FSANZ to assess alcohol energy labelling
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has begun work on a proposal to change the regulations for how alcoholic beverages are labelled, with packaging in the future possibly set to feature a minimised nutrition information panel with the amount of energy in an alcoholic drink featured prominently.
The proposal comes after a report into the possibility of alcohol’s energy content being featured on its packaging was released in late 2021. The report, Energy labelling of alcoholic beverages, describes how and why alcohol packaging might include its energy content. Unlike most other packaged foods and beverages, alcohol is currently not required to have this information on its labelling. The report noted that this can make it difficult for consumers to make informed choices in regards to dietary considerations. After consultation with industry, public health, consumer and jurisdictional stakeholders, it was agreed that mandatory energy labelling would be a suitable way to address this concern.
The proposal is underway but still in its early stages, with a call for public comments expected after September 2022.
More information about the proposal and the reports supporting it is available on the FSANZ website.
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