The NPC is a free online tool used by food manufacturers to estimate the average nutrient content of products and prepare compliant nutrition information panels. The latest dataset draws primarily on FSANZ’s most recent food composition databases, including the Australian Food Composition Database (AFCD) and AUSNUT 2023. It also incorporates new data for a range of food additives and ingredients that have been approved under the Food Standards Code since the previous update.

For businesses that use the NPC to generate nutrition information, the update may result in changes to nutrient values for some ingredients and finished products. FSANZ notes that as food composition data is updated over time, nutrient calculations generated by the NPC may vary from previous results. Businesses should therefore consider reviewing any nutrition information panels that rely on NPC data, particularly when undertaking label updates, product reformulations or compliance reviews.

While the update improves access to nutrition data, it also serves as a reminder that food businesses remain responsible for ensuring the accuracy of nutrition information presented on labels and compliance with the Food Standards Code.

If you need assistance with your nutrition labelling and specification development and management, our services offer support for product development projects and guide food labelling compliance requirements.

The plan identifies three key areas of activity:

1. Developing food standards based on the best available scientific evidence.
2. Coordinating regulatory activities across the food regulation system, including food incident responses and recalls.
3. Providing advice to regulators and food standards information to industry and consumers.

A key focus of the corporate plan is to provide greater transparency around upcoming proposals and projects, helping stakeholders better understand what is on the horizon and when changes may occur. By taking a planned and coordinated approach, FSANZ can focus its resources on what will have the greatest impact on public health, food safety and the broader food regulatory system.

FSANZ recognises the changing food landscape, including innovation in food production, evolving consumer expectations, international regulatory developments, and emerging food safety risks. The continued emphasis on risk management, regulatory coordination, and evidence-based decision-making means food businesses can expect ongoing attention to compliance, traceability, product safety, and consumer information requirements.

A corporate plan outlines strategic direction to inform the industry and deliver tangible outcomes efficiently. With a focus on collaboration, FSANZ works with a reflection on stakeholder feedback across developing standards in line with governments, regulators and the food industry workforce.

To deliver these outcomes, FSANZ invests in five essential areas: workforce, regulatory science, digital transformation, communication, and governance, to strengthen the required capabilities. Altogether, this improves system performance to maintain ongoing trust and be better positioned to evolve and produce highly reputable resources.

MSAC supports this ongoing and future-focused approach to strengthen integration across the industry and deliver outcomes that contribute to a safe and reliable food environment. By continuing to monitor the strategies and future changes expected, we will support and guide in achieving positive outcomes with FSANZ and wider stakeholders in the food regulatory system.

Recent developments have raised further questions about the future of packaging reform in Australia, following the Federal Government’s decision not to introduce proposed mandatory packaging standards during its current term.

The proposed reforms were intended to establish national packaging requirements, including minimum recycled-content targets and measures to reduce problematic materials and chemicals in packaging. The reforms followed an agreement between Australian governments in 2023, intended to move away from voluntary approaches and toward more consistent national standards.

For food manufacturers, retailers and packaging suppliers, consistency is particularly important. A broader question is also in discussion on the development of Australia’s domestic recycling industry. Australian recycling facilities are reportedly operating below capacity, while recycled materials can face competition from lower-cost imported plastics.

This creates a difficult cycle, without sufficient demand for recycled materials, investment in recycling infrastructure can become challenging, while without reliable domestic recycling capacity, businesses may find it more difficult to source recycled content.

The Government has cited cost-of-living pressures as a key consideration in its decision not to proceed with the proposed national scheme at this time. However, questions remain around the actual cost impact of mandatory recycled-content requirements.

Industry modelling referenced by the ABC estimated that mandatory recycling standards could add approximately 0.3 cents per packaging item. This discussion extends beyond the immediate cost of packaging. It also includes the longer-term costs associated with waste management, recycling infrastructure, resource recovery and environmental impacts.

Businesses should continue to consider packaging design, recycled content and recyclability outcomes as part of their broader product development and sustainability strategies, rather than waiting for mandatory requirements to be introduced. Our packaging regulatory services can assist businesses with reviewing packaging requirements; obtaining regulatory advice early can help reduce compliance risks and avoid costly packaging changes later.

This recognition is a wonderful acknowledgement of the professionalism, expertise and hard work of our dedicated team, who provide specialist support to clients across Australia and around the world.

MSAC Solutions began on the Surf Coast, and our local heritage continues to be an important part of who we are. Even our Addis Integrity Intelligence platform takes its name from Point Addis, reflecting the connection between our business and the region where it all began.

