Attachment A1

Draft variation to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards

Code (Volume 1, Chapters 1 to 5) – Proposal P1025

Code Revision
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991

Volume 1, Chapters 1 to 5
Contents
Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all
foods 1
Part 1—Preliminary 1
Division 1—Status of Code ..................................................................... 1
1.01 Name .....................................................................................................1
1.02 Commencement ....................................................................................1
1.03 Overview ...............................................................................................1
Division 2—Interpretation ....................................................................... 2
1.04 Application of interpretation legislation..................................................2
1.05 References to other instruments ...........................................................2
1.06 Definitions ..............................................................................................2
1.07 Meaning of RDI and ESSADI ..............................................................13
1.08 Meaning of medical institution .............................................................13
1.09 Phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters ........................................15
1.10 Units of measurement .........................................................................15
1.11 Meaning of average quantity ...............................................................16
1.12 Compliance with requirements relating to warning statements ..........16
Division 3—Application of Code and effect of variations to Code .... 16
1.13 Application of Code .............................................................................16
1.14 Effect of variations to Code .................................................................17
Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements 19
Division 1—Basic concepts .................................................................. 19
1.15 Basic concepts—food..........................................................................19
1.16 Basic concepts—food product ............................................................20
1.17 Basic concepts—ingredient and compound ingredient .......................20
1.18 Basic concepts—component ...............................................................21
1.19 Basic concepts—used as a nutritive substance ..................................21
1.20 Basic concepts—sell ...........................................................................21
Division 2—Basic requirements ........................................................... 24
1.21 Requirements relating to food product on sale ...................................25
1.22 Requirements relating to food product on importation ........................27
1.23 Operation of compositional requirements ...........................................27
1.24 Other requirements relating to food ....................................................28
1.25 Identity and purity ................................................................................28
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements 29

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code i

 Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide
information ........................................................................ 29
Subdivision A—Introductory .................................................................... 29
1.26 Outline of Division ...............................................................................29
1.27 Meaning of label, labelling and bear a label ........................................29
1.28 Meaning of catering sale .....................................................................30
Subdivision B—Retail sales of food products ........................................ 30
1.29 When this Subdivision applies ............................................................30
1.30 Outline of Subdivision..........................................................................30
1.31 When the food product must bear a label ...........................................30
1.32 Australia only—country of origin labelling requirement .......................31
1.33 Information required on general label .................................................32
1.34 Information requirements for food product that does not need to
bear a label ..........................................................................................34
Subdivision C—Sales of food products to caterers ............................... 35
1.35 When this Subdivision applies ............................................................35
1.36 Outline of Subdivision..........................................................................36
1.37 When the food product must bear a label ...........................................36
1.38 When information must be provided with the food product .................36
1.39 Australia only—country of origin labelling requirement .......................36
1.40 Information required to be on labelling ................................................37
1.41 Other information that must be provided .............................................37
1.42 Information that can be requested ......................................................38
Subdivision D—Other sales of food products ........................................ 38
1.43 When this Subdivision applies ............................................................38
1.44 Outline of Subdivision..........................................................................38
1.45 Labelling requirements ........................................................................38
1.46 When information can be requested ...................................................39
Subdivision E—General prohibitions relating to labels ......................... 39
1.47 Prohibition on altering labels ...............................................................39
1.48 Application of labelling provisions to advertising .................................39
Subdivision F—Legibility requirements .................................................. 40
1.49 Meaning of size of type .......................................................................40
1.50 General legibility requirements ............................................................40
1.51 Legibility requirements for warning statements ...................................40
Division 2—Information requirements—food identification .............. 41
1.52 Name of food .......................................................................................41
1.53 Lot identification ..................................................................................41

ii Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 1.54 Name and address of supplier ............................................................41
Division 3—Information requirements—warning statements,
advisory statements and declarations ............................ 42
1.55 Mandatory advisory statements ..........................................................42
1.56 Mandatory warning statement—royal jelly ..........................................42
1.57 Mandatory declaration of certain substances in foods ........................42
Division 4—Information requirements—statement of
ingredients ......................................................................... 44
1.58 Requirement for statement of ingredients ...........................................44
1.59 Requirement to list all ingredients .......................................................44
1.60 Ingredients to be listed by common, descriptive or generic name ......44
1.61 Ingredients to be listed in descending order of ingoing weight ...........45
1.62 Declaration of alternative ingredients ..................................................46
1.63 Declaration of substances used as food additives ..............................46
1.64 Declaration of vitamins and minerals ..................................................47
Division 5—Date marking of food products ........................................ 48
1.65 Definitions ............................................................................................48
1.66 Food product must be date marked on labels .....................................48
1.67 Prohibition on sale of food after its use-by date ..................................49
1.68 Required wording and form for dates for labels ..................................49
Division 6—Directions for use and storage ........................................ 51
1.69 Directions for use, and statement of storage conditions .....................51
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims ................................ 52
Subdivision A—Outline of Division ......................................................... 52
1.70 Outline .................................................................................................52
Subdivision B—Definitions that apply to this Division and Division
8 52
1.71 General definitions that apply to this Division and Division 8..............52
1.72 Meaning of nutrition content claim ......................................................55
Subdivision C—Claims framework and general principles .................... 56
1.73 Nutrition content claims or health claims not to be made about
certain foods ........................................................................................56
1.74 Division does not apply to certain foods..............................................57
1.75 Division does not apply to certain claims or declarations ...................57
1.76 Form of food to which provisions of this Division apply ......................57
1.77 Claims not to be therapeutic in nature ................................................57
1.78 Claims not to compare vitamin or mineral content ..............................58
1.79 Division does not prescribe words ......................................................58

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code iii

 Subdivision D—Requirements for nutrition content claims .................. 58
1.80 Presentation of nutrition content claims ..............................................58
1.81 Nutrition content claims about properties of food in section
S4.01 of Schedule 4 ............................................................................58
1.82 Nutrition content claims about properties of food not in section
S4.01 of Schedule 4 ............................................................................59
1.83 Nutrition content claims about choline, fluoride or folic acid ...............59
1.84 Nutrition content claims must not imply slimming effects ....................60
1.85 Comparative claims .............................................................................60
Subdivision E—Requirements for health claims .................................... 61
1.86 Application or proposal to vary S4.03 of Schedule 4 taken to be
a high level health claims variation .....................................................61
1.87 Conditions for making health claims ...................................................61
1.88 Requirement when making a general level health claim under
paragraph 1.87(3)(b) ...........................................................................62
1.89 How health claims are to be made ......................................................62
1.90 Split health claims ...............................................................................64
1.91 Statements for claims about phytosterols, phytostanols and
their esters ...........................................................................................64
Subdivision F—Endorsements................................................................. 64
1.92 Endorsing bodies .................................................................................64
1.93 Criteria for endorsements ....................................................................64
Subdivision G—Additional labelling of food required to meet the
NPSC ............................................................................... 65
1.94 Method for calculating a nutrient profiling score .................................65
1.95 Labelling of food required to meet the NPSC .....................................66
1.96 Labelling exemptions for certain foods................................................66
Division 8—Nutrition information requirements ................................. 67
Subdivision A—Purpose and interpretation............................................ 67
1.97 Purpose ...............................................................................................67
1.98 Application of Division .........................................................................67
1.99 Interpretation of Division .....................................................................67
Subdivision B—Nutrition information panels ......................................... 67
1.100 When nutrition information panel is not required ................................67
1.101 What must be on nutrition information panel ......................................68
1.102 How to express particular matters in nutrition information panel ........70
1.103 Percentage daily intake information ....................................................71
1.104 Percentage recommended dietary intake information ........................72
1.105 Information referred to in sections 1.103 and 1.104 may be

iv Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 presented outside nutrition information panel .....................................72
1.106 Requirement for dehydrated or concentrated food .............................73
1.107 Food intended to be drained before consumption ..............................73
1.108 Food intended to be prepared or consumed with other food ..............73
1.109 Requirement for food products in small packages ..............................74
Division 9—Characterising ingredients and components of food .... 75
1.110 Definitions ............................................................................................75
1.111 Requirement to declare characterising ingredients and
components .........................................................................................75
1.112 Calculating proportion of characterising ingredients ...........................76
1.113 Calculating proportion of characterising ingredients where
moisture loss occurs............................................................................77
1.114 Calculating proportion of characterising ingredient where
proportion is declared in nutrition information panel ...........................77
1.115 Method of calculating proportion of characterising components .........77
1.116 Declaration of characterising ingredients and components ................78
Division 10—Country of origin labelling requirements ...................... 79
1.117 Interaction with other Divisions ...........................................................79
1.118 Labelling requirements—unpackaged food ........................................79
1.119 Labelling requirements—packaged fresh fruit or vegetables ..............80
1.120 Labelling requirements—packaged food other than fresh fruit or
vegetables ...........................................................................................80
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food 81
Division 1—Outline of Part ................................................................... 81
1.121 Outline .................................................................................................81
Division 2—Food additives ................................................................... 82
1.122 Interpretation .......................................................................................82
1.123 When food additives may be used as ingredients in foods .................83
1.124 Maximum permitted levels of food additives in foods .........................83
1.125 Limitation on use of intense sweeteners .............................................85
1.126 Food additives performing the same purpose .....................................85
Division 3—Vitamins and minerals ...................................................... 86
1.127 Meaning of reference quantity .............................................................86
1.128 Listed vitamins and minerals may be used as nutritive
substance in foods ..............................................................................86
1.129 Claims in relation to vitamin and mineral content of foods..................87
1.130 Calculation of maximum quantity of a vitamin or mineral which
may be claimed in a reference quantity of food ..................................87

