{"id":"F2015L00386","name":"Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Standard 1.2.1 – Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information","slug":"australia-new-zealand-food-standards-code-standard-1-2-1-requirements-to-have-labels-or-otherwise-pr","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":92943,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2015L00386-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Standard 1.2.1 – Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information","content":"Standard 1.2.1 Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information\n\nNote 1 This instrument is a standard under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (Cth). The standards together make up the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. See also section 1.1.1—3.\n\nNote 2 The provisions of the Code that apply in New Zealand are incorporated in, or adopted under, the Food Act 2014 (NZ). See also section 1.1.1—3.\n\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n\n1.2.1—1 Name\n\nThis Standard is Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Standard 1.2.1 – Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information.\n\nNote Commencement: \nThis Standard commences on 1 March 2016, being the date specified as the commencement date in notices in the Gazette and the New Zealand Gazette under section 92 of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (Cth). See also section 93 of that Act.\n\n1.2.1—2 Outline of Standard\n\n(1) This Standard sets out when a food for sale is required to \\*bear a label or have other information provided with it, and sets out the information that is to be provided.\n\n(2) Division 2 sets out the labelling and information requirements for a food that is for retail sale.\n\n(3) Division 3 sets out the labelling and information requirements for food that is sold to \\*caterers.\n\n(4) Division 4 sets out the labelling and information requirements for all other sales of food.\n\n(5) Division 5 sets out general prohibitions relating to labels.\n\n(6) Division 6 sets out legibility requirements.\n\n1.2.1—3 Definitions\n\nNote In this Code (see section 1.1.2—2):\n\nbear a label: a food for sale is taken to bear a label of a specified kind or with specified content if either of the following are part of or attached to the packaging of the food:\n\n(a) a label of that kind or with that content; or\n\n(b) labels that together are of that kind or have that content.\n\ncaterer means a person, establishment or institution (for example, a catering establishment, a restaurant, a canteen, a school, or a hospital) which handles or offers food for immediate consumption.\n\nlabel, in relation to a food being sold, means any tag, brand, mark or statement in writing or any representation or design or descriptive matter that:\n\n(a) is attached to the food or is a part of or attached to its packaging; or\n\n(b) accompanies and is provided to the purchaser with the food; or\n\n(c) is displayed in connection with the food when it is sold.\n\nlabelling:\n\n(a) in relation to a food being sold, labelling means all of the labels for the food together; and\n\n(b) a requirement for the labelling of a food for sale to include specified content is a requirement for at least one of the labels to have that content.\n\nDivision 2 Retail sales\n\n1.2.1—4 When this Division applies\n\nThis Division applies to:\n\n(a) a retail sale of a food; and\n\n(b) a sale of a food that is not a retail sale, if the food is sold as suitable for retail sale without any further processing, packaging or labelling.\n\n1.2.1—5 Outline of Division\n\nThis Division sets out:\n\n(a) the circumstances in which food for sale is required to \\*bear a label—see section 1.2.1—6;\n\n(c) the other information the label must state—see section 1.2.1—8;\n\n(d) the information requirements for a food for sale that is not required to bear a label—see section 1.2.1—9.\n\n1.2.1—6 When the food for sale must bear a label\n\n(1) If the food for sale is in a package, it is required to \\*bear a label with the information referred to in subsection 1.2.1—8(1) unless it:\n\n(a) is made and packaged on the premises from which it is sold; or\n\n(b) is packaged in the presence of the purchaser; or\n\n(c) is whole or cut fresh \\*fruit and vegetables (other than seed sprouts or similar products) in a package that does not obscure the nature or quality of the food; or\n\n(d) is delivered packaged, and ready for consumption, at the express order of the purchaser (other than when the food is sold from a vending machine); or\n\n(e) is sold at a \\*fund raising event; or\n\n(f) is displayed in an \\*assisted service display cabinet.\n\nNote 1 See section 1.2.1—9 for information requirements for food for sale that does not need to bear a label.\n\nNote 2 See Division 4 of Standard 2.7.1 for the requirements relating to a \\*pregnancy warning label.\n\n(2) If the food for sale has more than 1 layer of packaging and subsection (1) requires it to bear a label, only 1 label is required in relation to the food for sale.\n\nNote 1 See also section 1.2.1—24\n\nNote 2 See Division 4 of Standard 2.7.1 for the requirements relating to a \\*pregnancy warning label.\n\n(3) If the food for sale is sold in packaging that includes individual packages for servings that are intended to be used separately (individual portion packs), but which:\n\n(a) are not designed for individual sale; and\n\n(b) have a surface area of 30 cm2 or greater;\n\nthen the individual portion pack is also required to \\*bear a label, with the information referred to in subsection 1.2.1—8(3).