While our work now supports global clients, we remain proud of our Surf Coast roots and the community that has been part of our journey.

Receiving this award is a great recognition of what our team has built together and the commitment we bring to everything we do. We would like to thank the Torquay Business Awards for recognising MSAC Solutions, and our incredible team and clients for being part of our continued growth.

A very proud moment for MSAC Solutions and an exciting milestone as we look towards the future.

Legislative labelling changes introduced by FSANZ can occur multiple times in a year, prompting businesses to redesign labels and possible reformulations. Once consolidated, the date is intended to limit label design costs and operational disruptions, allowing a reduction in the burden of labelling changes. FSANZ is proposing the 30th of May to be the least disruptive to the food supply chain.  

Protecting health and safety is FSANZ’s priority, with this approach to be rigorously reviewed to assess public health risk and benefits. FSANZ called for submissions from stakeholders to provide information on an appropriate date and approach, potential benefits and concerns, and offer alternative approaches or solutions. Submissions were encouraged to submit evidence, examples and data to facilitate responses. Submissions opened 21st of July 2026 and closed 18th of August 2026.   

From a regulatory perspective, an annual common commencement date for food labelling changes would provide greater regulatory certainty, allowing industry, regulators and enforcement agencies to better plan for implementation while reducing compliance costs. It could also improve consistency across the food supply chain, reduce packaging waste and streamline enforcement.  

However, a fixed commencement date could delay the introduction of important consumer information, such as food safety or allergen labelling changes, and create a large implementation workload for small businesses.  

To be effective, the approach should retain flexibility for urgent public health and safety changes and provide clear guidance on which regulatory amendments are covered, while providing complex transition management support and education across the supply chain to coordinate implementations efficiently. 

MSAC will be keeping a close eye on the outcomes of the submissions and proposals going forward. Following the consultation, a summary report will be published by FSANZ presenting the information and evidence submitted to consider the potential risks and benefits of adopting the change. 

The findings have raised concerns about the strength of traceability and supplier documentation, particularly around claims made on pack. From a food regulatory compliance perspective, the investigation reinforces the importance of maintaining traceability, supply-chain verification and documentation throughout the supply chain.  

While our labelling system in Australia is regulated by legislation and reputable standards, businesses remain responsible for ensuring that any claims are accurate, substantiated and not misleading. The investigation also highlights the increasing use of scientific authentication techniques as a complementary verification tool alongside documentation and audit processes.

The investigation demonstrates the growing expectation from regulators, retailers and consumers for greater transparency across global food supply chains. Four Corners found the food system is built to protect consumers from unsafe food, checking for contamination rather than fraud. In an increasingly complex global food supply chain, Australia is showing to be falling behind on testing for authenticity on our products on shelves. With limited routine testing to detect substitution, false origin claims and other forms of food fraud can act as a public health risk.

While our borders are working hard to ensure robust testing is compliant with import requirements, with authorities detecting hundreds of non-compliant food products each year, Australia’s regulatory system could be strengthened by requiring routine authenticity testing.

The case serves as a reminder that food integrity extends beyond food safety to include transparency and consumer trust. For food manufacturers, importers and retailers, regular supplier assurance activities, effective traceability systems and periodic verification of high-risk ingredients can help mitigate regulatory and reputational risks. 

MSAC Solutions provides you with services through our data-driven solutions and expert teams to build and optimise your brand’s trust and reputation.

The convention featured more than 50 speakers covering topics including food safety, nutrition, consumer science, sustainability, food manufacturing and regulatory developments.

A recurring theme throughout the program was artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing application across the food industry. Presentations focused on the challenges facing the food sector and the potential for AI to support improved decision-making, greater efficiency, enhanced product development and innovation. Speakers explored how AI tools can help turn data into actionable insights while complementing the expertise of food science and technology professionals.

Other topics of note included sustainability across food, manufacturing and packaging, the impact of GLP-1 medications on consumer food choices, the role of dietary fibre in health and product innovation, and developments relating to Health Star Ratings.

AIFST26 was co-located with foodpro 2026, Australia’s leading food manufacturing, processing and packaging exhibition, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to explore innovation across the entire food and beverage value chain.

In addition to the formal program, the convention offered valuable opportunities for delegates to connect with peers, exchange ideas and strengthen professional networks across the agrifood sector. There was also panel discussion exploring the role of collaboration in addressing industry challenges and driving innovation across the food sector.

AIFST is Australia’s leading professional body for food science and technology professionals. For more information about AIFST and its activities, visit www.aifst.asn.au.