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code v

 Division 4—Processing aids................................................................. 88
Subdivision A—Interpretation .................................................................. 88
1.131 Meaning of used as a processing aid ..................................................88
1.132 Permission to use substance as processing aid .................................89
Subdivision B—Processing aids that may be used with any food ........ 89
1.133 Generally permitted processing aids for all foods ...............................89
1.134 Processing aids for certain purposes for all foods ..............................89
1.135 Enzymes ..............................................................................................89
1.136 Microbial nutrients and microbial nutrient adjuncts .............................90
Subdivision C—Processing aids that can be used with specified
foods ............................................................................... 90
1.137 Processing aids for water ....................................................................90
1.138 Bleaching, washing and peeling agents—various foods.....................90
1.139 Extraction solvents—various foods .....................................................91
1.140 Processing aids that perform miscellaneous functions .......................91
1.141 Microbial control agent—dimethyl dicarbonate ...................................91
Division 5—Contaminants and natural toxicants ............................... 92
1.142 Maximum levels of contaminants and natural toxicants in food ..........92
Division 6—Agvet chemicals ................................................................ 93
1.143 Purpose of Division .............................................................................93
1.144 Interpretation .......................................................................................93
1.145 Maximum residue limit of agvet chemicals in foods ............................93
1.146 Extraneous residue limit ......................................................................94
Division 7—Prohibited and restricted plants and fungi ..................... 96
1.147 Interpretation .......................................................................................96
1.148 Exception to prohibition relating to prohibited plants and fungi ..........96
1.149 Exception to prohibition relating to restricted plants and fungi ...........96
1.150 Exception relating to coca bush ..........................................................96
Division 8—Novel foods........................................................................ 97
1.151 Definitions ............................................................................................97
1.152 Sale of novel foods ..............................................................................97
1.153 Exclusive use of novel foods ...............................................................98
Division 9—Food produced using gene technology .......................... 99
1.154 Definitions ............................................................................................99
1.155 When food produced using gene technology is permitted for
sale ......................................................................................................99
1.156 Requirement to label food as ‘genetically modified food’ ..................100

vi Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Division 10—Microbiological limits for food ..................................... 102
1.157 Interpretation .....................................................................................102
1.158 Maximum microbiological levels in foods ..........................................102
1.159 Assessment of microbiological levels ................................................102
Part 5—Processing requirements 104
Division 1—Irradiation of food ........................................................... 104
Subdivision A—Preliminary ................................................................... 104
1.160 Definitions ..........................................................................................104
Subdivision B—Irradiation of food ........................................................ 104
1.161 Irradiation of fruit and vegetables ......................................................104
1.162 Irradiation of herbs and spices ..........................................................105
1.163 Irradiation of herbal infusions ............................................................105
1.164 Re-irradiation of food .........................................................................105
1.165 What sources of radiation may be used? ..........................................105
Subdivision C—Record-keeping for and labelling of irradiated
food ............................................................................... 106
1.166 Record-keeping .................................................................................106
1.167 Labelling and other information—retail and catering ........................106
Division 2—Processing requirements for meat ................................ 107
1.168 Crocodile meat ..................................................................................107
1.169 Game meat........................................................................................107
1.170 Fermented comminuted processed meat..........................................108
Division 3—Articles and materials in contact with food .................. 109
1.171 Restriction on things in contact with food products ...........................109

Chapter 2—Food standards 110

Part 1—Cereals 110
Division 1—Bread and bread products.............................................. 110
2.01 Compositional requirements for bread ..............................................110
2.02 Compositional requirements for wholemeal and wholegrain
products .............................................................................................110
2.03 Application of sections 2.04 and 2.05 ...............................................111
2.04 Requirement for folic acid and thiamin in bread ................................111
2.05 Requirement for iodised salt in bread ...............................................111
Part 2—Meat, eggs and fish 112
Division 1—Meat and meat products ................................................. 112
Subdivision A—Interpretation ................................................................ 112
2.06 Definitions ..........................................................................................112

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code vii

 Subdivision B—Compositional requirements ....................................... 113
2.07 Compositional requirement for sausage ...........................................113
2.08 Compositional requirement for meat pies .........................................113
Subdivision C—Information requirements ............................................ 113
2.09 Statement indicating the presence of offal ........................................113
2.10 Proportion of fat in minced meat .......................................................114
2.11 Information about raw meat joined or formed into the semblance
of a cut of meat..................................................................................114
2.12 Labelling of fermented comminuted processed meat .......................114
2.13 Labelling of fermented comminuted manufactured meat ..................115
2.14 Fermented comminuted meat—unpackaged ....................................115
Subdivision D—Sourcing requirements ................................................ 115
2.15 Bovine must be free from bovine spongiform encephalopathy .........115
Division 2—Eggs ................................................................................. 117
2.16 Application of Division .......................................................................117
2.17 Sale or supply of unacceptable eggs ................................................117
2.18 Traceability ........................................................................................117
Division 3—Fish and fish products .................................................... 118
2.19 Meaning of fish ..................................................................................118
2.20 Labelling of formed or joined fish ......................................................118
Part 3—Fruit and vegetables 119
Division 1—Fruit and vegetables ....................................................... 119
2.21 Meaning of fruit and vegetables ........................................................119
2.22 Compositional requirement for fruit and vegetables in brine, etc ......119
Division 2—Jam ................................................................................... 120
2.23 Compositional requirement for jam ...................................................120
Part 4—Edible oils 121
Division 1—Edible oils ........................................................................ 121
2.24 Compositional requirement for edible oils .........................................121
2.25 Process declaration for edible oils ....................................................121
Division 2—Edible oil spreads ........................................................... 122
2.26 Compositional requirement for edible oil spreads and margarine ....122
Part 5—Dairy products 124
Division 1—Milk ................................................................................... 124
2.27 Compositional requirement for milk ...................................................124
2.28 Compositional requirement for cow’s milk.........................................124
2.29 Composition of skim milk ..................................................................124

viii Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 2.30 Addition of phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters to milk .........125
Division 2—Cream ............................................................................... 126
2.31 Compositional requirement for cream ...............................................126
Division 3—Fermented milk products ............................................... 127
2.32 Compositional requirement for fermented milk and yoghurt .............127
2.33 Addition of phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters to
yoghurt ..............................................................................................127
Division 4—Cheese ............................................................................. 128
2.34 Compositional requirement for cheese .............................................128
2.35 Addition of tall oil phytosterol esters ..................................................128
Division 5—Butter ............................................................................... 130
2.36 Compositional requirement for butter ................................................130
Division 6—Ice cream.......................................................................... 131
2.37 Compositional requirement for ice cream .........................................131
Division 7—Dried milk, evaporated milk and condensed milk ........ 132
2.38 Compositional requirements for condensed milk ..............................132
2.39 Compositional requirement for dried milk..........................................132
2.40 Compositional requirement for evaporated milk ...............................133
Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages 135
Division 1—Fruit juice and vegetable juice ....................................... 135
2.41 Meaning of juice blend ......................................................................135
2.42 Compositional requirement for fruit juice and vegetable juice ..........135
2.43 Name and percentage by volume of juices in juice blend .................136
Division 2—Non-alcoholic beverages and brewed soft drinks ........ 137
2.44 Definitions ..........................................................................................137
2.45 Composition of packaged water ........................................................137
2.46 Addition of fluoride to packaged water ..............................................137
2.47 Labelling—composition of packaged water.......................................138
2.48 Compositional requirement for brewed soft drink .............................138
2.49 Compositional requirement for fruit drink ..........................................138
2.50 Non-alcoholic beverages not to be labelled or presented as
alcoholic beverages...........................................................................139
2.51 Compositional requirement for electrolyte drinks and electrolyte
drink bases ........................................................................................139
2.52 Labelling of electrolyte drinks and electrolyte drink bases ................140
2.53 Claims in relation to the tonicity of electrolyte drinks ........................140
2.54 Compositional requirement for formulated beverages ......................141