\n\n(4) If the food for sale is not in a package, it is not required to \\*bear a label.\n\nNote See section 1.2.1—9 for information requirements for food for retail sale that does not need to bear a label.\n\n1.2.1—8 Information required on food that is required to bear a label\n\nGeneral and additional requirements—retail sales\n\n(1) For subsection 1.2.1—6(1), the information is the following information in accordance with the provisions indicated:\n\nGeneral requirements\n\n(a) name of the food (see section 1.2.2—2);\n\n(b) \\*lot identification (see section 1.2.2—3);\n\n(c) name and address of the \\*supplier (see section 1.2.2—4);\n\n(d) advisory statements, \\*warning statements and declarations (see sections 1.2.3—2, 1.2.3—3 and 1.2.3—4);\n\n(e) a statement of ingredients (see section 1.2.4—2);\n\n(f) date marking information (see section 1.2.5—3);\n\n(g) storage conditions and directions for use (see section 1.2.6—2);\n\n(h) information relating to nutrition, health and related claims (see subsection 1.2.7—26(4));\n\n(i) nutrition information (see Standard 1.2.8);\n\n(j) information about \\*characterising ingredients and \\*characterising components (see section 1.2.10—3);\n\n(ja) information relating to breakfast cereals that contain vitamin D that has been used as a nutritive substance in accordance with Standard 1.3.2 (see section 1.3.2—7);\n\n(k) information relating to \\*genetically modified food (see section 1.5.2—4);\n\n(l) information relating to irradiated food (see section 1.5.3—9);\n\n(la) information relating to \\*cell-cultured food (see sections 1.5.4—5 and 1.5.4—6);\n\nAdditional requirements\n\n(m) for minced meat—the maximum proportion of fat in the minced meat (see section 2.2.1—7);\n\n(n) for raw meat joined or formed into the semblance of a cut of meat—the required information relating to that meat (see section 2.2.1—8);\n\n(o) for fermented comminuted processed or manufactured meat—the required information relating to how the meat has been processed (see sections 2.2.1—9 and 2.2.1—10);\n\n(p) for formed or joined fish—the information relating to that fish (see section 2.2.3—3);\n\n(q) the process declaration for edible oils (see section 2.4.1—4);\n\n(r) for juice blend—the name and percentage by volume of each juice in the blend (see section 2.6.1—4);\n\n(s) information related to the composition of packaged water (see section 2.6.2—5);\n\n(t) the declarations and other information required for electrolyte drinks and for electrolyte drink bases (see Standard 2.6.2);\n\n(u) the required statements relating to kava (see section 2.6.3—4);\n\n(v) for formulated caffeinated beverages:\n\n (i) declarations of \\*average quantities (see section 2.6.4—5); and\n (ii) any advisory statements (see section 2.6.4—5);\n\n(w) for a food that contains alcohol—if required:\n\n (i) a statement of the alcohol content (see section 2.7.1—3); and\n (ii) a statement of the number of \\*standard drinks in the package (see section 2.7.1—4);\n\n(x) for special purpose foods or \\*amino acid modified foods to which sections 2.9.6—5 and 2.9.6—6 apply—the required information for such foods;\n\n(y) the required statements and other information for:\n\n (i) infant formula product (see Standard 2.9.1); and\n (ii) food for infants (see Standard 2.9.2); and\n (iii) formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods (see Standard 2.9.3); and\n (iv) formulated supplementary sports foods (see Standard 2.9.4); and\n (v) foods for special medical purposes (see Standard 2.9.5);\n (z) the required information for reduced sodium salt mixtures and salt substitutes (see section 2.10.2—8).\n\n(za) for \\*prescribed beverages—an energy statement (see section 2.7.1—4A).\n\nSpecific requirement—retail sales of food in hampers\n\n(2) For food sold in a \\*hamper:\n\n(a) each package must \\*bear a label stating the information mentioned in subsection (1); and\n\n(b) each item of food not in a package must be accompanied by labelling stating the information mentioned in subsection (1); and\n\n(c) the hamper must bear a label stating the name and address of the \\*supplier of the hamper (see section 1.2.2—4).\n\nSpecific requirement—retail sales of food in individual portion packs\n\n(3) For subsection 1.2.1—6(3), the information is \\*warning statements and declarations in accordance with sections 1.2.3—3 and 1.2.3—4.\n\nAdditional requirement—food sold from vending machines\n\n(4) For food sold from a vending machine, it is an additional requirement that labels clearly and prominently displayed in or on the vending machine state the name and \\*business address of the \\*supplier of the vending machine.\n\nNote Specific exemptions for some types of package or food are in other standards, for example, elsewhere in Part 1.2.\n\n1.2.1—9 Information requirements for food for sale that is not required to bear a label\n\n(1) This section applies to a food for sale that is not required to \\*bear a label because of section 1.2.1—6.\n\nInformation that must accompany or be displayed with the food\n\n(2) The information specified in subsection (3) must, in accordance with the provisions indicated, be stated in labelling that:\n\n(a) accompanies the food; or\n\n(b) is displayed in connection with the display of the food.\n\n(3) For subsection (2), the information is:\n\n(a) any \\*warning statement required by section 1.2.3—3; and\n\n(b) if the food for sale is not in a package—information relating to \\*genetically modified food (see section 1.5.2—4);\n\n(ba) for a food referred to in paragraph 1.2.1—6(1)(c)—information relating to genetically modified food (see section 1.5.2—4);\n\n(baa) information relating to \\*cell-cultured food (see section 1.5.4—5).