Food labelling

Clear food labelling provides information to help us select healthier food.

We want shoppers to be able to identify healthier options quickly and easily and to trust that the information on the front of the package is promoting healthier foods.

Marketing claims on the front of food packages do not always tell the full story and nutrition information panels in fine print on the back of the pack can be complex and confusing for shoppers.

Our food labelling campaigning calls for clear and truthful labelling.

• Our previous consumer research in collaboration with the University of Sydney provided ground-breaking insights into effective front of pack labelling that was acceptable to shoppers.
• We represented the public health community in the development of the Health Star Rating system.
• In 2016-17, we participated in a project to explore consumers’ reactions to different front of pack labels, including the Health Star Rating, and if the labels could help them identify healthier options.
• We have conducted research and participated in consultations on the Nutrition, Health and Related Claims Standard and monitored health claims to see if the regulatory process adequately protects consumers from unsubstantiated marketing claims.

Actions to improve food labelling include:

• Making the Health Star Rating mandatory.
• Requiring products carrying any type of claim, including nutrition content claims to meet nutrient profiling criteria.
• Requiring pre-approval for all general-level and high-level health claims.