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code ix

 Division 3—Kava ................................................................................. 142
2.55 Meaning of kava ................................................................................142
2.56 Exception to prohibition .....................................................................142
2.57 Labelling of foods containing kava ....................................................142
Division 4—Formulated caffeinated beverages ................................ 143
2.58 Interpretation .....................................................................................143
2.59 Meaning of one-day quantity .............................................................143
2.60 Composition of formulated caffeinated beverage .............................143
2.61 Labelling requirements—formulated caffeinated beverage ..............144
Part 7—Alcoholic beverages 145
Division 1—Labelling of alcoholic beverages and food
containing alcohol........................................................... 145
2.62 Meaning of standard drink .................................................................145
2.63 Statement of alcohol content .............................................................145
2.64 Statement of the number of standard drinks .....................................145
2.65 Restriction on representations of low alcohol ...................................146
2.66 Restriction on representation of ‘non-intoxicating’ ............................146
2.67 Restriction on representation as non-alcoholic .................................146
Division 2—Beer .................................................................................. 147
2.68 Compositional requirement for beer ..................................................147
Division 3—Fruit wine and vegetable wine ....................................... 148
2.69 Meaning of fruit wine product and vegetable wine product ...............148
2.70 Compositional requirement for cider, mead, perry, fruit wine and
vegetable wine ..................................................................................148
Division 4—Wine and wine product ................................................... 150
2.71 Meaning of wine product ...................................................................150
2.72 Compositional requirements for wine ................................................150
Division 5—Spirit ................................................................................. 151
2.73 Compositional requirements for brandy, liqueur and spirit................151
2.74 Restriction on use of geographical indications ..................................151
Part 8—Sugars and honey 153
Division 1—Sugars .............................................................................. 153
2.75 Meaning of icing and sugars .............................................................153
2.76 References to sugar ..........................................................................153
2.77 Compositional requirement for white sugar ......................................153
2.78 Compositional requirement for icing ..................................................154
Division 2—Honey ............................................................................... 155

x Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 2.79 Compositional requirement for honey ...............................................155
2.80 Prescribed name ...............................................................................155
Part 9—Special purpose foods 156
Division 1—Infant formula products .................................................. 156
Subdivision A—Preliminary ................................................................... 156
2.81 Outline of Division .............................................................................156
2.82 Definitions ..........................................................................................156
2.83 Interpretation .....................................................................................157
Subdivision B—General compositional requirements for infant
formula products.......................................................... 157
2.84 Use of substances as nutritive substances .......................................157
2.85 Addition of lactic acid producing microorganisms .............................158
2.86 Permitted quantities of added inulin-derived substances and
galacto-oligosaccharides ...................................................................158
2.87 Restriction on levels of other substances in infant formula
product ..............................................................................................158
Subdivision C—Infant formula and follow-on formula ......................... 159
2.88 Infant formula and follow-on formula—composition ..........................159
2.89 Infant formula and follow-on formula—protein ..................................159
2.90 Infant formula and follow-on formula—fat .........................................159
2.91 Infant formula and follow-on formula—vitamins, minerals and
electrolytes ........................................................................................160
Subdivision D—Infant formula products for special dietary use ......... 160
2.92 Products formulated for premature or low birthweight infants ..........160
2.93 Products for metabolic, immunological, renal, hepatic and
malabsorptive conditions ...................................................................161
2.94 Products for special dietary use based on a protein substitute ........162
Subdivision E—Labelling and packaging requirements ...................... 163
2.95 Representations about food as an infant formula product ................163
2.96 Prescribed names .............................................................................163
2.97 Requirement for measuring scoop ....................................................163
2.98 Requirement for warning statements and directions .........................163
2.99 Print size ............................................................................................164
2.100 Declaration of nutrition information ...................................................164
2.101 Date marking and storage instructions..............................................165
2.102 Statements of protein source and dental fluorosis ............................165
2.103 Prohibited representations ................................................................166
Subdivision F—Guidelines ..................................................................... 166

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code xi

 2.104 Guidelines for infant formula product ................................................166
Division 2—Food for infants ............................................................... 167
2.105 Definitions ..........................................................................................167
2.106 Food for infants—general compositional requirements ....................167
2.107 Additional compositional requirements for cereal-based food for
infants over the age of 6 months .......................................................168
2.108 Additional compositional requirements for cereal-based foods
for infants over the age of 4 months..................................................168
2.109 Additional compositional requirements for non-cereal-based
food for infants ...................................................................................169
2.110 Labelling ............................................................................................169
2.111 Additional labelling requirements relating to specific nutrients
and energy information......................................................................169
2.112 Representations ................................................................................170
2.113 Claims about vitamins and minerals .................................................170
2.114 Nutrition information ..........................................................................170
2.115 Food in dehydrated or concentrated form .........................................171
2.116 Storage requirements ........................................................................171
Division 3—Formulated meal replacements and formulated
supplementary foods ...................................................... 172
Subdivision A—Interpretation ................................................................ 172
2.117 Interpretation .....................................................................................172
Subdivision B—Formulated meal replacements ................................... 172
2.118 Meaning of formulated meal replacement .........................................172
2.119 Compositional requirements for formulated meal replacements ......172
2.120 Labelling of formulated meal replacements ......................................173
Subdivision C—Formulated supplementary foods ............................... 173
2.121 Meaning of formulated supplementary food ......................................173
2.122 Compositional requirements for formulated supplementary
foods ..................................................................................................174
2.123 Labelling of formulated supplementary foods ...................................174
Subdivision D—Formulated supplementary foods for young
children ......................................................................... 175
2.124 Meaning of formulated supplementary food for young children ........175
2.125 Compositional requirements for formulated supplementary
foods for young children ....................................................................175
2.126 Labelling of formulated supplementary foods for young children .....176
Division 4—Formulated supplementary sports foods...................... 178
Subdivision A—Formulated supplementary sports foods generally... 178

xii Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 2.127 Definitions ..........................................................................................178
2.128 Composition of formulated supplementary sports foods ...................178
2.129 Labelling information .........................................................................179
2.130 Nutritive substance claims ................................................................179
2.131 Vitamin and mineral claims ...............................................................180
2.132 Prohibition on representations ..........................................................180
Subdivision B—Particular formulated supplementary sports foods ... 180
2.133 High carbohydrate supplement .........................................................180
2.134 Protein energy supplement ...............................................................181
2.135 Energy supplement ...........................................................................181
Division 5—Food for special medical purposes ............................... 183
Subdivision A—Preliminary ................................................................... 183
2.136 Meaning of food for special medical purposes ..................................183
2.137 Definitions ..........................................................................................183
2.138 Application of other Standards ..........................................................184
2.139 Claims must not be therapeutic in nature..........................................184
Subdivision B—Sale of food for special medical purposes ................. 184
2.140 Restriction on the persons by whom, and the premises at which,
food for special medical purposes may be sold ................................184
Subdivision C—Composition ................................................................. 185
2.141 Permitted forms of particular substances ..........................................185
2.142 Compositional requirements for food represented as being
suitable for use as sole source of nutrition ........................................185
Subdivision D—Labelling ....................................................................... 186
2.143 Labelling and related requirements ...................................................186
2.144 Mandatory labelling information ........................................................186
2.145 Advisory and warning statements—food for special medical
purposes ............................................................................................187
2.146 Information relating to ingredients—food for special medical
purposes ............................................................................................188
2.147 Date marking information—food for special medical purposes.........188
2.148 Nutrition information—food for special medical purposes .................188
2.149 Claims in relation to lactose content .................................................188
2.150 Claims in relation to gluten content ...................................................189
2.151 Labelling requirement—food for special medical purposes in
inner package ....................................................................................189
2.152 Labelling requirement—food for special medical purposes in
transportation outer ...........................................................................190
Division 6—Transitional standard for special purpose foods

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code xiii

 (including amino acid modified foods) .......................... 191
2.153 Meaning of amino acid modified food and special purpose food ......191
2.154 Application .........................................................................................191
2.155 Composition ......................................................................................192
2.156 Labelling of special purpose foods ....................................................192
2.157 Labelling of amino acid modified foods .............................................192
Part 10—Standards for other foods 193
Division 1—Vinegar and related products......................................... 193
2.158 Compositional requirement for vinegar and imitation vinegar ...........193
Division 2—Salt and salt products ..................................................... 194
Subdivision A—Compositional requirements ....................................... 194
2.159 Compositional requirement for salt ...................................................194
2.160 Compositional requirement for reduced sodium salt mixture ............194
2.161 Compositional requirement for salt substitute ...................................195
2.162 Compositional requirement for iodised salt .......................................195
Subdivision B—Labelling requirements ................................................ 195
2.163 Labelling requirement for reduced sodium salt mixtures and salt
substitutes .........................................................................................195
Division 3—Chewing gum................................................................... 196
2.164 Meaning of releasable calcium ..........................................................196
2.165 Addition of calcium to chewing gum ..................................................196
2.166 Claims about the presence of calcium in chewing gum ....................196
2.167 Labelling requirements ......................................................................197
Division 4—Miscellaneous standards for other foods ..................... 198
2.168 Compositional requirements for tea and coffee ................................198
2.169 Compositional requirement for peanut butter ....................................198
2.170 Miscellaneous compositional requirements ......................................198

Chapter 3—Food safety standards (Australia only) 200

3.01 Incorporation by reference of other Standards .................................200

Chapter 4—Primary production standards (Australia

only) 201
4.01 Incorporation by reference of other Standards .................................201

Chapter 5—Revocation, transitionals etc 202

Part 1—Revocation 202
5.01 Revocation of standards ...................................................................202
Part 2—Transitional provisions 204

xiv Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 5.02 Transitional provisions for repeal of Standard 1.1A.2—
Transitional Standard for Health Claims ...........................................204

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code xv

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 1—Status of Code
Section 1.01 Name

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that

apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 1—Status of Code

1.01 Name
This instrument is the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Note 1: This Code is a standard under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Act 1991 (Cth). See also subsection 1.13(3).
Note 2: The provisions of this Code that apply in New Zealand are incorporated
by reference into a food standard under the Food Act 1981 (NZ). See also
subsection 1.13(2).

