Food labelling — Food Safety Glossary

The mandatory and voluntary information that must appear on packaged food sold in Australia, governed by the Food Standards Code.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the food labelling rules in Australia?

The general labelling requirements are in Standard 1.2.1 of the Food Standards Code, supported by the related 1.2.x standards covering ingredients, allergens, date marking and the nutrition information panel.

Does food I make and sell on the same premises need a full label?

Food made and packaged at the point of sale, or sold unpackaged, is generally exempt from full labelling, but you must still declare allergens accurately and avoid misleading claims.

What are the main things a label must show?

Typically the name of the food, ingredient list, allergen declarations, date marking, storage and use directions, lot identification, supplier name and address, country of origin and, for most packaged foods, a nutrition information panel.

What happens if a label is wrong?

Incorrect labelling, especially an undeclared allergen, is a frequent cause of food recalls and can breach the Food Standards Code, which is enforced through each state and territory Food Act.

Do ingredients have to be listed in a particular order?

Yes. Ingredients are listed in descending order of ingoing weight, and many products must also show the percentage of certain characterising ingredients.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) Country of origin labelling Allergen Date marking Food safety glossary Food safety guides
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