\n\n(c) information relating to irradiated food (see section 1.5.3—9); and\n\n(d) for food sold from a vending machine—any advisory statement required by section 1.2.3—2 and any declaration required by section 1.2.3—4;\n\n(e) if the food for sale is not in a package—for fermented comminuted processed or manufactured meat—the \\*prescribed name (see sections 2.2.1—9 and 2.2.1—10);\n\n(f) if the food for sale is not in a package—for a food for sale that consists of kava root:\n\n (i) any statements relating to kava (see section 2.6.3—4); and\n (ii) the name and address of the \\*supplier (see section 1.2.2—4).\n\nInformation that must accompany food for sale\n\n(4) The following information must be stated in labelling that accompanies the food for sale, in accordance with the provisions indicated:\n\n(a) if the food for sale is not in a package—the directions relating to use and storage required by paragraph 1.2.6—2(b); and\n\n(b) in any case—the information related to use required by paragraph 1.2.6—2(c).\n\nInformation that must be declared or provided to the purchaser\n\n(5) The following information must be declared or provided to the purchaser, in accordance with the provisions indicated:\n\n(a) any required statement indicating the presence of offal must be declared (see section 2.2.1—6);\n\n(b) for raw meat joined or formed into the semblance of a cut of meat—any required information relating to that meat must be provided (see section 2.2.1—8);\n\n(c) for formed or joined fish—any required information relating to that fish must be provided (see section 2.2.3—3).\n\nInformation that may be displayed with the food or which must be provided to the purchaser on request\n\n(6) The information specified in subsection (7) must, in accordance with the provisions indicated, be:\n\n(a) displayed in connection with the display of the food; or\n\n(b) provided to the purchaser on request.\n\n(7) For subsection (6), the information is:\n\n(a) name of food (see section 1.2.2—2);\n\n(b) any advisory statements and declarations (see sections 1.2.3—2 and 1.2.3—4);\n\n(c) information relating to nutrition, health and related claims (see subsection 1.2.7—26(4));\n\n(d) if a \\*claim requiring nutrition information is made—the information required for a nutrition information panel (see subsections 1.2.7—26(2) and 1.2.7—26(3), and Standard 1.2.8);\n\n(e) if the food is not required to \\*bear a label because of subsection 1.2.1—6(4) or paragraph 1.2.1—6(1)(a)—information about \\*characterising ingredients and \\*characterising components (section 1.2.10—3);\n\n(ea) information relating to breakfast cereals that contain vitamin D that has been used as a nutritive substance in accordance with Standard 1.3.2 (see section 1.3.2—7);\n\n(f) for minced meat—if required, the maximum proportion of fat in the minced meat (see section 2.2.1—7);\n\n(g) for formulated caffeinated beverages—any advisory statements (section 2.6.4—5).\n\nDivision 3 Sales of food to caterers\n\n1.2.1—10 When this Division applies\n\nThis Division applies to a sale of food to a \\*caterer, other than a sale to which Division 2 applies.\n\n1.2.1—11 Outline of Division\n\nThis Division sets out the following:\n\n(a) the circumstances in which the food for sale to a \\*caterer is required to \\*bear a label—see section 1.2.1—12;\n\n(b) when information must be provided with the food—see section 1.2.1—13; and\n\n(d) the other information the label must state—see section 1.2.1—15;\n\n(e) the information requirements for a food that is not required to bear a label—see sections 1.2.1—16 and 1.2.1—17.\n\n1.2.1—12 When food sold to a caterer must bear a label\n\n(1) If the food sold to a \\*caterer is in a package, it is required to \\*bear a label with the information required by section 1.2.1—15.\n\n(2) If:\n\n(a) the food for sale is required to \\*bear a label; and\n\n(b) the food for sale has more than one layer of packaging; and\n\n(c) the information required by sections 1.2.2—2 and 1.2.2—3 is in a label on the outer package; and\n\n(d) the information required by section 1.2.2—4 is:\n\n (i) in a label on the outer package; or\n (ii) in documentation that accompanies the food for sale;\n\nthe label referred to in subsection (1) need not be on the outer package.\n\n(3) A food for sale is not required to \\*bear a label if:\n\n(a) the food is not in a package; or\n\n(b) the food is whole or cut fresh \\*fruit and vegetables (other than seed sprout or similar products) in a package that does not obscure the nature or quality of the food.\n\n1.2.1—13 When information must be provided with food sold to a caterer\n\nIf food sold to a \\*caterer is not required by section 1.2.1—12 to \\*bear a label, labelling containing the information required by section 1.2.1—15 must be provided to the caterer with the food.\n\n1.2.1—15 Information required to be on labelling for food sold to a caterer\n\nSubject to this section, labelling that is required for food sold to a \\*caterer under section 1.2.1—12 must state the following information in accordance with the provisions indicated:\n\n(a) name of food (see section 1.2.2—2);\n\n(b) \\*lot identification (see section 1.2.2—3);\n\n(c) advisory statements, \\*warning statements and declarations (see sections 1.2.3—2, 1.2.3—3 and 1.2.3—4);\n\n(d) date marking information (see section 1.2.5—3);\n\n(e) any storage conditions and directions for use (see section 1.2.6—2);\n\n(f) information relating to \\*genetically modified food (see section 1.5.2—4);\n\n(g) information relating to irradiated food (see section 1.5.3—9);\n\n(h) information relating to \\*cell-cultured food (see section 1.5.4—7).