1.02 Commencement
This Code commences on …………………
Note: This Code repeals and replaces the earlier version. Transitional provisions
are set out in Chapter 5.

1.03 Overview
This Code is structured as follows:
(a) Chapter 1 contains:
(i) preliminary material; and
(ii) provisions that apply to all foods;
(b) Chapter 2 contains provisions that apply only to particular
classes of foods;
(c) Chapter 3 deals with food hygiene, and applies in Australia
only;
(d) Chapter 4 deals with the primary production of food, and applies
in Australia only;
(e) Chapter 5 revokes standards 1.1.1 to 2.10.3 and deals with
transitional matters;
(f) Schedules are set out after Chapter 5.
Note: Chapters 1 and 2 replace standards 1.1.1 to 2.10.3. The remaining
standards are incorporated by reference in Chapters 3 and 4. It is expected
that future variations of this Code will result in these standards being
revoked and incorporated into this instrument.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 1

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.04 Application of interpretation legislation

Division 2—Interpretation

1.04 Application of interpretation legislation

This Code is to be interpreted in accordance with:
(a) in Australia—the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 (Cth); and
(b) in New Zealand—the Interpretation Act 1999 (NZ).

1.05 References to other instruments

(1) For this Code:
(a) a reference to an Act, including an Act of a State or Territory or
of New Zealand, includes any instruments made under that Act;
and
(b) a reference to the Code of Federal Regulations, or CFR, is a
reference to the 2012 compilation of the United States Code of
Federal Regulations.
Note: In this Code, the Code of Federal Regulations is cited in the
following format:
[title number] CFR § [section number]

(2) Guidelines developed by FSANZ in accordance with

paragraph 13(1)(c) of the FSANZ Act are to assist in the interpretation
of this Code and are not legally binding.

1.06 Definitions
(1) A term used in the Code that is also used in the FSANZ Act has the
same meaning as in the FSANZ Act, unless the contrary intention
appears.
(2) In this Code, unless the contrary intention appears, the following
definitions apply:
agvet chemical—see section 1.144
altered characteristics—see section 1.154.
amino acid modified food—see section 2.153.
AS/NZS means a joint Australia New Zealand Standard published by
Standards Australia.
application Act means an or Ordinance of a jurisdiction under which
the requirements of this Code are applied in the jurisdiction.
AS means an Australian Standard published by Standards Australia.

2 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.06 Definitions

assisted service display cabinet means an enclosed or semi-enclosed

display cabinet which requires a person to serve the food as requested
by the purchaser.
authorised officer, in relation to a jurisdiction, means a person
authorised or appointed under an application Act or other legislation
of the relevant jurisdiction for the purposes of enforcement of a
provision of the relevant application Act, or for purposes that include
that purpose.
available carbohydrate—see section 1.71.
average energy content—see section 1.71.
average quantity—see section 1.11.
baked-for date—see section 1.65.
baked-on date—see section 1.65.
bear a label—see section 1.27.
beer means a food that may be sold as beer under section 2.68.
best-before date—see section 1.65.
biologically active substance—see section 1.71.
bivalve molluscs—see Standard 4.2.1, clause 15.
brandy means:
(a) for Standard 4.5.1—see clause 1 of Standard 4.5.1.
(b) elsewhere—a food that may be sold as brandy under section
2.73.
bread means a food that may be sold as bread under section 2.01.
brewed soft drink means a food that may be sold as a brewed soft
drink under section 2.48.
bulk cargo container:
(a) means an article of transport equipment, being a lift van,
movable tank, shipping container, aircraft cargo container or
other similar structure:
(i) of a permanent character and accordingly strong enough to
be suitable for repeated use; and
(ii) specifically designed to facilitate the carriage of goods by
one or more modes of transport, without immediate
repacking; and
(iii) fitted with devices permitting its ready handling and its
transfer from one mode of transport to another; and

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 3

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.06 Definitions

(iv) so designed as to be easy to fill and empty; and

(v) having an internal volume of one cubic metre or more; and
(vi) includes the normal accessories and equipment of the
container, when imported with the container and used
exclusively with it; and
(b) does not include any vehicle, or any ordinary packing case,
crate, box, or other similar article used for packing.
business address means the street address, or a description of the
location, of the premises from which a business is being operated.
butter means a food that may be sold as butter under section 2.36.
carbohydrate by difference—see section 1.71.
catering sale—see section 1.28.
cereal-based food—see section 2.105.
characterising component—see section 1.110.
characterising ingredient—see section 1.110.
cheese means a food that may be sold as cheese under section 2.34.
chocolate means a confectionery product that:
(a) is characterised by the presence of cocoa bean derivatives; and
(b) is prepared from a minimum of 200 g/kg of cocoa bean
derivatives; and
(c) contains no more than 50 g/kg of edible oils, other than cocoa
butter or dairy fats.
cider—see section 2.70.
claim means an express or implied statement, representation, design
or information in relation to a food or a property of food which is not
mandatory in this Code.
cocoa means the powdered product prepared from cocoa beans from
which a portion of the fat may have been removed, with or without the
addition of salt or spices.
code number, used in relation to a substance used as a food additive,
means either:
(a) the number set out in the table to Schedule 8 in relation to that
substance; or
(b) that number preceded by the letter ‘E’.
coffee means the product prepared by roasting and grinding coffee
beans.

4 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.06 Definitions

comminuted means chopped, diced or minced.

component—see section 1.18.
compound ingredient—see section 1.17.
condensed milk means a food that may be sold as condensed milk
under section 2.38.
cream means a food that may be sold as cream under section 2.31.
crocodile meat—see section 1.168.
cured and/or dried meat flesh in whole cuts or pieces—
see section 2.06.
decaffeinated coffee means coffee that contains no more than 1 g/kg
of anhydrous caffeine on a dry basis.
decaffeinated tea means tea that contains no more than 4 g/kg of
anhydrous caffeine on a dry basis.
dietary fibre—see section 1.71.
dried milk means a food that may be sold as dried milk under section
2.39.
edible oil means a food that may be sold as edible oil under section
2.24.
edible oil spread means a food that may be sold as edible oil spread
under section 2.26.
electrolyte drink base means a food that may be sold as an electrolyte
drink base under section 2.51.
electrolyte drink means a food that may be sold as an electrolyte drink
under section 2.51.
ESADDI—see section 1.07.
Note: ‘ESADDI’ is an abbreviation of ‘estimated safe and adequate daily
dietary intake’.

evaporated milk means a food that may be sold as evaporated milk

under section 2.40.
extraneous residue limit (ERL)—see section 1.146.
fat—see section 1.71.
fermented milk means a food that may be sold as fermented milk
under section 2.32.
fish—see section 2.19.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 5

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.06 Definitions

flavouring substance means a substance that is used as a food

additive to perform the technological purpose of a flavouring in
accordance with this Code.
flour products means the cooked or uncooked products, other than
bread, of one or more flours, meals or cereals.
flours or meals means the products of grinding or milling of cereals,
legumes or other seeds.
follow-on formula—see section 2.82.
food—see section 1.15.
food additive—see used as a food additive, section 1.122.
food for infants—see section 2.105.
food produced using gene technology—see section 1.154.
food product—see section 1.16.
formulated beverage—see section 2.44.
formulated caffeinated beverage—see section 2.58.
formulated meal replacement—see section 2.118.
formulated supplementary food for young children—see
section 2.124.
formulated supplementary food—see section 2.121.
formulated supplementary sports food—see section 2.127.
fruit and vegetables—see section 2.21.
fruit drink means a food that may be sold as fruit drink under section
2.49.
fruit juice means a food that may be sold as fruit juice under section
2.42.
fruit-based food—see section 2.105.
fruit wine means a food that may be sold as fruit wine under section
2.70
FSANZ means Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
FSANZ Act means the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act
1991 (Cth).
fund raising event means an event that raises funds solely for a
community or charitable cause and not for personal financial gain.

