FSANZ calls for comment on electrolyte drink labelling

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for comment on proposed changes to the regulation of electrolyte drinks.

This consultation is an important part of the regulator’s assessment of proposal P1030, looking into composition and labelling requirements for electrolyte drinks.

P1030 aims to clarify current requirements for electrolyte drinks, bringing them up to date with the latest scientific evidence and aligning to international regulations.

The changes are designed to support better public health outcomes, including by allowing manufacturers to reduce sugar content and making on-pack health claims clearer for consumers, FSANZ said.

Part of the proposed changes is about the science behind how many carbohydrates are needed in an electrolyte drink before it can be classed as being beneficial during or after exercise. 

Beverages which are marketed as electrolyte drinks in Australia must meet the compositional standards set out in the Code such as maximum and minimum levels of carbohydrates, and they must also comply with the labelling requirements, according to industry body the Australian Beverages Council.

The Code currently requires an electrolyte drink to contain 5% to 10% carbohydrate.

Carbohydrates provide fuel for muscles and the brain and contribute to the flavour of a sports drink, said the industry body. It was generally considered that lower carbohydrate content equated to being less beneficial and thus had to be marketed as being ‘low carbohydrate’.

However, supporting documents found available evidence indicated no clear difference between lower and high carbohydrate electrolyte drinks with regard to hydration parameters and exercise performance. Hence, FSANZ is reviewing the research to adjust to the Code to the latest evidence.

To have your say and for more information, visit the FSANZ comment page. Submissions close at 6 pm (AEST) on 9 July.

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