\n\n1.2.1—16 Other information that must be provided with food sold to a caterer\n\n(1) The information referred to in subsection 1.2.1—8(1) (General and additional requirements—retail sales) must be:\n\n(a) set out in the label (if any); or\n\n(b) provided in documentation.\n\n(2) In the case of the information referred to in paragraph 1.2.1—8(1)(c) (name and address of the supplier), if the information is provided in documentation, the documentation must accompany the food for sale.\n\n(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to:\n\n(a) the information that is referred to in subsection 1.2.1—15 (Information required to be on labelling for food sold to a caterer); or\n\n(b) the information referred to in paragraph 1.2.1—8(1)(j) (information about characterising ingredients and components).\n\n1.2.1—17 Information that can be requested in relation to food sold to a caterer\n\nThe \\*caterer must be provided with any information:\n\n(a) requested by the caterer; or\n\n(b) required by the \\*relevant authority to be provided;\n\nthat is necessary to enable the caterer to comply with any compositional, labelling or declaration requirement of this Code in a sale of the food or of another food using it as an ingredient.\n\nDivision 4 Other sales\n\n1.2.1—18 When this Division applies\n\n(1) This Division applies to sales of food other than:\n\n(a) sales to which Division 2 or Division 3 apply; or\n\n(b) intra-company transfers.\n\n(2) In this section:\n\nintra-company transfer means a transfer of a food between elements of a single company, between subsidiaries of a parent company or between subsidiaries of a parent company and the parent company.\n\n1.2.1—19 Outline of Division\n\nThis Division sets out the following:\n\n(a) the circumstances in which the food for sale is required to \\*bear a label—see section 1.2.1—20;\n\n(b) the information requirements for a food for sale that is not required to bear a label—see section 1.2.1—21.\n\n1.2.1—20 Labelling requirements\n\n(1) If the food for sale is not in a package, it is not required to \\*bear a label.\n\n(2) If the food for sale is in a package, it is required to \\*bear a label that states the following information in accordance with the provisions indicated:\n\n(a) name of food (see section 1.2.2—2);\n\n(b) \\*lot identification (see section 1.2.2—3);\n\n(c) unless provided in documentation accompanying the food for sale—the name and address of the \\*supplier (see section 1.2.2—4).\n\n(3) The label may be:\n\n(a) on the package; or\n\n(b) if there is more than 1 layer of packaging—on the outer layer; or\n\n(c) if the food for sale is in a \\*transportation outer—clearly discernible through the transportation outer.\n\n1.2.1—21 When information can be requested\n\n(1) The purchaser must be provided with any information:\n\n(a) requested by the purchaser; or\n\n(b) required by the \\*relevant authority to be provided;\n\nthat is necessary to enable the purchaser to comply with any compositional, labelling or declaration requirement of this Code in a sale of the food or of another food using it as an ingredient.\n\n(2) If requested by the purchaser or required by the relevant authority, the information must be provided in writing.\n\nDivision 5 General prohibitions relating to labels\n\n1.2.1—22 Prohibition on altering labels\n\n(1) A person who sells a food for sale that is packaged, or deals with a packaged food for sale before its sale, must not deface the label on the package unless:\n\n(a) the \\*relevant authority has given its permission; and\n\n(b) if the relevant authority has imposed any conditions on its permission—those conditions have been complied with.\n\n(2) Despite subsection (1), a person who sells a food that is packaged, or deals with a packaged food before its sale, may re-label the food if the label contains incorrect information, by placing a new label over the incorrect one in such a way that:\n\n(a) the new label is not able to be removed; and\n\n(b) the incorrect information is not visible.\n\n(3) In this section:\n\ndeface includes alter, remove, erase, obliterate and obscure.\n\n1.2.1—23 Application of labelling provisions to advertising\n\nIf this Code prohibits a label on or relating to food from including a statement, information, a design or a representation, an advertisement for that food must not include that statement, information, design or representation.\n\nDivision 6 Legibility requirements\n\n1.2.1—24 General legibility requirements\n\n(1) If this Code requires a word, statement, expression or design to be contained, written or set out on a label—any words must be in English and any word, statement, expression or design must, wherever occurring:\n\n(a) be legible; and\n\n(b) be prominent so as to contrast distinctly with the background of the label.\n\n(2) If a language other than English is also used on a label, the information in that language must not negate or contradict the information in English.\n\n1.2.1—25 Legibility requirements for warning statements\n\nA \\*warning statement on a label must be written:\n\n(a) for a small package—in a \\*size of type of at least 1.5 mm;\n\n(b) otherwise—in a size of type of at least 3 mm.\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\n \n\nApplication, saving and transitional provisions\n\nThe table below details information on application, saving or transitional provisions in instruments affecting this Standard.\n\n```html\n