6 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.06 Definitions

galacto-oligosaccharides means a mixture of the substances produced

from lactose by enzymatic action, comprised of between two and eight
saccharide units, with one of these units being a terminal glucose and
the remaining saccharide units being galactose, and disaccharides
comprised of two units of galactose.
game meat flesh—see section 1.169.
game meat—see section 1.169.
game offal—see section 1.169.
gelatine means a protein product prepared from animal skin, bone or
other collagenous material, or any combination of those things.
gene technology—see section 1.154.
geographical indication—see section 2.74.
gluten—see section 1.71.
GMP or Good Manufacturing Practice, with respect to the addition
of substances used as food additives and substances used as
processing aids to food, means the practice of:
(a) limiting the quantity of substance that is added to food to the
lowest possible level necessary to accomplish its desired effect;
and
(b) to the extent reasonably possible, reducing the quantity of the
substance or its derivatives that:
(i) remains as a component of the food as a result of its use in
the manufacture, processing or packaging; and
(ii) is not intended to accomplish any physical or other
technical effect in the food itself;
(c) preparing and handling the substance in the same way as a food
ingredient.
hamper means a decorative basket, box or receptacle that:
(a) contains one or more separately identifiable foods; and
(b) may contain other items, such as decorative cloths, glasses and
dishes.
honey means a food that may be sold as honey under section 2.79.
ice cream means a food that may be sold as ice cream under section
2.37.
icing—see section 2.75.
imitation vinegar means a food that may be sold as imitation vinegar
under section 2.158.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 7

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.06 Definitions

import includes:
(a) in Australia—import from New Zealand; and
(b) in New Zealand—import from Australia.
individual portion pack—see subsection 1.31(4).
infant formula product—see section 2.82.
infant formula—see section 2.82.
infant means a person under the age of 12 months.
ingredient—see section 1.17.
instant coffee means the dried soluble solids prepared from the water
extraction of coffee.
instant tea means dried soluble solids prepared from the water
extraction of tea.
intra company transfer—see section 1.43.
inulin-derived substance means a mixture of polymers of fructose
with predominantly β (2→1) fructosyl-fructose linkages, with or
without a terminal glucose molecule and includes inulin, but does not
include those polymers of fructose produced from sucrose by
enzymatic action.
iodised salt means a food that may be sold as iodised salt under
section 2.162.
irradiation—see section 1.160.
jam means a food that may be sold as jam under section 2.23.
juice blend—see section 2.42.
jurisdiction means a State or Territory of Australia, or New Zealand.
kava—see section 2.55.
label—see section 1.27.
labelling—see section 1.27.
liqueur means a food that may be sold as liqueur under section 2.73.
lot means a quantity of a food that the manufacturer or producer
identifies as having been prepared, or from which foods have been
packaged or otherwise separated for sale, under essentially the same
conditions, for example:
(a) from a particular preparation or packing unit; and
(b) during a particular time ordinarily not exceeding 24 hours.

8 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.06 Definitions

lot identification, for a food product, means a number or other

information that identifies:
(a) the premises where the food product was prepared or packed;
and
(b) the lot of which the food product is a part.
manufactured meat—see section 2.06.
margarine means a food that may be sold as margarine under section
2.26.
maximum residue limit (MRL)—see section 1.145.
mead means a product that may be sold as mead under section 2.70.
meat flesh—see section 2.06.
meat pie means a food that may sold as meat pie under section 2.08.
meat—see section 2.06.
mechanically separated meat—see subsection 1.170(4).
medium chain triglycerides—see section 2.82.
milk means a food that may sold as milk under section 2.27.
mineral water or spring water—see section 2.44.
monounsaturated fatty acids—see section 1.71.
non-alcoholic beverage—see 2.44.
non-traditional food—see section 1.151.
novel food—see section 1.151.
nutrition information panel means a nutrition information panel that
is required to be included on a label on a package of food in
accordance with Division 8 of Part 3.
nutritive substance—see used as a nutritive substance, section 1.19.
NZS means a New Zealand Standard published by Standards New
Zealand.
offal—see section 2.06.
package:
(a) means any container or wrapper in or by which food intended
for sale is wholly or partly encased, covered, enclosed,
contained or packaged; and
(b) if food is carried or sold or intended to be carried and sold in
more than one package—includes each package; and

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 9

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.06 Definitions

(c) does not include:

(i) a bulk cargo container; or
(ii) a pallet overwrap; or
(iii) a crate and packages which do not obscure labels on the
food; or
(iv) a transportation vehicle; or
(v) a vending machine; or
(vi) a hamper; or
(vii) a container or wrapper (including a covered plate, cup,
tray or other food container) in which food is served in a
prison, hospital or medical institution.
perry means a food that may be sold as perry under section 2.70.
polyunsaturated fatty acids—see section 1.71.
pre-term formula—see section 2.82.
processed cheese means a food that may be sold as processed cheese
under section 2.34.
processed meat—see section 2.06.
processing aid—see used as a processing aid, section 1.131.
protein substitute—see section 2.82.
RDI—see section 1.07.
Note: ‘RDI’ is an abbreviation of ‘recommended dietary intake’.

reduced sodium salt mixture means a food that may be sold as

reduced sodium salt mixture under section 2.160.
reference quantity—see section 1.127.
releasable calcium—see section 2.164.
relevant authority means an authority responsible for the enforcement
of the relevant application Act.
salt means a food that may be sold as salt under section 2.159.
salt substitute means a food that may be sold as salt substitute under
section 2.161.
saturated fatty acids—see section 1.71.
sausage means a food that may be sold as sausage under section 2.07.
sell—see section 1.20.
serving—see section 2.117.

10 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.06 Definitions

size of type—see section 1.49.

skim milk means a food that may be sold as skim milk under section
2.29.
small package means a package with a surface area of less than
100 cm2.
soy-based formula—see section 2.82.
SPC—see section 1.157.
special purpose food—see section 2.153.
spirit means a product that may be sold as spirit under section 2.73.
standard drink—see 2.62.
standardised alcoholic beverage means beer, brandy, cider, fruit
wine, fruit wine product, liqueur, mead, perry, spirit, vegetable wine,
vegetable wine product, wine or wine product.
statement of ingredients—see section 1.58.
sugars:
(a) in Division 7 and Division 8 of Part 3—see section 1.71;
(b) elsewhere—see section 2.75.
Note: See also section 2.76 for interpretation of references to sugar.

supplier, in relation to food includes the packer, manufacturer, vendor

or importer of the food.
surface treated fruit and vegetables—see section 2.21.
sweet cassava means those varieties of cassava roots grown from
Manihot esculenta Crantz of the Euphoribiacae family that contain
less than 50 mg/kg of hydrogen cyanide (fresh weight basis).
Note: Sweet cassava may also be known by other common names including
manioc, mandioca, tapioca, aipim and yucca.

tea means the dried or fermented leaves and leaf buds of one or more
of varieties and cultivars of Camelia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntz.
total plant sterol equivalents content—see section 1.09.
trans fatty acids—see section 1.71.
transportation outer means a container or wrapper which:
(a) encases packaged or unpackaged food products for the purpose
of transportation and distribution; and

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 11

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.06 Definitions

(b) is removed before the food product is used or offered for retail
sale or which is not taken away by the purchaser of the food
product.
unit quantity means:
(a) for a food product consisting of a solid or semi-solid food—100
grams; or
(b) for a food product consisting of a beverage or other liquid
food—100 millilitres.
use-by date—see section 1.65.
used as a food additive—see section 1.122.
used as nutritive substance—see section 1.19.
used as a processing aid:
(a) in relation to a food—see subsection 1.131(2), and
(b) in relation to a substance—see subsection 1.131(1).
vegetable juice means a food that may be sold as vegetable juice
under section 2.42.
vegetable wine means a food that may be sold as vegetable wine under
section 2.70.
vinegar means a food that may be sold as vinegar under section 2.158.
warning statement, for a food product, means a statement about a
particular aspect of the food that is required to be expressed in the
words set out in the following provisions:
(a) section 1.56 (warning statement relating to royal jelly);
(b) section 2.57 (warning statement relating to kava);
(c) subsection 2.98(1) or section 2.92 (warning statements for infant
formula product);
(d) paragraph 2.110(3)(c) or 2.111(1)(b) (warning statements for
food for infants);
(e) subparagraph 2.129(1)(a)(iii) or 2.129(1)(a)(iv) (warning
statements for formulated supplementary sports food).
white sugar means a food that may be sold as white sugar under
section 2.77.
wholegrain:
(a) wholegrain, as the name of a food, has the meaning given in
subsection 2.02(2); and
(b) a food is a wholegrain food if it may be sold as consisting of, or
containing, wholegrain under subsection 2.02(1).

12 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.07 Meaning of RDI and ESADDI

wholemeal:
(a) wholemeal, as the name of a food, has the meaning given in
subsection 2.02(2); and
(b) a food is a wholemeal food if it may be sold as consisting of, or
containing, wholemeal under subsection 2.02(1).
wine product—see section 2.71.
wine means a product that may be sold as wine under section 2.72.
yoghurt means a food that may be sold as yoghurt under section 2.32.

1.07 Meaning of RDI and ESADDI

(1) For a vitamin or mineral listed in column 1 of the table to
section S1.01 or S1.02 of Schedule 1, the RDI or ESADDI, as
indicated in column 2, is the amount specified in:
(a) for Division 2 of Part 9 of Chapter 2—column 5; and
(b) for Subdivision D of Division 3 of Part 9 of Chapter 2—
column 4; and
(c) otherwise—column 3.
(2) For this Code, when calculating the amount of a vitamin or mineral
for the purpose of comparing that amount to the RDI or ESADDI:
(a) for vitamin A:
(i) calculate the amount in terms of retinol equivalents; and
(ii) for carotene forms of vitamin A, calculate retinol
equivalents using the conversion factors in section S1.03
of Schedule 1; and
(b) for niacin:
(i) calculate only the proportion of niacin provided by pre-
formed niacin in foods; and
(ii) exclude the niacin provided from the conversion of the
amino acid tryptophan; and
(c) for vitamin C, calculate only the amount of L-ascorbic acid and
dehydroascorbic acid; and
(d) for vitamin E, calculate the amount in terms of alpha-tocopherol
equivalents using the conversion factors in section S1.04 of
Schedule 1.

