About the consultation
We are developing a policy guideline on food labelling to help consumers make informed choices.
We are seeking your thoughts on the revised draft policy guideline.
Food labelling information should allow consumers to choose foods that contribute to a healthy diet, as recommended in the Australian and New Zealand dietary guidelines. The draft policy guideline aims to support this.
This consultation is open to everyone.
Why we are consulting
In August 2019, the food ministers agreed to develop this policy guideline to guide Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
We (the Food Regulation Standing Committee) are leading this work.
The policy guideline will support current and future food labelling topics to be considered through a whole-of-diet approach that:
- uses the Australian and New Zealand dietary guidelines as a principal focus
- helps ensure any emphasis on food labels about a nutrient or food is justified by the guideline recommendations.
The creation of a policy guideline does not trigger regulatory action by FSANZ or changes to current food labelling. However, when FSANZ develops or reviews food regulatory measures, it must consider policy guidelines.
Related work
In August 2019, the food ministers referred two pieces of work to FSANZ:
- labelling of sugars on packaged foods and drinks
- energy labelling on alcoholic beverages.
FSANZ noted current food labelling requirements limit consumers’ ability to make informed choices in line with the dietary guidelines.
Outcomes
August 2020 update
On 21 August 2020, the food ministers endorsed the policy guideline on food labelling to support consumers to make informed healthy food choices.
Related information
This consultation supports the priority to reduce chronic disease related to overweight and obesity.
Contact
For any queries, please contact the Food Regulation Secretariat.