Instrument items affected

A’ment No.

FRLI registration

Gazette

Instrument’s transitional provision

Description of transitional arrangement

Food Standards (Proposal P1050 – Pregnancy warning labels on alcoholic beverages) Variation

Items [2.1] and [2.2] of the Schedule

194

F2020L00952

28 July 2020

FSC 135

31 July 2020

Clause 4

Clause 4 a transitional arrangement for variations to the Code made by Items [2.1] and [2.2] of the Schedule.

The transition period is the period of time that commences on 31 July 2020 and ends on 31 July 2023.

Subclause 4(1) provides that section 1.1.1—9 of the Code does not apply to the variations.

Subclause 4(2) provides that during the transition period a food product may be sold if the product complies with one of the following:

  1. the Code as in force without the above variations;
  2. the Code as amended by the above variations.

Subclause 4(3) provides that a food product that was labelled before the end of the transition period may be sold after the transition period if the product complies with one of the following:

  1. the Code as in force without the above variations;
  2. the Code as amended by the above variations.

Food Standards (Proposal P1030 – Composition and Labelling of Electrolyte Drinks) Variation

Item [2] of the schedule

210

F2022L01061

12 August 2022

FSC 150

12 August 2022

Clause 4

Clause 4 of the Food Standards (Proposal P1030 – Compositional and Labelling of Electrolyte Drinks) Variation provides a transitional arrangement for the variations to the Code made by Item [2] of the Schedule to that legislative instrument.

Subclause 4(1) provides that section 1.1.1—9 of the Code does not apply to the variations made by that instrument.

Subclause 4(2) provides that, during the transition period, a food product may be sold if the product complies with one of the following:

  1. the Code as in force without the variations made by the instrument;
  2. the Code as amended by the variations made by the instrument.

Subclause 4(3) provides that, for the purposes of the above, the transition period is the period commencing on the variation’s date of commencement and ending 24 months after the date of commencement.

This means that the transition period is the period of time that commences on 12 August 2022 and ends on 12 August 2024.

Food Standards (Proposal P1059 – Energy labelling on alcoholic beverages) Variation

Item [2] of the Schedule

241

F2025L00923

12 August 2025

FSC180

13 August 2025

Clause 4

Clause 4 of the Food Standards (Proposal P1059 – Energy labelling on alcoholic beverages) Variation provides a transitional arrangement for the variations to the Code made by Item [2] of the Schedule to that legislative instrument.

The transition period is the period of time that commences on 13 August 2025 and ends on 13 August 2028.

Subclause 4(1) provides that section 1.1.1—9 of the Code does not apply to the variations.

Subclause 4(2) provides that during the transition period, a food product may be sold if the product complies with one of the following:

(a) the Code as in force without the variations made by this instrument; or

(b) the Code as amended by the variations made by this instrument.

Subclause 4(3) provides that a food product that was packaged and labelled before the end of the transition period may be sold after the transition period if the product complies with one of the following:

(a) the Code as in force without the variations made by this instrument; or

(b) the Code as amended by the variations made by this instrument.