1.08 Meaning of medical institution

(1) In this Code:
medical institution means any of the following:
(a) an acute care hospital;
(b) a hospice;

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 13

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.08 Meaning of medical institution

(c) a low-care aged care establishment;

(d) a nursing home for the aged;
(e) a psychiatric hospital;
(f) a respite care establishment for the aged;
(g) a same-day aged care establishment;
(h) a same-day establishment for chemotherapy and renal dialysis
services.
(2) In this Code:
acute care hospital:
(a) means an establishment that provides:
(i) at least minimal medical, surgical or obstetric services for
inpatient treatment or care; and
(ii) round-the-clock comprehensive qualified nursing services
as well as other necessary professional services;
to patients most of whom have acute conditions or temporary
ailments, and have a relatively short average stay; and
(b) includes:
(i) a hospital specialising in dental, ophthalmic aids and other
specialised medical or surgical care; and
(ii) a public acute care hospital; and
(iii) a private acute care hospital.
hospice means a freestanding establishment (whether public or
private) that provides palliative care to terminally ill patients.
low-care aged care establishment means an establishment where aged
persons live independently but on-call assistance, including the
provision of meals, is provided when needed.
nursing home for the aged means an establishment (whether private
charitable, private for-profit, or government) that provides long-term
care involving regular basic nursing care to aged persons.
psychiatric hospital means an establishment (whether public or
private) devoted primarily to the treatment and care of inpatients with
psychiatric, mental or behavioural disorders.
respite care establishment for the aged means an establishment that
provides short-term care, including personal care and regular basic
nursing care, to aged persons.
same-day aged care establishment means an establishment where
aged persons attend for day or part-day rehabilitative or therapeutic
treatment.

14 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 2—Interpretation
Section 1.09 Phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters

same-day establishment for chemotherapy and renal dialysis

services means:
(a) a day centre or hospital, being an establishment (whether public
or private) that provides a course of acute treatment, in the form
of chemotherapy or renal dialysis services, on a full-day or part-
day non-residential attendance basis at specified intervals over a
period of time; or
(b) a free-standing day surgery centre, being a hospital facility
(whether public or private) that provides investigation and
treatment, in the form of chemotherapy or renal dialysis
services, for acute conditions on a day-only basis.

1.09 Phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters

(1) A reference in this Code to phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters
is a reference to a substance which meets a specification for
phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters in section S3.23 of
Schedule 3.
(2) In this Code:
total plant sterol equivalents content means the total quantity of:
(a) phytosterols; and
(b) phytostanols; and
(c) phytosterols and phytostanols following hydrolysis of any
phytosterol esters and phytostanol esters.

1.10 Units of measurement

(1) A symbol of measurement used in this Code has the meaning assigned
to it by the table in Schedule 2.
(2) If a symbol is not assigned a meaning by the table, it has the meaning
assigned to it:
(a) in Australia—by the National Measurement Act 1960 (Cth); or
(b) in New Zealand—by the Weights and Measures Act 1987 (NZ).
(3) If a symbol is not assigned a meaning by the table or subsection (2), it
has the meaning assigned to the symbol by the Systeme Internationale
d’Unites.
(4) Where a unit of measurement is referred to in the heading of a table in
this Code, the amounts specified in the table are to be measured
according to those units unless a different unit of measurement is
specified in relation to a particular item in the table.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 15

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 3—Application of Code and effect of variations to Code
Section 1.11 Meaning of average quantity

1.11 Meaning of average quantity

(1) The average quantity of a substance in a serving or other quantity of a
food is arrived at using the method mentioned in subsection (2) that
best represents the quantity of the substance the food contains after
taking into account:
(a) seasonal variability that would cause the quantity of the
substance in foods from that manufacturer or producer to vary
from lot to lot; and
(b) any other factors that would reasonably cause actual quantities
of the substance in foods from that manufacturer or producer to
vary from lot to lot.
(2) The methods are:
(a) the quantity that the manufacturer or producer of the food
determines, based on an analysis, to be the average quantity of
the substance in the serving or other quantity of the food; or
(b) the calculation of the substance, or the calculation of the average
quantity of the substance, in the ingredients used for the food; or
(c) the calculation from generally accepted data relevant to that
producer and the food.
(3) A reference in this Code to the average quantity of a substance where
no quantity is specified is a reference to the average quantity of the
substance in the whole quantity of the relevant food product,
expressed as a percentage.
Note: The Code requires the ‘average quantity’ of a variety of substances to be
listed in the nutrition information about a food product, for example,
sodium, potassium, fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins and minerals.

1.12 Compliance with requirements relating to warning statements

(1) If a provision of this Code requires a warning statement to be used, the
warning statement must be expressed in the words set out in this Code
without modification.
(2) If a provision of this Code requires a statement other than a warning
statement to be used:
(a) that statement may be modified; and
(b) any modification must not contradict or detract from the effect
of the statement.

Division 3—Application of Code and effect of variations to

Code

1.13 Application of Code

(1) Unless this Code provides otherwise, this Code applies to food that is:

16 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 3—Application of Code and effect of variations to Code
Section 1.14 Effect of variations to Code

(a) sold or prepared for sale in Australia or New Zealand; or

(b) imported into Australia or New Zealand.
(2) The following provisions have not been incorporated by reference into
a food standard under the Food Act 1981 (NZ):
(a) sections 1.32 and 1.39, and Division 10 of Part 3 of Chapter 1
(country of origin labelling requirements);
(b) Division 6 of Part 4 (Agvet chemicals);
(c) Division 2 of Part 5 of Chapter 1 (processing requirements);
(d) section 2.04 (requirement for folic acid and thiamin in bread);
(e) section 2.15 (bovine must be free from bovine spongiform
encephalopathy);
(f) subsection 2.26(2) or subsection 2.26(4) (compositional
requirement relating to vitamin D for table edible oil spreads
and table margarines);
(g) Division 2 of Part 2 of Chapter 2 (eggs).
(3) Division 6 of Part 9 of Chapter 2 (Transitional standard for special
purpose foods (including amino acid modified foods)) does not apply
in Australia.
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to wine that:
(a) has a shelf life of more than 12 months; and
(b) was bottled before 20 December 2002; and
(c) complies with all food standards in the case of Australia and all
food standards in the case of New Zealand, that would have
applied on the date of bottling; and
(d) is labelled with a 2002 vintage date or earlier.

1.14 Effect of variations to Code

(1) Unless this Code, or an instrument varying this Code, provides
otherwise, if:
(a) this Code is varied; and
(b) a food product was compliant for a kind of sale immediately
before the variation commenced;
the food product is taken to be compliant for that kind of sale for a
period of 12 months beginning on the date of the variation.
(2) For this section, a food product is compliant for a kind of sale if:
(a) it complies with any provisions of this Code relating to the
composition of food of that kind; and
(b) if a packaging requirement of this Code applies to the kind of
sale—the packaging of the food product complies with the
requirement; and

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 17

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 3—Application of Code and effect of variations to Code
Section 1.14 Effect of variations to Code

(c) if a labelling requirement of this Code applies to the kind of

sale—the labelling of the food product complies with the
requirement.

18 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements
Division 1—Basic concepts
Section 1.15 Basic concepts—food

Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements

Division 1—Basic concepts

1.15 Basic concepts—food

In this Code, for the purposes of application of the Code by an
application Act, food has the same meaning as in the application Act.
Note 1: For Australia the various application Acts each include a definition of
food. These have essentially the same effect, and give ‘food’ a very broad
meaning, but the wording differs slightly. This section ensures that when
the Code is applied by an application Act, there is no doubt that the
meaning is the same as in that Act.
The text of section 3 of the Model Food Provisions, on which the
provisions in the Australian application Acts are based, is as follows:
(1) In this Act, food includes:
(a) any substance or thing of a kind used, or represented as
being for use, for human consumption (whether it is live,
raw, prepared or partly prepared), or
(b) any substance or thing of a kind used, or represented as
being for use, as an ingredient or additive in a substance or
thing referred to in paragraph (a), or
(c) any substance used in preparing a substance or thing
referred to in paragraph (a) (other than a substance used in
preparing a living thing) if it comes in direct contact with
the substance or thing referred to in that paragraph, such as
a processing aid, or
(d) chewing gum or an ingredient or additive in chewing gum,
or any substance used in preparing chewing gum, or
(e) any substance or thing declared to be a food under a
declaration in force under [section 6 of the Food Standards
Australia New Zealand Act 1991 of the Commonwealth]
[and prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this
paragraph],
whether or not the substance, thing or chewing gum is in a
condition fit for human consumption.
(2) However, food does not include a therapeutic good within the
meaning of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 of the
Commonwealth.
(3) To avoid doubt, food may include live animals and plants.
Note 2: For New Zealand, food is defined in section 2 of the Food Act 1981 (NZ)
as follows:
food means anything that is used or represented for use as food or
drink for human beings; and includes—
(a) any ingredient or nutrient or other constituent of any food
or drink, whether that ingredient or nutrient or other
constituent is consumed or represented for consumption by

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 19

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements
Division 1—Basic concepts
Section 1.16 Basic concepts—food product

human beings by itself or when used in the preparation of

or mixed with or added to any food or drink; and
(b) anything that is or is intended to be mixed with or added to
any food or drink; and
(c) chewing gum, and any ingredient of chewing gum, and
anything that is or is intended to be mixed with or added to
chewing gum.

