Critical Update: Enhanced Allergen Labelling Standards

The FSANZ has introduced specific changes to make allergen information more accessible and understandable to consumers. Here’s what needs to be on every stakeholder's radar:

• Enhanced Visibility and Clarity: The mandate requires allergen information to be declared clearly, concisely using plain English, and emphasised with a bold font. This ensures that consumers can easily identify potential allergens, thereby reducing the risk of allergic reactions, which can range from mild to severe.

• Strict Compliance Timeline: The enforcement date is set for 25 February 2024. All products manufactured from this date forward must adhere to the new labelling guidelines. It's imperative for businesses to update their labelling processes to fall in line with these standards, safeguarding against potential compliance violations.

• Considerate Transitional Provisions: Recognising the need for a balanced approach to implementation, FSANZ allows products packaged and labelled before the deadline to remain on shelves for up to two years. This provision ensures a smoother transition for the industry, enabling businesses to adjust without immediate disruption to their existing product lines.

Steps Towards Ensuring Compliance:

Adapting to these new requirements necessitates a proactive and strategic approach. Here’s how businesses can ensure compliance:

• Engage with Suppliers: Open lines of communication with suppliers are crucial for verifying the accuracy of ingredient information and obtaining updated product specification sheets.

• Label Review and Adjustment: Conduct a thorough review of current labels to identify necessary changes. Updating labels to align with the new allergen declaration format is essential for compliance.

Leveraging Available Resources for Smooth Transition:

To assist the food industry in navigating these changes, several resources have been developed:

• The 2023 Food Industry Guide to Allergen Management and Labelling: Published by the Allergen Bureau, this guide is an invaluable resource, offering detailed insights into best practices for allergen management and labelling. Access it here.

• AFGC Webinar Series: The Australian Food and Grocery Council's webinar, titled "PIF, PEAL and Allergen Management – What You Need to Know," provides a comprehensive overview of the new requirements, offering practical advice for achieving compliance.

The Imperative for Immediate Action:

The introduction of these enhanced allergen labelling standards signifies a major advancement in consumer safety. By facilitating easier identification of allergens, these changes aim to significantly reduce the incidence of allergic reactions, underscoring the industry’s commitment to protecting consumers.

With the deadline fast approaching, it's critical for all stakeholders to undertake immediate steps to align their practices with the new requirements. This includes not only updating labelling practices but also ensuring that all team members are informed about the changes and understand their roles in facilitating compliance.

The regulatory shift in allergen labelling is a clear indication of the evolving landscape of food safety and consumer protection in Australia and New Zealand. While the transition may present challenges, it also offers an opportunity for the industry to demonstrate its commitment to consumer health and safety. The successful implementation of these changes will require a collaborative effort across the food supply chain, from manufacturers to retailers.

For more information on the new allergen labelling requirements, visit Food Standards Australia New Zealand. As the industry works towards compliance, leveraging the available resources and guidance from FSANZ and the Allergen Bureau will be key. By prioritizing these changes, businesses can ensure they not only meet regulatory standards but also enhance consumer trust in their products. The time to act is now, to pave the way for a safer, more informed food industry.