As the online food market continues to grow, ensuring that consumers have access to clear, accurate and consistent product information has become a key regulatory focus. The policy paper, titled “Information for Food Sold Online: Understanding and Defining the Problem” examines the current state of online food labelling and the challenges faced by both businesses and regulators.

The paper highlights inconsistencies in how mandatory information, such as ingredient lists, allergen declarations, nutrition information and country of origin is presented across different online retail platforms. In some cases, key details may be missing or difficult for consumers to find before purchase, raising concerns about compliance, consumer protection, and fair competition.

It also identifies that many of the existing food information regulations were developed for physical packaging and may not fully address the complexities of digital retail environments. This creates uncertainty around who is responsible for ensuring accurate information, either the brand, the retailer, or the platform listing the product.

The findings examine the growing need for clearer guidance and consistent enforcement to align online practices with in-store requirements. As online grocery retailers continue to expand, businesses should review their online listings to ensure all mandatory information is accurate, visible and up to date.

Businesses are encouraged to review their digital listings to ensure all required information is clear, accurate, and accessible before purchase, supporting both regulatory compliance and consumer protection in an increasingly digital retail environment. If you require guidance and system guidance, our team is equipped with all the resources you need.