1.16 Basic concepts—food product

For this Code, a food product is a quantity of a food, whether or not in
a package, that is:
(a) sold to a consumer on the basis of a representation that it is
suitable for human consumption, whether:
(i) in the form in which it is sold; or
(ii) after preparation by cooking or another basic or traditional
process on its own or with other foods; or
(b) sold to a person other than a consumer:
(i) on the basis of a representation that is suitable for sale to a
consumer under paragraph (a); or
(ii) on the basis of a representation that it is suitable for sale to
a consumer after preparation by cooking or another basic
or traditional process on its own or with other foods.
Note: The definition of sell in this Code is very broad; it includes offer for
sale—see section 1.20.

1.17 Basic concepts—ingredient and compound ingredient

(1) For this Code, a food is an ingredient of a second food if:
(a) on its own or added to other foods, it is processed into the
second food, including:
(i) by coming into contact with the substance or mixture of
the second food as it is being processed, if any traces are
left in the second food or are likely to be consumed with
it; or
Example: cooking oil, flour dusted on bread dough, rice-paper
wrappings, substances or foods used as processing aids.
(ii) by being added into the substance or mixture of the second
food, whether or not any traces are left in it; or
Example: alcohol that completely evaporates during cooking;
baking powder that is completely transformed into other
substances.
(b) it comes into contact with the second food after processing, and
traces of it are left in the second food.
(2) For this Code, an ingredient is a compound ingredient if it is an
ingredient that is itself made from two or more ingredients.

20 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements
Division 1—Basic concepts
Section 1.18 Basic concepts—component

1.18 Basic concepts—component

In this Code:
component: a component of a food is a substance that can be
identified as a constituent part of the food.
Example: If sodium bicarbonate is used as an ingredient to produce a food, it will
be changed by the cooking into carbon dioxide and salts, which are
identifiable as components of the food.

1.19 Basic concepts—used as a nutritive substance

(1) For this Code, a substance is used as a nutritive substance in relation
to a food if:
(a) it is a substance identified in subsection (2); and
(b) it is added to the food to achieve a nutritional purpose.
(2) For subsection (1), the substances are:
(a) any substance that is identified in this Code as one that may be
used as a nutritive substance; and
(b) a vitamin or a mineral; and
(c) any substance (other than an inulin-derived substance) that:
(i) has been extracted, refined, or synthesised; and
(ii) is not normally sold as a food product; and
(iii) is not normally used as an ingredient by consumers.
Note: Provisions that control use of substances as nutritive substance are in
Division 3 of Part 4 (general provisions on use of vitamins and minerals),
various Parts of Chapter 2 (use of vitamins and minerals in specific foods)
and Part 9 of Chapter 2 (other substances used in special purpose foods).
Substances referred to in paragraph 1.19(2)(a) include those that are
identified in the tables to sections S17.01 and S17.02 in Schedule 17
(vitamins and minerals) and to sections S30.04 and S30.18 in Schedule 30
(other substances).

1.20 Basic concepts—sell

In this Code, for the purposes of application of the Code by an
application Act, sell has the same meaning as in the application Act.
Note 1: For Australia, the various application Acts each include a definition of
sell. These have essentially the same effect, and give it a very broad
meaning, but the wording differs slightly. This section ensures that when
the Code is applied by an application act, there is no doubt that the
meaning is the same as in the Act.
The definition of sell in section 2 of the Model Food Provisions, on which
the provisions in the Australian application Acts are based, is as follows:
sell includes:
(a) barter, offer or attempt to sell, or
(b) receive for sale, or

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 21

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements
Division 1—Basic concepts
Section 1.20 Basic concepts—sell

(c) have in possession for sale, or

(d) display for sale, or
(e) cause or permit to be sold or offered for sale, or
(f) send, forward or deliver for sale, or
(g) dispose of by any method for valuable consideration, or
(h) dispose of to an agent for sale on consignment, or
(i) provide under a contract of service, or
(j) supply the food as a meal or part of a meal to an employee,
in accordance with a term of an award governing the
employment of the employee or a term of the employee’s
contract of service, for consumption by the employee at the
employee’s place of work, or
(k) dispose of by way of raffle, lottery or other game of chance,
or
(l) offer as a prize or reward, or
(m) give away for the purpose of advertisement or in
furtherance of trade or business, or
(n) supply the food under a contract (whether or not the
contract is made with the consumer of the food), together
with accommodation, service or entertainment, in
consideration of an inclusive charge for the food supplied
and the accommodation, service or entertainment, or
(o) supply food (whether or not for consideration) in the course
of providing services to patients in or inmates in public
institutions, or
(p) sell for the purpose of resale.
Note 2: For New Zealand, sell is defined in section 4 of the Food Act 1981 (NZ)
as follows:
(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, sell means sell
for human consumption or use; and includes—
(a) selling for resale for human consumption or use; and
(b) offering or attempting to sell, or receiving for sale, or
having in possession for sale, or exposing for sale, or
sending or delivering for sale, or causing or permitting to be
sold, offered, or exposed for sale; and
(c) barter; and
(d) supplying under a contract, together with accommodation,
service, or entertainment, in consideration of an inclusive
charge for the article supplied and the accommodation,
service, or entertainment;—
and sale and sold have corresponding meanings.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, any article of food that is part of, or
supplied with, any meal or food for which payment is made or
required to be made, and that is supplied for consumption in any
shop, hotel, restaurant, or eating-house, or at any stall or other

22 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements
Division 1—Basic concepts
Section 1.20 Basic concepts—sell

place, or in any vehicle, shall be deemed to have been sold or

offered or exposed for sale.
(3) For the purposes of this Act, every person shall be deemed to sell
or to intend to sell any food if he sells or intends to sell for human
consumption or use any article of which the food is a constituent.
(4) When any food is sold or offered or exposed for sale, it shall be
deemed to be sold or offered or exposed for sale for human
consumption or use, unless the contrary is proved.
(5) For the purposes of this Act, the sale of any food for the purpose of
being mixed with any other food, or with a food of the same kind,
shall be deemed to be a sale for human consumption or use if the
bulk or product produced by the mixing, or any part of the bulk or
product, is intended to be sold for human consumption or use.
(6) The purchase and sale, under the provisions of this Act, of a
sample of any food for the purpose of analysis shall be deemed to
be a purchase and sale of the food for human consumption or use,
unless the seller proves that the bulk from which the sample was
taken was offered, exposed, or intended for sale for purposes other
than human consumption or use.
(7) When a sample of any milk is taken from a package, the sample
shall be deemed for the purposes of this Act to be a sample of any
bulk of which the milk in that package forms part notwithstanding
that the milk was intended to be mixed with milk in any other
package or packages before being sold.
(8) For the purposes of this Act, a person packs any food or appliance
for sale whether he packs the food or appliance for sale by himself
or by any other person.
(9) In this section the term use means any use in connection with the
preparation or packing of food for human consumption.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 23

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements
Division 2—Basic requirements
Section 1.20 Basic concepts—sell

Division 2—Basic requirements

Note 1: In Australia, the Code is enforced under application Acts in each State and Territory, and
under Commonwealth legislation dealing with imported food. In outline, this scheme
operates as follows:
(1) The application Acts comprise a uniform legislative scheme based on Model Food
Provisions that are annexed to the Food Regulation Agreement, an agreement
between the Commonwealth, States and Territories. Under those Acts, a person:
(a) must comply with any requirement imposed on the person by a provision of
this Code in relation to:
(i) the conduct of a food business; or
(ii) food intended for sale; or
(iii) food for sale; and
(b) must not sell any food that does not comply with any requirement of this
Code that relates to the food; and
(c) must not sell or advertise any food that is packaged or labelled in a manner
that contravenes a provision of this Code; and
(d) must not sell or advertise for sale any food in a manner that contravenes a
provision of this Code; and
(e) must not, for the purpose of effecting or promoting the sale of any food in the
course of carrying on a food business, cause the food to be advertised,
packaged or labelled in a way that falsely describes the food.
(2) For paragraph (1)(e), food is falsely described if:
(a) it is represented as being of a particular nature or substance; and
(b) the Code provides a prescribed standard for such food; and
(c) the food does not comply with the prescribed standard.
(3) The relevant Acts are:
(a) Food Act 2003 (New South Wales)
(b) Food Act 1984 (Victoria)
(c) Food Act 2006 (Queensland)
(d) Food Act 2008 (Western Australia)
(e) Food Act 2001 (South Australia)
(f) Food Act 2003 (Tasmania)
(g) Food Act 2001 (Australian Capital Territory)
(h) Food Act 2004 (Northern Territory).
(4) Under the Imported Food Control Act 1992 (Commonwealth), a person is prohibited
from importing into Australia food that does not comply with a requirement of this
Code.
Note 2: In New Zealand, under the Food Act 1981 (NZ) a person must not:
(a) produce any food unless the person and the food comply with all applicable
provisions of the Code relating to the production of the food; or

24 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements
Division 2—Basic requirements
Section 1.21 Requirements relating to food product on sale

(b) manufacture, prepare for sale, or sell any food in New Zealand, or import any
food into New Zealand, unless the person and the food comply with all
applicable provisions of the Code relating to:
(i) food safety; and
(ii) the composition of food; and
(iii) the manufacture of food or, as the case may be, the preparation of
food for sale; or
(c) sell or import any food that does not comply with all applicable provisions of
the Code relating to the labelling of food; or
(d) advertise or promote any food unless that person complies with all applicable
provisions of the Code relating to the advertising or promotion of food; or
(e) sell, or import into New Zealand, any material, container, appliance, or
utensil used, or designed for use, in relation to food, unless the material,
container, appliance, or utensil complies with all applicable provisions of the
Code; or
(f) otherwise act in contravention of, or fail to comply with, any provisions of
the Code relating to food manufactured or prepared for sale or sold in New
Zealand, or imported into New Zealand.

