Packaging Deadline

From July 1, 2025, all businesses in the ARL Program must replace the ‘Return to Store’ logo on soft plastics with the new ‘Check Locally’ logo.

Packaging that meets the updated recyclability thresholds has been implemented to prevent misleading labels, enhance recycling accuracy and ensure and support a circular economy. APCO is encouraging packaging designs that facilitate higher-value recovery and align with global best practices.

For further assistance, MSAC offers resources and support to help businesses transition smoothly to the updated ARL requirements through assessing your packaging, conducting PREP reports, and updating labels for qualification. To avoid misrepresentation, businesses are encouraged to consider joining to ensure compliance and support sustainable packaging practices. Contact us today to ensure your ARL logos are meeting APCO legislative requirements.

USA Artificial Colour Ban

In April 2025, the U.S. announced a ban on certain artificial food dyes due to health concerns, particularly for children.

In April, the FDA, under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., identified Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow Nos. 5 and 6, Blue Nos. 1 and 2, and Green No. 3, are common in processed snacks, drinks, breakfast cereals, and some beauty products.

Advocates argue these additives have no nutritional value and may cause harm. The FDA will work with manufacturers on a gradual phase-out and is exploring natural dye alternatives, recently approving three plant-based options, including ones from an algae base and a butterfly pea flower.

Some states, like West Virginia, are also introducing their bans, especially in schools. The U.S. move aligns with stricter regulations seen in the UK and EU, and a similar approach may follow in Australia. MSAC will be staying tuned for potential developments on this issue.

Alcohol Energy Labelling

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved Proposal P1059, introducing mandatory energy labelling on most packaged alcoholic beverages sold in Australia and New Zealand.

FSANZ led the change, with input from groups: Australian Grape & Wine, Dietitians Australia, and Cancer Council Australia. The review addressed that consumers often underestimate the energy content of alcoholic beverages. Evidence has shown the need to align alcoholic beverage labelling with dietary guidelines for consumer support and education, with the energy labelling on alcohol products in support of public health movements.  

The front of pack energy statement will include the below in the prescribed format table:

Energy Information

Servings per package: (insert number of servings)

Servings size: mL(insert number) – standard drinks

Quantity per serving

Quantity per 100mL
Energy
kJ (Cal)
kJ (Cal)

The mandated changes have been approved and will take effect 60 days from April 7 if no amendments are made by Food Ministers.

Our team can help update your product labels, from calculating energy content to artwork updates and claims review.

Health Star Rating and Nutrition Panel Submission Responses

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is reviewing the Health Star Rating (HSR) system and Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) to improve clarity, parallel integration, and support healthier food choices.

The aim is to align both systems for clearer, more consistent communication. The review report has been published.

This review, led by FSANZ with input from Australian and New Zealand food ministers, included stakeholder feedback from public health, consumer groups, academia, industry, and government.

HSR: FSANZ is considering mandatory implementation if the voluntary uptake target of 70% isn’t met by 14 November 2025. Key areas of focus include clearer graphics, public education efforts, and refining the rating algorithm.

NIP: Proposed updates aim to improve readability and consumer understanding, including possibly adding dietary fibre and added sugar. Additional discussion of the format to make the panel more effective was included.

Changes are expected in early 2026 and will consider public support, regulatory costs, and supporting evidence.

Need help updating your product labels? We offer support with energy calculations, artwork updates, and claims reviews. Contact us to get started.

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Whole Foods

MSAC’s approach has enabled our teams to upskill and provide feedback along the way whilst delivering on time and to budget. MSAC has been easy to work with adapting to our ways and needs whilst bringing their experience and expert advice every step of the journey.

Bryna Wortham
Global Quality Assurance, Information Management

Gourmet Brands

Working with MSAC Solutions was very straight forward and their professional approach has made the whole process effortless. Thanks to their advice and expertise, I know that all our labels are legal and compliant with the Australian and US regulations and we can fully focus on growing our brand.

Andrew Richards
Managing Director, Gourmet Brands

Andros Barker’s

It is always a pleasure to work with MSAC and their regulatory and technical team is very knowledgeable and responsive. Thanks to them, we are fully confident about launching our new products knowing our labels have been checked by professionals and are fully compliant with the Australian legislation.

Emilie Meyer
Export manager, Andros Barker’s Australia

Scamark / E.Leclerc

We were looking for a partner offering a long-lasting solution, constantly evolving with regulatory constraints, having a broad functional coverage and integrating,

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Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market has 400+ stores across the USA specialising in healthy and organic foods. In October 2017 MSAC Solutions was awarded the implementation of Oracle Retail

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