Proposal P1059 – Energy labelling on alcoholic beverages approved by Food Ministers

The Food Ministers’ Meeting, held on July 25th, 2025, endorsed Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)’s decision to mandate energy labelling on alcoholic beverages (P1059). Amendments to the FSC were gazetted and published by FSANZ on August 13th, 2025.

The energy statement will be mandated and include the below in the prescribed formatted table:

A nutrition information panel may be used instead of an energy statement (must show the number of standard drinks per serving if there’s more than one serve) and is not required on products that currently display a nutrition panel.

The changes will affect most packaged alcoholic beverages sold in Australia and New Zealand (excluding small packages and present nutrition information panels). A three-year transition period has been set from the date of gazettal, and a stock-in-trade exemption for products packaged and labelled before the end of the transition period. The new requirements will appear in FSC Standard 2.7.1. For a summary of the changes, please see the article, Amendment No. 241.  
The public health initiative is a step forward to provide consistent energy information to consumers to make informed choices of energy intake and provide an industry-wide standard for clarity of nutrition information on alcoholic beverages.

Take the lead in updating your alcoholic beverage labelling. Our team is here to develop compliant labelling to include the new legislation with the prescribed energy statement to the correct legal standards. Contact us today to discuss your transition plan and get started.

FSANZ Clarifies Rules for Nutrition Claims on Alcoholic Beverages

In a significant development for alcoholic beverage manufacturers, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved amendments to clarify the conditions under which nutrition content claims related to alcoholic beverages are permitted. Food Ministers have agreed on Proposal P1049 – Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages.

Previously, there was ambiguity in the Code regarding whether claims about sugar were permitted on alcoholic beverages. Standard 1.2.7 will be updated to clarify that nutrition content claims about sugar are permitted on alcoholic beverages, with claims about carbohydrates also allowed. Claims about specific sugars, such as fructose, and other components of carbohydrates are not permitted.

Standard Amendment:

 

If your business produces or markets alcoholic beverages, consider the following:

  1. Review your current product labelling to determine eligibility for sugar-related claims and carbohydrate components.
  2. Update labels and marketing materials to ensure the claims meet Code requirements.
  3. Consult with our regulatory team to confirm compliance before going to market.

To stay compliant or have any questions, reach out to: regulatory@msacsolutions.com

Push for 20¢ Container Refund to Drive Recycling Rates

Across Australia waste, recycling and environmental organisations are urging government leaders to double the current Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) refund from 10 cents to 20 cents.

Reports have shown that Australia’s average container return rate is around 68%, much lower than that of European countries, of 90%.

The CDS, which rewards consumers for returning used drink containers, has delivered results in reducing litter and increasing recycling rates since its introduction. However, many advocates believe that a 10c refund is no longer enough to incentivise real behaviour change. Industry leaders and groups have discussed that a higher refund value could increase recycling rates, reduce landfill, and drive real change in packaging sustainability.

Several state governments are reportedly reviewing the proposal, while the federal government has signalled support for stronger circular economy policies. Business groups and packaging suppliers are watching closely, aware that regulatory changes could demand packaging adaptation.

At MSAC, we ensure that packaging is compliant with Australia’s CDS and packaging regulations. Whether you’re a beverage brand or a packaging company, discuss with us today about the CDS refund for support.

A New Chapter Proposed for Soft Plastics Recycling in Australia

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced plans to authorise the establishment of a new industry-led, voluntary, national soft plastics recycling scheme.

The scheme will be run by Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA) and aims to drive an increase in the collection and recycling of soft plastic packaging. Members of the scheme so far include Coles, Woolworths and ALDI, as well as food brands. 

This move marks an important step towards rebuilding consumer trust and industry confidence after the collapse of previous programs.

The focus of the scheme will be on building infrastructures, expanding in-store and kerbside collection of soft plastics for recycling, and diverting them from landfill.

The ACCC considers that the public environmental benefits outweigh any potential detriment to competition. It plans to grant authorisation for eight years and has included conditions, including reporting to ensure transparency.

We specialise in helping Australian food and beverage businesses navigate packaging compliance and meet the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) requirements. 

Contact us today to ensure your packaging is compliant and ready for upcoming implementations.