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User Guide - Nutrition Information Labelling   

User guide to Standard 1.2.8 - Nutrition Information Requirements

Revised July 2002

[ pdf format 451kb ]  

This guide explains when nutrition information is required, and the way in which it must be presented.It is not a substitute for independent legal advice.

This guide does not follow Standard 1.2.8 clause by clause. It concentrates on those provisions of the Standard that have been identified in public submissions as benefiting from further clarification.

In Australia not all nutrient claims are regulated by the new Code. The voluntary Code of Practice on Nutrient Claims in Food Labels and in Advertisements(CoPoNC) provides criteria for the use of additional claims. Whilst not enforceable by law, the success of codes of practice is dependent on manufacturers adhering to the guidelines as specified. CoPoNC should be read in conjunction with the Standard.   It is currently being considered as part of the broader review of nutrient content and other related claims, Proposal P234.  

In this guide cross-references are made to the CoPoNC where appropriate. A copy of CoPoNC can be obtained from the Information Officer at FSANZ: tel:   +61 2 6271 2241, email: info@foodstandards.gov.au or from the FSANZ website: www.foodstandards.gov.au or www.foodstandards.govt.nz

The following standards also have provisions relevant to nutrition labelling:

· Standard 1.2.1 - Application of Labelling and Other Information Requirements sets out general labelling requirements and exemptions and defines small packages.

· Standard 1.3.2 - Vitamins and Minerals sets out the labelling requirements when a claim is made about the vitamin and mineral content of a food.

· Standard 2.9.1 - Infant Formula Products is temporarily reserved and will set out specific nutrition labelling requirements that apply to infant formula products.

· Standard 2.9.3 - Formulated Meal Replacements and Formulated Supplementary Foods sets out the nutrition labelling requirements that apply to formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods.

· Standard 2.9.4 - Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods sets out the requirements when a claim is made about the vitamin and mineral content and other nutritive ingredients of these foods.

[  pdf format 451kb  ]  

Food Standards Advice

If you are a food business or an individual who manufactures, processes, caters or handles food and require assistance in understanding the requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code then consult one of our Standards Advisors.   The Advisors can be contacted at local call rates on: