Labels & the law
In Australia, food manufacturers must ensure that food labels conform to the national Food Standards Code. Other laws also apply.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) develops the Food Standards Code and state authorities, like the NSW Food Authority, enforce it locally.
Everything said about a food on the label is also subject to Australian Consumer Law, which prohibits false, misleading or deceptive representations (see Truth in Labelling).
For detailed and technical advice on food labelling, contact a professional food safety or labelling consultant. See Professional advice.
Food label information
The Food Standards Code states that all food labels must contain certain information.
Our role - labels
The NSW Food Authority is responsible for enforcing the labelling provisions of Food Standards Code and the Food Act 2003 (NSW).
Labelling laws
Labelling requirements for food are set by the Food Standards Code. Other laws also apply.
Country of origin
The country or countries where a food was grown, manufactured or packaged must appear on the label.
Declaring allergens
All allergens must be declared appropriately on a food label and comply with the Food Standards Code.
Date marks & storage
Date marks indicate a food's shelf life and must meet the Food Standards Code.
Health & nutrition claims
Claims about health & nutrition on a food label must not be false or misleading.
Health Star Ratings
HSR is a national voluntary Front of Pack labelling system for packaged foods.