Food Labelling


Food labels are a source of very useful information. Labels provide both food safety information (e.g. use by dates) and nutrient content information (e.g. nutrition information panels). Food labelling laws require all manufactured foods include a nutrition information panel.

Information found on a food label includes:

  • product name
  • brand name
  • ingredient list
  • nutrition information panel
  • use by date
  • manufacturer details
  • product weight

Food labels may also include:

Label Laws

Food labelling laws are governed by the food standards code, which is administrated by the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). The government has a role in the administration and enforcement of food labelling laws. Fair trading laws require labels to be truthful.

The laws and regulations aim to make it much easier for people to make decisions about the nutritional value of the food they buy and eat.


Nutrition labelling

The current food standards code requires all manufactured foods to have a nutrition information panel including those foods with nutrition claims.  There are a few exceptions such as very small packages and foods like herbs and spices, tea, coffee and foods sold unpackaged (if a claim is not made) or foods made and packaged at the point of sale (e.g. restaurants).

The food standards code requires each nutrition information panel to include the amounts of the following in each food:

Other nutrients may be included if the food is a good source of them or if the product has made a nutrient claim about them such as:

Remember, some of the healthiest foods may be unlabelled (e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, lentils, beans, fresh meat and fish).

Claims

Nutrient claims may also appear on the package and often promote foods as being 'healthy' and include statements like:

Australian food labelling law and policy is in the process of being reviewed. It is anticipated that the review will be completed by late 2010.

Ingredient listing

Ingredients are listed in descending order of quantity, meaning that the first ingredient is the main ingredient and the last ingredient is present in the smallest amount. Checking the order of ingredients can also provide valuable information about the food. Food additives are included on the ingredient list using an approved numbering system.

For further information on any particular food product, contact the product manufacturer. For more information on food regulation and the food standards code visit the FSANZ website, www.foodstandards.gov.au


An Accredited Practising Dietitian can provide advice and information on how to read and understand food labels.

 

 

Page Last Updated: Wednesday, 10 February 2010