Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has released a preliminary position paper as part of its ongoing Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) Review. The paper outlines the scope of the review, the methodological approach undertaken, evidence considered to date, and FSANZ’s current findings and preliminary positions on potential updates to NIP requirements.
The review seeks to ensure that NIPs continue to provide clear, useful, and accurate information to support consumer understanding and informed food choices. FSANZ is inviting stakeholder feedback on the preliminary position paper, including any additional data, evidence, or perspectives that could inform the final recommendations to food ministers, expected in early 2026. Submissions can be made through the FSANZ Consultation Hub, with the consultation period closing 30th of November 2025.
This consultation represents an important opportunity for industry, regulators, and other stakeholders to contribute to the future direction of nutrition labelling in Australia and New Zealand.
To recap, FSANZ have agreed to conduct a review of the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) in parallel with the Health Star Rating. The HSR and the NIP are closely linked in helping consumers make informed food choices.
Any changes arising from the NIP review may result in amendments to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, meaning that industry may need to adjust labelling practices.
The nutrition panel is a primary way that consumers receive nutrition information on packaged foods. Revisions could affect how nutrients are displayed, what nutrients are included, formatting, and how the panel supports consumer choice.
An implementation to consider is one announced by the Canadian government of a new mandatory front-of-pack nutrition symbol to be required on pre-packaged foods in Canada that are high in one or more of saturated fat, sugars or sodium. The aim is to help consumers make quicker, more informed choices, and to support health professionals in warning about health risks associated with frequent consumption of these high-level nutrients. The easy-to-understand and mandated principal display panel in a legislative consistency is a quick and informed tool for consumers when shopping for groceries.
The alignment with the HSR preparatory work means that labelling changes could have broader implications, especially if the HSR becomes mandated.
With final recommendations expected early 2026, build in labelling review to update time into your product-labelling roadmap, so you’re not caught off-guard by regulatory shifts.
Business are encouraged to plan for potential label reviews and factor in update timelines within their product labelling strategies to remain compliant with upcoming regulatory changes.
