Australia and New Zealand Propose Labeling Rules
New standards for food packaging are under review to clarify nutritional information for shoppers in the region.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Nutrition
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Food Standards Australia New Zealand has launched a second public consultation on a proposal to mandate Health Star Rating labels on most packaged retail foods. The updated regulatory plan, known as Proposal P1067, clarifies labeling rules for specific food categories and ingredients for consumers in the region.
Why it matters
This regulatory change aims to standardize how nutritional information is presented on food packaging across Australia and New Zealand. By seeking public feedback on these draft amendments, the agency is refining the requirements for how shoppers identify the health profiles of packaged products.
The agency released the second public consultation for Proposal P1067, which outlines mandatory Health Star Rating labeling standards. It remains unknown which specific amendments will be finalized following the public comment period.
The players
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
The binational government agency responsible for developing and maintaining the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
The details
The proposal includes most formulated supplementary foods, excluding those designed for young children. Under the revised draft, manufacturers would no longer be required to print the percentage of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and legumes on labels. Additionally, the mandate to display the calcium content used in Health Star Rating calculations on packaging has been removed from the current draft.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: The second public consultation on Proposal P1067 officially opened.
December 23, 2026: The public submission period for the proposal is scheduled to close.
Health Landscape
This move updates the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to refine how nutritional clarity is provided at the point of sale. It represents the latest step in evolving the regulatory framework for food labeling across both nations.
These proposed changes directly affect the nutritional information you see on packaged food labels in Australia and New Zealand. If you rely on these ratings to make dietary choices, consider reviewing the draft amendments and submitting feedback during the open period.
The takeaway
Mandatory nutrition labeling serves as a key tool for comparing the health profiles of packaged products while shopping. You can track the progress of this regulatory update or review the draft details before the submission deadline on December 23, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local food safety and labeling policies in Australia and New Zealand Nutrition.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ChemLinked.
Live Poll
Should government agencies mandate Health Star Rating labels on most packaged retail food products?
