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We’ve all stopped in the supermarket aisle and squinted at a label to find out whether a snack is locally sourced, gluten-free, or packed with dodgy ingredients. But behind the scenes, there are important laws at play to make sure what we see on those labels is accurate and helpful.
Food product labels are packed with information, from allergen warnings to where the food was made. In Australia, strict legal requirements are in place to ensure food labels protect consumers and promote fair trade, as well as providing essential information for transparency and safety. For food producers, navigating these rules can feel overwhelming – but getting it right is essential.
Let’s break down the essentials of Australia’s food labelling laws and find out how your labels can work smarter for your brand.
Who’s in charge of food labels in Australia?
Food labelling standards in Australia are primarily governed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Their regulations are laid out in the Food Standards Code, which applies to all food sold across Australia and New Zealand. On the ground, these rules are enforced by state and territory health authorities in Australia, and by the Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand.
Beyond FSANZ, there’s another layer of accountability: Australian Consumer Law (ACL). This ensures that all claims made and information provided on food labels is accurate and transparent, prohibiting anything false, misleading or deceptive.
Together, these regulations and laws keep consumers informed and food producers accountable.
Do all foods need labels?
Not all food products require a label. There are specific exemptions for certain scenarios, such as:
- Food made and packaged on the premises from which it is sold (e.g. a bakery).
- Fresh fruit and vegetables in clear packaging that doesn’t obscure the product.
- Food sold at fundraising events.
- Products delivered unpackaged, ready to eat, at the order of the purchaser (e.g. takeout meals).
However, even in these cases, allergen and safety information must still be made available to consumers.
Mandatory information on food labels
Under the Food Standards Code, all packaged food must display certain mandatory information, ensuring consumers are well-informed about what they’re purchasing. Here’s what must appear on a food label, according to the Food Standards Code.
Name and description of food
Every food label must clearly state the product name and accurately describe what’s inside. For example, a jar labelled ‘almond butter’ shouldn’t mislead consumers by being mostly made up of sugar and other filler ingredients – it should primarily be made of almonds.
Seems straightforward, no? But misrepresentation can land food producers in hot water, which is why it’s important to get it right.
List of ingredients
Transparency is key. Ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight, giving consumers a clear understanding of what they’re eating. For compound ingredients, such as chocolate chips in a cookie, individual components like sugar and cocoa must also be disclosed.
Allergen declarations
From February 2024, new allergen labelling rules come into effect, making information even clearer. Here’s what’s changing:
- Allergens like peanuts, milk, and gluten must be declared in bold text to ensure visibility.
- A summary statement, such as “Contains milk, peanuts”, must appear near the ingredient list.
- Labels must specify individual tree nuts (e.g. ‘almond’, ‘cashew’) and explicitly state ‘gluten’ if cereals like wheat or barley are present.
Businesses have until February 2026 to transition existing stock to meet these new standards. These updates ensure safer and more accessible information for consumers with allergies.
Nutrition Information Panel (NIP)
The Nutrition Information Panel is a familiar sight on food packaging. This table provides essential nutritional details, including energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, sugars and sodium – both per serve and per 100 grams. It’s a key tool for health-conscious shoppers to compare products easily.
Best before vs. Use by dates
Every food label must indicate the product’s shelf life with either a ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date. But what’s the difference?
- Best before: This date suggests when a product will be at its best quality. Foods are usually safe to eat after this date, but flavour or texture may be compromised.
- Use by: A strict cut-off, this date marks when a product is no longer safe to consume due to potential health risks.
Understanding the distinction isn’t just important for compliance – it’s also a critical part of building trust with consumers.
Note: For accuracy, these dates are added during the packaging process to reflect the most up-to-date information.
Country of origin
Country of origin labels are a crucial feature of food products in Australia, helping consumers identify where their food comes from. These labels distinguish between products grown, produced or made locally, and those from overseas.
Since 2018, Australian law has required:
- Priority foods (like fresh produce, meat and dairy) to display a kangaroo logo and a bar chart showing the percentage of Australian ingredients.
- Non-priority foods (like bottled water, confectionery and soft drinks) to include a simple text statement, such as “Made in Australia” or “Packed in Italy”.
These labels ensure consumers can make informed decisions and back local businesses with confidence.
Lot identification and supplier information
To facilitate efficient recalls, labels must include a lot number or batch code, along with the supplier’s name and an Australian street address (no P.O. boxes allowed). These details are vital for traceability and safety.
Note: These details are added at the time of packaging to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Warning or advisory statements
Some foods require additional warnings. For example, bee products like royal jelly must carry a label advising consumers of potential risks for allergy sufferers.
Storage instructions
If specific storage conditions are required to maintain the safety or quality of the product (e.g. “Keep refrigerated below 5°C”), they must be clearly stated on the label.
Claims (nutrition, health or content)
Any nutrition or health-related claims (e.g. ‘low-fat’, ‘high-protein’) must be backed by scientific evidence and comply with FSANZ guidelines. Misleading or unverifiable claims can lead to legal consequences.
Beyond the essentials: Optional features
While compliance with Australian food labelling laws is non-negotiable, some added features can help your product stand out on crowded shelves.
Storytelling elements
Every product has a story – why not share yours? Food labels are a perfect canvas for showcasing your brand’s journey and values. Whether it’s “Proudly made by a family-owned business in regional Victoria”, or a nod to your sustainable practices, these personal touches resonate with customers.
Serving or pairing suggestions
Imagine your customers picking up your product and instantly knowing how to enjoy it best. Adding serving or pairing suggestions not only enhances the customer experience, but also builds trust in your brand.
For instance, suggestions like “Serve chilled with a slice of lemon for a refreshing twist”, or “Toast lightly and top with honey and fresh berries”, can make it easier for customers to see how your product fits into their lives.
Health Star Rating (HSR) system
The Health Star Rating (HSR) system is a front-of-pack labelling initiative that isn’t mandatory, but is highly valuable for health-conscious consumers. With a scale of ½ to 5 stars, it provides a quick snapshot of your product’s nutritional profile. Including a HSR can help position your brand as transparent and customer-focused – ideal for consumers looking to make informed choices.
Sustainability icons and information
Consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that prioritise sustainability. Use your labels to showcase eco-friendly packaging with phrases like ‘100% Recyclable’ or ‘Compostable’. If your product meets certain standards, don’t hesitate to display certifications like Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade or Organic.
Customer service info
Adding a phone number, email or website invites feedback and inquiries, making your brand feel approachable and customer-centric. A simple, friendly touch, like “Got a question? Reach out!”, can go a long way in building trust and loyalty.
Social media channels or hashtags
Encourage customers to interact with your brand online by including your social media handles or hashtags. A simple call to action like “Share your creations with #MyProductName” invites customers to showcase how they’re using your products, creating organic buzz and engagement.
QR Codes for transparency
Want to offer even more information without cluttering your design? Add a QR code. Link it to product details like sourcing, sustainability practices or creative recipe ideas. QR codes bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, giving customers access to a deeper connection with your brand.
Partner with Dial A Label for compliant food labels
We understand the importance of creating food labels that not only comply with legal requirements, but also elevate your brand. With over 30 years of experience, we specialise in producing fully compliant, high-quality food labels that are durable, eye-catching and tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our food label solutions.
