Consultation regulation impact statement
Why we are consulting
On 24 November 2017, the food ministers:
- considered several reports, including the literature review on consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to sugars and food labelling
- agreed that the information about sugar on food labels is not enough for consumers to make informed choices
- agreed to continue exploring regulatory and non-regulatory options to address this issue.
We (the Food Regulation Standing Committee) coordinate policy advice to ministers. Your input will help us to provide advice on policy options to address this issue.
Outcomes
We will analyse the submissions to help us develop a policy paper.
Update on submissions
We received over 160 submissions from stakeholders, including individuals, industry, public health, government and academic groups. The submissions informed our policy paper on labelling of sugars on packaged foods and drinks.
August 2019 update
On 16 August 2019, the food ministers noted the policy paper and agreed:
- to request Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) review nutrition labelling for added sugars
- that option 4 best met the desired outcome
- that option 6 warrants more consideration, along with other options, pending the response to the Health Star Ratings five-year review
- that any label changes should be accompanied by education to help consumers understand sugar labelling and make healthy choices.
Related information
This consultation supports the:
- activity to reform the food regulation system
- priority to maintain a strong, robust and agile food regulation system.
Contact
For any queries, please contact the Food Regulation Secretariat.