1. FSANZ Extends HSR Submission Deadline

FSANZ has extended the deadline for stakeholder responses and survey submissions for the proposed mandatory implementation of Health Star Rating (HSR). The extension aims to encourage greater industry participation and gather further evidence to inform the assessment of moving from the current voluntary approach.

Public consultation is now underway on the proposal to require HSR labelling on packaged foods and beverages sold in Australia. While many public health and medical organisations support a consistent and mandatory labelling framework as an important measure to improve consumer understanding and support healthier food choices, manufacturers have highlighted the significant implementation costs and operational impacts that mandatory HSR labelling may present.

The consultation process will play a critical role in determining the future direction of front-of-pack nutrition labelling and its implications for food manufacturers, retailers and consumers. MSAC is actively submitting a survey response to have our say on the front-of-pack labelling scheme and encourage our community to submit their opinions. 

2. Caffeine Ingredient Amendments Gazetted

On May 1st 2026, Food Ministers agreed not to request a review of FSANZ’s proposed amendments arising from Proposal P1056 Caffeine Review. As a result, Amendment 250 to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code was gazetted in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. FSC 190 on June 9th 2026.

The amendment introduces new regulatory requirements for caffeine-containing foods and establishes a transitional period commencing on June 9th 2026, and ending 24 months later, on June 9th 2028. During this period, businesses will be required to review products and implement any necessary changes to ensure compliance with the updated requirements.

FSANZ undertook a comprehensive assessment of caffeine safety, including hazard assessments, dietary intake modelling, social science literature reviews, and evaluations of caffeine’s effects on sports performance. These assessments identified several regulatory gaps where the existing Food Standards Code did not align with current evidence.

In particular, the review found that formulated supplementary sports foods may contain excessive levels of caffeine due to the absence of specific regulatory limits. Inconsistent caffeine declarations on labels were also identified as a concern, increasing the risk of consumers unknowingly exceeding recommended intake levels.

The new requirements are intended to strengthen consumer protections, improve transparency, and provide greater regulatory clarity regarding the use and declaration of caffeine in the food supply.

Businesses should closely monitor the new caffeine requirements, as each has the potential to result in significant compliance, packaging and product reformulation considerations. Early assessment of affected product ranges and implementation planning will help ensure a smooth transition ahead of future regulatory deadlines.

In response to concerns about low fibre consumption in the UK, Sainsburys has launched its Full on Fibre campaign, featuring a front-of-pack logo across more than 500 products. The logo highlights naturally fibre-rich foods such as beans, fruits, vegetables, pulses and wholegrains, helping customers make informed choices while shopping.

The campaign is designed to address the significant gap between the recommended fibre intake. While adults are advised to consume around 30 grams of fibre each day, average consumption remains just over half this amount. To encourage healthier eating habits, Sainsburys has also developed product inspiration across breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, highlighting simple swaps and additions that can help boost fibre intake throughout the day.

The initiative reflects a broader shift towards making nutrition information more accessible and actionable for consumers. By simplifying product identification and providing practical solutions, Sainsburys is positioning fibre as a key nutrient of focus, much like the protein trend that has dominated retail recently.

The conversation around fibre is equally relevant in Australia. According to the 2022–23 National Health Survey, fewer than 20 per cent of Australian adults meet the recommended daily fibre intake. This is due to increasing consumption of ultra-processed and convenience foods, which tend to contain lower levels of naturally occurring fibre. As a result, fibre-rich foods such as wholegrains, legumes, fruits and vegetables have become less prominent in many Australians’ diets. With fibre intake remaining a challenge for many Australians, similar approaches could play an important role in supporting public health outcomes and improving dietary quality nationwide.

Initiatives such as Sainsburys Full on Fibre campaign demonstrate how clear front-of-pack messaging can help guide healthier choices and encourage nutrient-rich purchasing behaviours. Our food compliance services support businesses substantiating nutrition content claims and ensuring labels align with current legislation and industry standards. Whether launching a new product, updating packaging, or responding to emerging nutrition trends, our team can help minimise compliance risks while enabling confident and effective communication of product benefits to consumers.

Data reported by APCO members in 2023 and 2024 indicate that while the use of PFAS in food contact packaging has declined, a complete phase-out has not yet been achieved. Under the 2022 PFAS Action Plan, APCO established a framework to support industry transition, to eliminate intentionally added PFAS and a threshold of 100 ppm total fluorine in packaging materials.

APCO’s voluntary, industry-led approach aligns with broader regulatory developments in Australia and internationally. In July 2025, the Australian Government prohibited the import, manufacture and export of three PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS) through the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS). Further regulatory action may also arise with a recent Senate Inquiry recommending accelerating the phase-out of PFAS across all food contact packaging applications.

Following consultation, APCO will review current thresholds, claims guidance, reporting requirements and program settings to support the ongoing transition away from PFAS in fibre-based food contact packaging, with the longer-term objective of eliminating PFAS from all packaging formats in Australia. Industry engagement will play a critical role in shaping the next phase of the Action Plan and ensuring practical pathways for implementation.

As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, businesses involved in food packaging should monitor developments closely and participate in APCO’s consultation process to help shape a practical and effective pathway towards a PFAS-free packaging future.

Historically, packaging disposal instructions have varied significantly between EU Member States, resulting in a complex mix of colours, icons, codes and local requirements. This fragmented approach has often led to consumer confusion and incorrect waste separation, reducing the effectiveness of recycling systems. The new PPWR pictograms aim to provide clear and consistent disposal guidance.

The regulation establishes a legally binding framework across all 27 EU Member States, creating a common standard for environmental compliance. The symbols will be used across different packaging materials and formats, making it easier for consumers to identify the correct disposal pathway and supporting a higher-quality recycling scheme.

In addition to the new labelling requirements, manufacturers must complete a range of compliance checks before packaging can be placed on the market. These include conformity assessments, adherence to material restrictions and concentration limits, and compliance with calculating and reporting recycled content. Packaging must also meet the relevant sustainability and waste management requirements set out under the regulation.

To support industry implementation, a transition period has been proposed. The mandatory application of the new symbols is expected from August 12th 2028, or 24 months following the adoption of the legislation. Existing packaging and labels may continue to be sold during a transitional period extending to 2029, after which the use of previous labelling systems will no longer be permitted.

The introduction of harmonised recycling symbols represents a significant step towards improving packaging circularity across Europe. By providing clear and consistent disposal instructions, the PPWR aims to increase consumer participation in recycling, reduce contamination in waste streams, and support the EU’s broader environmental and waste recovery objectives.