\n```\n\nAmendment History\n\nThe Amendment History provides information about each amendment to the Standard. The information includes commencement or cessation information for relevant amendments.\n\nThese amendments are made under section 92 of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 unless otherwise indicated. Amendments do not have a specific date for cessation unless indicated as such.\n\nAbout this compilation\n\nThis is compilation No. 12 of Standard 1.2.1 as in force on 2 September 2025 (up to Amendment No. 243). It includes any commenced amendment affecting the compilation to that date.\n\nPrepared by Food Standards Australia New Zealand on 2 September 2025.\n\nUncommenced amendments or provisions ceasing to have effect\n\nTo assist stakeholders, the effect of any uncommenced amendments or provisions which will cease to have effect, may be reflected in the Standard as shaded boxed text with the relevant commencement or cessation date. These amendments will be reflected in a compilation registered on the Federal Register of Legislation including or omitting those amendments and provided in the Amendment History once the date is passed.\n\nThe following abbreviations may be used in the table below:\n\nad = added or inserted am = amended\n\nexp = expired or ceased to have effect rep = repealed\n\nrs = repealed and substituted\n\nStandard 1.2.1 was published in the Food Standards Gazette No. FSC96 on 10 April 2015 as part of Amendment 154 (F2015L00386 –- 31 March 2015) and has since been amended as follows:\n\n| Section affected | A’ment No. | FRL registrationGazette | Commencement(Cessation) | How affected | Description of amendment |\n| --------------------------------------- | ---------- | ---------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | ------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1.2.1—6(3) | 157 | F2015L013741 Sept 2015FSC993 Sept 2015 | 1 March 2016 | am | Correction of typographical error. |\n| 1.2.1—5(b) | 165 | F2016L0136730 Aug 2016FSC1071 Sept 2016 | (1 July 2018) | rep | References to country of origin labelling. |\n| 1.2.1—6(1) | 165 | F2016L0136730 Aug 2016FSC1071 Sept 2016 | (1 July 2018) | rs | Replace Notes 1 and 2 with a new Note to remove references to country of origin labelling. |\n| 1.2.1—7 | 165 | F2016L0136730 Aug 2016FSC1071 Sept 2016 | (1 July 2018) | rep | References to country of origin labelling. |\n| 1.2.1—8(1) | 166 | F2017L000235 Jan 2017FSC10812 Jan 2017 | 12 Jan 2017 | ad | New paragraph relating to vitamin D in breakfast cereals. |\n| 1.2.1—9(6) | 168 | F2017L0041411 April 2017FSC11013 April 2017 | 13 April 2017 | am | Cross-reference to Standard 1.2.7. |\n| 1.2.1—9(6) | 172 | F2017L011426 Sept 2017FSC1147 Sept 2017 | 7 Sept 2017 | am | Amend heading to remove words ‘either accompany or’. |\n| 1.2.1—9(7) | 166 | F2017L000235 Jan 2017FSC10812 Jan 2017 | 12 Jan 2017 | ad | New paragraph relating to vitamin D in breakfast cereals. |\n| 1.2.1—9(7) | 168 | F2017L0041411 April 2017FSC11013 April 2017 | 13 April 2017 | am | Cross-references to Standard 1.2.7. |\n| 1.2.1—11(c) | 165 | F2016L0136730 Aug 2016FSC1071 Sept 2016 | (1 July 2018) | rep | References to country of origin labelling. |\n| 1.2.1—14 | 165 | F2016L0136730 Aug 2016FSC1071 Sept 2016 | (1 July 2018) | rep | References to country of origin labelling. |\n| 1.2.1—16(3) | 157 | F2015L013741 Sept 2015FSC993 Sept 2015 | 1 March 2016 | am | Correction of typographical error in cross-reference. |\n| 1.2.1—17 | 157 | F2015L013741 Sept 2015FSC993 Sept 2015 | 1 March 2016 | am | Correction of typographical error. |\n| 1.1.2—2(3) | 194 | F2020L0095228 July 2020FSC 13531 July 2020 | 31 July 2020 | ad | Cross-references to Standard 2.7.1.For application, saving and transitional provisions, see above table. |\n| 1.2.1—2(3) | 200 | F2021L006842 June 2021FSC1413 June 2021 | 3 June 2021 | am | Correction of typographical error. |\n| 1.2.1—6(1)(c) | 200 | F2021L006842 June 2021FSC1413 June 2021 | 3 June 2021 | am | Correction of typographical error. |\n| 1.2.1—8(1)(b), (d), (k)(i) | 200 | F2021L006842 June 2021FSC1413 June 2021 | 3 June 2021 | am | Correction of typographical error. |\n| 1.2.1 — 8(3) | 200 | F2021L006842 June 2021FSC1413 June 2021 | 3 June 2021 | am | Correction of typographical error. |\n| 1.2.1—10 | 200 | F2021L006842 June 2021FSC1413 June 2021 | 3 June 2021 | am | Correction of typographical error. |\n| 1.2.1—12(3)(b) | 200 | F2021L006842 June 2021FSC1413 June 2021 | 3 June 2021 | am | Correction of typographical error. |\n| 1.2.1—15(b)(c) | 200 | F2021L006842 June 2021FSC1413 June 2021 | 3 June 2021 | am | Correction of typographical error. |\n| 1.2.1—20(2)(b) | 200 | F2021L006842 June 2021FSC1413 June 2021 | 3 June 2021 | am | Correction of typographical error. |\n| 1.2.1—20 (3)(c) | 200 | F2021L006842 June 2021FSC1413 June 2021 | 3 June 2021 | am | Correction of typographical error. |\n| 1.2.1—8(1) (t) | 210 | F2022L0106112 August 2022FSC 15012 August 2022 | 12 August 2022 | am | Cross-reference to Standard 2.6.2. |\n| 1.2.1—9(3) | 227 | F2024L0046718 April 2024FSC16729 April 2024 | 29 April 2024 | ad | Cross-reference to Standard 1.5.2—4 |\n| 1.2.1—8(1)(l) | 239 | F2025L0068918 June 2025FSC 17918 June 2025 | 18 June 2025 | rs | Repeal and substitute 1.2.1—8(1)(l) to include 1.2.1—8(1)(l) and 1.2.1—8(1)(la). |\n| 1.2.1—9(3)(ba) | 239 | F2025L0068918 June 2025FSC 17918 June 2025 | 18 June 2025 | rs | Repeal and substitute 1.2.1—9(3)(ba) to include 1.2.1—9(3)(ba) and 1.2.1—9(3)(baa). |\n| 1.2.1—15(g) | 239 | F2025L0068918 June 2025FSC 17918 June 2025 | 18 June 2025 | rs | Repeal and substitute 1.2.1—15(g) to include 1.2.1—15(g) and 1.2.1—15(h). |\n| 1.2.1—8(1)(z) | 241 | F2025L0092312 August 2025FSC 18013 August 2025 | 13 August 2025 | rs | add new item (za) *prescribed beverages—an energy statement.For application, saving and transitional provisions, see above table. |\n| 1.2.1—8(1)(k); 9(3)(b); 9(3)(ba); 15(f) | 243 | F2025L0098826 August 2025FSC1832 Sept 2025 | 2 September 2025 | rs | Repeal foods produced using gene technology and replace with genetically modified food |","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Standard has grown significantly beyond its original scope. Originally focused on basic labelling requirements for retail food, it has expanded to include: (1) specific labelling for emerging food technologies (genetically modified food, irradiated food, and most recently cell-cultured food in 2025); (2) detailed requirements for specific product categories like pregnancy warnings on alcohol and energy statements on alcoholic beverages; (3) complex transitional arrangements for industry adaptation; and (4) increasingly granular exceptions for different sales contexts (retail vs catering vs wholesale). The removal of country of origin labelling provisions in 2016 (now handled by separate legislation) shows scope contraction in some areas, but overall the Standard has become more prescriptive and technologically current."