ABCL Response to: FRSC Consultation – Policy guideline on information requirements for prepackaged food sold online
The ABCL has provided a response to the Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC) on its proposed Policy Guideline for Online Food Labelling.
As online shopping continues to expand across major retailers, delivery apps, and marketplace platforms, clear and consistent information at the point of purchase is increasingly vital. The guideline aims to establish practical, proportionate requirements ensuring consumers have access to key details such as ingredients, allergens, warning statements, and nutrition information without imposing unnecessary burdens on retailers or suppliers.
The ABCL supports the development of a flexible framework that accommodates the diverse capabilities of online platforms, emphasising the importance of targeted consultation to ensure the final guideline works for both large and small online sellers. Key considerations highlighted include clear responsibilities for maintaining accurate online listings, alignment with non-FSANZ requirements like Country of Origin Labelling, and the particular challenges faced by imported products that rely on over-stickering or limited label artwork.
This initiative represents an important step towards modernising food information regulation to better reflect current shopping behaviours in Australia and New Zealand. The ABCL will continue to engage closely to support guidelines that balance informed consumer choice with efficient industry compliance.