Call for information: Common commencement date for labelling changes

Overview

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is considering introducing a single, annual commencement date for future labelling changes it initiates. Under this approach, most labelling changes would take effect on one set date each year (for example, 30 May), giving food businesses greater planning certainty and enabling changes to be bundled into a single update. This is expected to reduce redesign and implementation costs, minimise operational disruption and support more efficient compliance across the food supply chain. 

FSANZ welcomes stakeholder feedback on adopting an annual common commencement date for future labelling changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. For further information, please visit the Annual common commencement date for food labelling changes webpage and review the consultation document.

Following early feedback with industry stakeholders, FSANZ proposes 30 May as the common commencement date. FSANZ understands this time of year would be least disruptive for food production cycles.

Why your views matter

The common commencement date consultation is intended to: 

• Explore potential risks and benefits of the annual common commencement date. 

• Confirm a preferred annual common commencement date.