This year, members of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) attended a webinar that explored how science is helping to revolutionise Australia’s food system through an insightful webinar focused on innovation, food safety and sustainability. From the lab to your plate, science underpins every stage of the food system from production and processing through to food safety, labelling and the development of more sustainable products and technologies.

Science underpins food safety you can trust, with scientific research and evidence playing a critical role in identifying emerging food safety risks, strengthening safety controls and supporting regulatory decision-making. The science behind food testing, processing and labelling helps ensure consumers can make informed choices and enjoy food with confidence.

There is a movement where innovation meets sustainability, shown through current advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics, which are creating new opportunities across the food industry. These technologies can support more efficient processing, improve resource use, reduce waste and help businesses respond to challenges across an increasingly complex food supply chain.

Science and innovation are building the future of food, continuing to shape the future of the agrifood sector, creating new opportunities to improve food security, sustainability, safety and quality. Collaboration between scientists, industry, regulators and technical professionals will be essential in turning emerging technologies and research into practical outcomes.

At MSAC, our roles as food regulatory scientists use technical expertise that is applied every day to assess food and product labelling, specifications and technical requirements against legislative standards and regulations. This work supports businesses in navigating regulatory requirements and helps ensure products meet applicable safety, quality and compliance expectations.

We thank our team for their continued dedication to applying science, technical expertise and regulatory knowledge to deliver positive outcomes for industry, consumers and the broader community.

Unlike traditional 1D barcodes that primarily identify a product, GS1-compliant 2D barcodes can store substantially more information within a single code. This enables manufacturers to encode details such as batch numbers and expiry dates while also linking consumers to digital product information including ingredients, allergen declarations, nutrition information, sustainability credentials and recycling guidance.

GS1 2D barcodes offer retailers and manufacturers a multifunctional point-of-sale solution, enabling the delivery of enhanced product information and additional data attributes through a single code. It is important to recognise that mandatory declarations remain, including allergens, ingredient lists, nutrition information panels and date marking, which must continue to appear on the food label unless specific exemptions apply. Digital content should be viewed as complementary rather than a substitute for regulatory labelling requirements.

For businesses considering implementation, it is also important to note that GS1’s 2027 target is an industry ambition rather than a legislative deadline. Current guidance recommends that 2D barcodes be used alongside existing linear barcodes until point-of-sale systems are universally capable of scanning the new formats. Adoption is considered to grow progressively across the Australian retail sector.

As consumer demand for transparency continues to grow, the next-generation barcodes provide an opportunity for food businesses to strengthen product traceability, improve access to information and support transparency. While implementation is not yet mandatory, manufacturers should begin considering how their labelling, packaging and data management systems can support this emerging standard.

While 2D barcodes provide an effective way to deliver additional product information to consumers, businesses should ensure that any information accessed through a digital link is accurate, substantiated and consistent with on-pack labelling. The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code continues to require mandatory information to appear on the food label.

Contact us today to see how your digital content can serve as a complementary source of information to boost your brand and products.

A company’s supply chain emissions often account for the largest proportion of a food business’s carbon footprint and are becoming increasingly important under Australia’s evolving sustainability reporting requirements. The industry continues to invest in renewable energy, food waste reduction, sustainable packaging and supply chain collaboration to support national emissions reduction targets.

For grocery retailers, climate-related disruptions present challenges across the entire supply chain. Delays in transportation, reduced access to seasonal produce and changing growing conditions require businesses to strengthen supplier relationships, diversify sourcing strategies and improve contingency planning to maintain consistent supply for consumers.

In response, many organisations are investing in more resilient supply chains through supplier diversification, improved forecasting, renewable energy adoption, sustainable packaging initiatives and food waste reduction programs. Digital traceability systems and enhanced data collection are also supporting businesses in managing regulatory obligations while improving visibility across increasingly complex supply networks.

Europe has experienced a record-breaking heatwave, impacting the supply chain, population health, and government pressure. These recent events continue to lead the conversation globally in integrating climate objectives into food regulation. Through sustainable food system agendas, the EU is embedding environmental sustainability alongside food safety, consumer protection and agricultural policy.

These developments are influencing global supply chains, with many multinational food manufacturers aligning sustainability programs across all markets, including Australia. Food businesses should continue preparing for increasing climate-related reporting obligations, enhanced supplier engagement and emissions data collection, stronger expectations around sustainable sourcing and packaging, and greater scrutiny of environmental claims and sustainability credentials.

Businesses that actively strengthen environmental efforts, improve supply chain visibility and invest in credible reporting will be better positioned to meet future regulatory requirements while responding to growing customer and stakeholder expectations. Start a conversation with us today to see how you can lead the way in sustainability for your brand.