“Labels on most packaged food must meet strict requirements that include information for people with food allergies, food additive listings, and food storage instructions.
Food labels are required by law for packaged foods to ensure consumers are informed about all the nutritional qualities of food, especially allergens. They also serve to provide a place for conveying preparation instructions, use-by dates, and storage instructions.
It is indeed true that states and territories have responsibility for the enforcement of food-related issues. Food Standards Australia New Zealand has the responsibility for developing the food standards that relate to food sold in Australia, while the states and territories enforce these standards.”
“Australia has country of origin labelling requirements for food products. Additionally, various food labelling requirements are outlined in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, covering:
Use by and best before dates
Ingredients, food additives, and allergens
Nutrition information
The supplier’s name and address
Health advice and claims
Label designs for pre-packaged goods must adhere to national trade measurement laws, which include specifications for:
Position, size, and format of measurement information (such as product weight)
Name and address of the packer for articles packed in Australia
It’s important to note that a street address in Australia, rather than a PO Box, email, or online address, must be provided.”
Truth in labelling
Fair trading laws and food laws in Australia and New Zealand require that labels do not misinform consumers through false, misleading or deceptive representations. In Australia, this legislation includes the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) contained in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, and state and territory Fair Trading Acts and Food Acts. In New Zealand, this legislation includes the Food Act 2014 and Fair Trading Act 1986.
Name or description of the food
Legibility requirements
Most packaged foods are required to have a label with important information to help you make informed choices about what you and your family eats. The information required varies depending on the food. Remember certain information about foods that are unlabelled (e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables, or food that is purchased from where it is made such as cafes, bakeries or takeaway shops) may still need to be provided. This information is usually either displayed with the food or provided if you ask for it, for example, if the food contains certain allergens or directions for using or storing the food safely.
FSANZ is responsible for developing and maintaining the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which includes standards for food labelling.
Allergen labelling for consumers
Food additive labelling
Food additives in most packaged food must be listed in the statement of ingredients on the label.
Most food additives must be listed by their class name followed by the name of the food additive or the food additive number,
Weights and measures
Suppliers must label food products with accurate weights and measures information (the quantity of food contained in a package). Weights and measures declarations are regulated by the Australian National Measurement Institute and the Trading Standards New Zealand.
There are a number of detailed requirements for labelling in the national trade measurement laws to make sure that the buyer is properly informed.
Date markings and storage instructions
Date markings and storage instructions – Suppliers are indeed required to label food products with accurate weights and measures information, indicating the quantity of food contained in a package. These weights and measures declarations are regulated by the Australian National Measurement Institute (NMI) and Trading Standards New Zealand.
To ensure that buyers are properly informed, national trade measurement laws outline several detailed requirements for labeling:
Accuracy of Quantity Declarations:, Legibility and Prominence:, Standardized Units of Measurement:, Verification and Compliance, Tolerances and Variations, Consistency in Labeling Practice. :These comprehensive requirements help maintain fairness in trade, protect consumers from misleading or inaccurate information, and ensure that they can make informed purchasing decisions based on reliable and standardized product information.
Contact details
ood packaging must include specific information to ensure transparency and traceability. The key labeling requirements are as follows:
Name and Address of the Supplier: All food packaging must display the name and address of the supplier, which can be the manufacturer, distributor, packer, or importer. This information ensures that consumers can identify and contact the responsible party if necessary.
Lot or Batch Number: For most foods, the label must also include a lot or batch number. This number is crucial for identifying where and when the food was prepared or packed. It facilitates traceability, enabling suppliers and authorities to track products through the supply chain, especially in cases of recalls or safety concerns.
These labeling requirements enhance consumer safety and trust by ensuring that all packaged food can be traced back to its source. This traceability is vital for managing food safety incidents, conducting recalls efficiently, and maintaining accountability within the food supply chain.