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing: The Standard contains dozens of references to other Standards and sections (e.g., 'see section 1.2.2—2', 'see Standard 1.2.8', 'see Standard 2.7.1'), requiring readers to consult multiple documents for full compliance.","Multiple overlapping categories: The Standard creates parallel but distinct regimes for retail sales, caterer sales, and 'other sales' (wholesale), each with slightly different labelling requirements and exceptions.","Nested exceptions: Section 1.2.1—6 contains multiple layers of exceptions (food made on premises, packaged in presence of purchaser, fundraising events, etc.), each with their own sub-exceptions and specific conditions.","Conditional formatting requirements: Different font sizes apply depending on package size (1.5mm vs 3mm for warning statements), and legibility requirements vary by context.","Defined terms with special meanings: Terms like 'bear a label', 'caterer', 'label', and 'labelling' have specific statutory definitions that differ from ordinary usage.","Product-specific requirements: The Standard incorporates by reference numerous specific requirements for particular food categories (alcohol, meat, fish, infant formula, GM foods, irradiated foods, cell-cultured foods, etc.) scattered across other Standards.","Transitional provisions: The compilation includes multiple transitional arrangements with different commencement and cessation dates (e.g., pregnancy warning labels 2020-2023, energy labelling 2025-2028), creating temporal complexity.","Amendment history complexity: The Standard has been amended 12+ times since 2015, with some amendments repealing sections (country of origin labelling removed in 2016) and others adding new categories (cell-cultured food in 2025).","Dual jurisdiction application: The Standard operates across both Australian and New Zealand legal systems with different enabling legislation in each country."],"plain_english_summary":"This Standard sets mandatory labelling rules for food sold in Australia and New Zealand, applying across the supply chain—from manufacturers and importers to retailers, caterers and wholesalers. It requires packaged foods sold at retail to display key information (name, lot ID, supplier, allergens, ingredients, date marks, storage and nutrition), with tailored, lesser requirements for sales to caterers and business-to-business transactions and practical exceptions for some fresh or on‑site prepared foods.\n\nClear, legible warnings and supplier details support consumer safety, allergy avoidance and traceability for recalls."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Since initial publication the Standard has expanded beyond a basic framework for when food must carry a label. Amendments have layered a substantial number of product‑specific labelling obligations onto the core rule (examples in the Amendment History include: pregnancy warning labels on alcoholic beverages — Amendment No. 194 (transition to 31 July 2023); electrolyte drink composition and labelling rules — Amendment No. 210 (transition to 12 August 2024); energy labelling on prescribed alcoholic beverages — Amendment No. 241 (transition 13 August 2025–13 August 2028); addition of cell‑cultured food declarations — Amendment No. 239 (18 June 2025); and replacement of the \"foods produced using gene technology\" wording with \"genetically modified food\" — Amendment No. 243 (2 September 2025)). These additions have increased the Standard's substantive scope (new categories and declarations), added cross‑references to many other Code standards, and introduced multiple transitional regimes so that old and new labelling rules can coexist for defined periods. The result is a Standard that now functions both as a general labelling framework and as a repository of numerous product‑specific labelling mandates and transition rules."},"complexity_factors":["6 substantive Divisions (Preliminary; Retail sales; Sales to caterers; Other sales; General prohibitions; Legibility)","Around 30 distinct required label content items listed in section 1.2.1—8(1) (plus product‑specific subitems)","Multiple defined terms in the standard itself (e.g. 'bear a label', 'caterer', 'label', 'labelling') and heavy reliance on Code‑wide definitions","Extensive cross‑references to many other Standards (e.g. Standards 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.2.4, 1.2.7, 1.2.8, 1.3.2, 1.5.2, 1.5.3, 1.5.4, 2.2.1, 2.2.3, 2.4.1, 2.6.1, 2.6.2, 2.6.3, 2.6.4, 2.7.1, 2.9.x and 2.10.2)","Nested exceptions and conditional logic (for example subsection 1.2.1—6(1) lists six exemptions; 1.2.1—6(2) and (3) create different rules for multilayer packaging and portion packs)","Special‑case rules (hampers, vending machines, individual portion packs, sales to caterers, intra‑company transfers) increase branchiness","Specific legibility rules (English language requirement, prominence/contrast, minimum font sizes for warning statements) add prescriptive formatting requirements (1.2.1—24, 1.2.1—25)","Amendment history with multiple recent substantive changes (pregnancy warnings, electrolyte drinks, energy labelling for prescribed beverages, genetically modified → 'genetically modified food', cell‑cultured food), each with transitional provisions","Transitional arrangements create temporal complexity (parallel compliance regimes during transition periods; sell‑through rules)","Application depends on how the food is sold (retail, to caterers, other sales), so compliance pathways differ by sales channel"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this Standard does (in plain English)**\n\n- This is the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code Standard 1.2.1. It sets out when food sold to consumers, caterers or other buyers must carry a label (or otherwise have certain information provided), what information must appear, and how labels must look (legibility, language, minimum font sizes for warnings).\n\n- Who it affects: food manufacturers, packagers, suppliers, retailers, vending‑machine operators, caterers (restaurants, schools, hospitals, canteens), and enforcement bodies (the \"relevant authority\") who check compliance. It also affects businesses that supply ingredient foods to other food businesses.\n\n- Where the rules apply (mechanically):\n - Division 2 (retail sales): A packaged food sold at retail must generally bear a label unless a listed exemption applies (for example, packaged on the premises where sold, packaged in the purchaser's presence, certain fresh fruit/vegetables, special order deliveries, fundraising events, or displayed in an assisted‑service cabinet)—see section 1.2.1—6(1).\n - Division 3 (sales to caterers): Foods sold to caterers must bear a label or be accompanied by documentation containing required information (see sections 1.2.1—12 to 1.2.1—17).\n - Division 4 (other sales): Packaging sold outside the above contexts must carry a short set of information (name of the food, lot ID and supplier details) or provide it on request (see sections 1.2.1—20 and 1.2.1—21).\n - Division 5 and 6: General prohibitions on altering labels (1.2.1—22), application of labelling rules to advertising (1.2.1—23), and legibility/language and minimum type sizes for warning statements (1.2.1—24 and 1.2.1—25).\n\n- What information is required on labels (mechanics): Section 1.2.1—8(1) lists the general requirements that apply when a label is required: name of the food; lot identification; supplier name and address; advisory/warning statements and certain declarations (e.g. allergens); ingredient statement; date markings; storage conditions and directions for use; nutrition labelling and specific nutrition/health claims rules; plus many product‑specific declarations (for example, alcohol content and number of standard drinks, characterising ingredients, genetically modified food statements, irradiated or cell‑cultured food declarations, declarations for minced meat, formed fish, juice blend percentages, electrolyte drinks, kava, and others). Many of these are implemented by cross‑reference to other Standards in the Code (for example Standards 1.2.8, 1.3.2, 2.6.2, 2.7.1 etc.).\n\n- Special cases and practical mechanics:\n - Individual portion packs that are not sold separately but have a surface area ≥ 30 cm2 must carry specific warning/declaration information (1.2.1—6(3) and 1.2.1—8(3)).\n - Foods sold in hampers: each packaged item must be labelled and unpackaged items accompanied by labelling; the hamper itself must show supplier name/address (1.2.1—8(2)).\n - Vending machines must display the supplier name and business address on or in the machine in a clear and prominent way (1.2.1—8(4)).\n - If a label has incorrect information it may be relabelled provided the new label is permanently fixed and the incorrect information is not visible (1.2.1—22(2)).\n\n- Purpose statements from the instrument and an operational check: The Standard presents these requirements to ensure consumers, purchasers and downstream food businesses have the information they need (names, ingredients, safety warnings, nutrition, traceability). Mechanically, that is achieved by requiring labels on packaged foods and by requiring specified information to accompany or be available for unpackaged foods or sales to caterers (see especially sections 1.2.1—6, 1.2.1—8, 1.2.1—9, 1.2.1—12 to 1.2.1—17).\n\n- Practical effects, costs and incentives (how it changes behaviour and who bears costs):\n - Who pays: primary compliance costs fall on the supplier/packager/manufacturer (labelling design, printing, recordkeeping, and any testing needed to support declarations—see section 1.2.1—8(1) which cross‑references other standards). Retailers and caterers may also bear costs where they must provide documentation or information on request.\n - Who decides: suppliers decide how to present required information on pack; the relevant authority can grant permission to alter labels or impose conditions (1.2.1—22(1)).\n - Behavioural incentives: the Standard incentivises suppliers to ensure traceability (lot identification), to declare allergen and safety information up front, and to keep documentation that supports claims and compositional requirements so it can be supplied to caterers or enforcers on request (1.2.1—17, 1.2.1—21).\n - Substitution effects and compliance choices: sellers may choose packaging formats or sales channels that change the labelling obligations (for example, selling unpackaged food may avoid full pack labelling obligations but still triggers display/accompanying information obligations under section 1.2.1—9). Multilayer packaging rules allow one label in many cases (1.2.1—6(2)), which somewhat lowers printing/formatting cost.\n - Concentrated costs and diffuse benefits: manufacturers of labelled products face concentrated compliance costs (redesign, reprinting, testing), while consumer and purchaser information benefits are dispersed among end users.\n - Implementation risks and administrative burden: extensive cross‑references to other standards create a need to consult multiple parts of the Code; product‑specific requirements (e.g. alcohol pregnancy warnings, energy statements, genetically modified/cell‑cultured declarations) increase complexity for businesses that make or import diverse products (see section 1.2.1—8(1) and the Amendment History).\n\n- Transitional and amendment mechanics: The Standard has been amended many times to add product‑specific labelling rules (pregnancy warnings, energy labelling on some alcoholic beverages, electrolyte drink declarations, genetically modified/cell‑cultured food declarations, vitamin D cereal rules, and others). Amendments typically include transitional arrangements that allow sale of stock labelled under the old rules for a defined period (see the Application, saving and transitional provisions in the compilation and the Amendment History entries, e.g. Amendments 194, 210, 241, 243). Those transitional periods reduce immediate supply‑chain disruption but extend the period in which multiple labelling regimes coexist.\n\nKey sections to look at when you need to comply: 1.2.1—6 (when a label is required), 1.2.1—8 (what must appear on the label), 1.2.1—9 (requirements where no label is required), 1.2.1—12 to 1.2.1—17 (sales to caterers), 1.2.1—20 to 1.2.1—21 (other sales), 1.2.1—22 to 1.2.1—25 (prohibitions and legibility).\n\nThis summary describes the regulatory mechanics; the Standard relies heavily on cross‑references to other parts of the Code for detailed compositional or claim tests. If you are a supplier or packager, the practical next step is to map your product range to the items listed in section 1.2.1—8(1) and the cross‑referenced Standards to determine which specific declarations you must support and how long any transition periods allow sell‑through of older labels."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/australia-new-zealand-food-standards-code-standard-1-2-1-requirements-to-have-labels-or-otherwise-pr","history":"/api/acts/australia-new-zealand-food-standards-code-standard-1-2-1-requirements-to-have-labels-or-otherwise-pr/history","analysis":"/api/acts/australia-new-zealand-food-standards-code-standard-1-2-1-requirements-to-have-labels-or-otherwise-pr/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/australia-new-zealand-food-standards-code-standard-1-2-1-requirements-to-have-labels-or-otherwise-pr/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/australia-new-zealand-food-standards-code-standard-1-2-1-requirements-to-have-labels-or-otherwise-pr/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/australia-new-zealand-food-standards-code-standard-1-2-1-requirements-to-have-labels-or-otherwise-pr/documents"}}