1.21 Requirements relating to food product on sale

(1) This section applies in relation to a food product.
Note : A food product is a quantity of a food that is sold or offered for sale to a
consumer, or with a representation that it is suitable for sale to a
consumer—see section 1.16.

Compositional requirements
(2) Subject to this section, the food product may consist of, or have as an
ingredient, any food.
(3) The food product must not consist of, or have as an ingredient or a
component, any of the foods or substances listed in column 1 of the
table to this subsection, unless expressly permitted by a provision
listed in column 2, or another provision of this Code.

Table to subsection (3)

Column 1 Column 2
Substance or food Provision
1 an agvet chemical Division 6 of Part 4 of Chapter 1
2 a prohibited or restricted plant or fungus, Division 7 of Part 4 of Chapter 1
or coca bush
3 a novel food, if the food product is offered Division 8 of Part 4 of Chapter 1
for retail sale
4 a food produced using gene technology Division 9 of Part 4 of Chapter 1

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 25

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements
Division 2—Basic requirements
Section 1.21 Requirements relating to food product on sale

Table to subsection (3) (cont)

Column 1 Column 2
Substance or food Provision
5 a food that has been irradiated Division 1 of 0 of Chapter 1
6 kava or any substance derived from kava Division 3 of 0 of Chapter 2

(4) The food product must not consist of, or have as an ingredient or a
component, a substance that is used for any of the purposes listed in
column 1 of the table to this subsection, unless expressly permitted by
a provision listed in column 2, or another provision of this Code:

Table to subsection (4)

Column 1 Column 2
Substance Provision
1 used as a food additive Division 2 of Part 4 of Chapter 1
2 used as a processing aid Division 4 of Part 4 of Chapter 1
3 used as a nutritive substance Division 3 of Part 4 of Chapter 1 (vitamins
and minerals)
0 and Part 9 of Chapter 2 (vitamins
and minerals)
Part 9 of Chapter 2 (other substances)
Note 1: There is an overlap between these categories. For example, some
substances may be used as a food additive or as a nutritive substance. For
such substances, there will be different provisions permitting use of the
substance for different purposes.
Note 2: In some cases, a provision refers to the total amount of a substance added
to a food. In these cases, the total amount applies irrespective of whether
the substance was used as a food additive, used as a processing aid or
used as a nutritive substance.

(5) Subsection (4) does not apply to a substance (including a vitamin or

mineral) that is in the food product, or in an ingredient of the food
product, by natural occurrence.
(6) The food product must comply with any provisions of this Code
relating to the composition of, or the presence of other substances in,
food of that kind.
Note: See for example Division 5 and Division 10 of Part 4 (which deal with
contaminants and natural toxicants, and microbiological limits for food,
respectively).

Packaging requirements
(7) If a packaging requirement of this Code applies to the sale of the food
product, the packaging must comply with the requirement.

26 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements
Division 2—Basic requirements
Section 1.22 Requirements relating to food product on importation

Labelling requirements
(8) If a labelling requirement of this Code applies to the sale of the food
product, the labelling must comply with the requirement.
Information provision requirements
(9) If an information provision requirement of this Code applies to the
sale of the food product, the information must be provided as required.

1.22 Requirements relating to food product on importation

(1) If a quantity of food is imported that is intended for sale as a food
product in the form in which it is imported, it must comply with the
compositional requirements under section 1.21.
(2) If the quantity of food is also intended for sale in the packaging and
with the labelling in which it is imported, then:
(a) if a packaging requirement of this Code applies to such a sale—
the packaging of the food must comply with the requirement;
and
(b) if a labelling requirement of this Code applies to such a sale—
the labelling of the food must comply with the requirement.

1.23 Operation of compositional requirements

(1) This section applies in relation to a provision of this Code that
provides that a food may not be sold on the basis of a representation
that it is food with a specified name (indicated by quotation marks) or
of a specified nature unless it satisfies specified compositional
requirements.
Use of specified name
(2) The use of the specified name in connection with the sale of a food is
taken to be such a representation unless the context makes it clear that
no such representation is intended.
Example: The compositional requirement relating to ‘beer’ does not prevent the
use of ‘ginger beer’ in relation to the soft drink, or ‘unhopped beer’ to
describe beer made without the hops that would be required for it to be
described as ‘beer’.
The compositional requirement relating to ‘bread’ does not prevent the
use of ‘shortbread’ or ‘crispbread’ in relation to those foods, or
‘unleavened bread’ to describe bread made without the yeast that
would be required for it to be described as ‘bread’.

Content of specified compositional requirements

(3) The specified compositional requirements are taken to also permit the
use of a substance (including a vitamin or mineral) as a food additive,

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 27

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 2—Basic concepts and basic requirements
Division 2—Basic requirements
Section 1.24 Other requirements relating to food

as a processing aid, or as a nutritive substance in the food where this

Code otherwise permits the use of the substance for the specified food.
(4) Where the specified compositional requirements permit the use of
‘other foods’ as ingredients, the permission does not extend to the
addition of a food or a substance that is otherwise not permitted to be
added to food, or to the specified food, under this Code.
(5) A compositional requirement for a food applies to the final food
irrespective of any permission to add other foods.

1.24 Other requirements relating to food

Requirements for preparation of food
(1) If this Code sets requirements for the preparation of food, the food
must be prepared in accordance with those requirements.
Requirements for record-keeping
(2) If this Code sets requirements for record-keeping in relation to food,
those requirements must be complied with.

1.25 Identity and purity

(1) This section applies to the following substances when added to food in
accordance with this Code, or sold for use in food:
(a) a substance that is used as a food additive;
(b) a substance that is used as a processing aid;
(c) a substance (including a vitamin or mineral) that is used as a
nutritive substance;
(d) a novel food substance.
(2) The substance must comply with any relevant specification set out in
Schedule 3.

28 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.26 Outline of Division

Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements

Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise
provide information
Subdivision A—Introductory

1.26 Outline of Division

(1) This Division sets out when a food product that is being sold is
required to bear a label or have other information provided with it, and
sets out the information that is to be provided.
(2) Subdivision B sets out the labelling and information requirements for
a food product that is for retail sale.
(3) Subdivision C sets out the labelling and information requirements for
food products that are sold to caterers.
(4) Subdivision D sets out the labelling and information requirements for
all other sales of food products.

1.27 Meaning of label, labelling and bear a label

(1) In this Code:
label, in relation to a food product being sold, means any tag, brand,
mark or statement in writing or any representation or design or
descriptive matter that:
(a) is attached to the food product or is a part of or attached to its
packaging; or
(b) accompanies and is provided to the purchaser with the food
product; or
(c) is displayed in connection with the food product when it is sold.
labelling, in relation to a food product being sold, means all of the
labels for the food product together.
(2) For this Code:
(a) a food product is taken to bear a label of a specified kind or
with specified content if either of the following are part of or
attached to the packaging of the food product:
(i) a label of that kind or with that content; or
(ii) labels that together are of that kind or have that content;
and
(b) a requirement for the labelling of a food product to include
specified content is a requirement for at least one of the labels to
have that content.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 29

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.28 Meaning of catering sale

1.28 Meaning of catering sale

In this Code:
catering sale, in relation to a food product, means a sale of a food
product to:
(a) a catering establishment; or
(b) a restaurant; or
(c) a canteen; or
(d) a school; or
(e) a hospital; or
(f) any other institution where food is prepared or offered for
immediate consumption.

Subdivision B—Retail sales of food products

1.29 When this Subdivision applies

This Subdivision applies to:
(a) a retail sale of a food product; and
(b) a sale of a food product that is not a retail sale, if there is a
representation that the food product is suitable for sale from a
retail outlet without any further processing, packaging or
labelling.

1.30 Outline of Subdivision

This Subdivision sets out:
(a) the circumstances in which the food product is required to bear a
label—see section 1.31;
(b) the country of origin labelling requirement—see section 1.32;
(c) the other information the label must state—see section 1.33;
(d) the information requirements for a food product that is not
required to bear a label—see section 1.34.

1.31 When the food product must bear a label

(1) If the food product is not in a package, it is not required to bear a
label.
(2) If the food product is in a package, it is required to bear a label with
the information required by section 1.33 unless it:
(a) is made and packaged on the premises from which it is sold; or
(b) is packaged in the presence of the purchaser; or
(c) consists of whole or cut fresh fruit and vegetables (other than
seed sprouts or similar products) in a package that does not
obscure the nature or quality of the food; or

30 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.32 Australia only—country of origin labelling requirement

(d) is delivered packaged, and ready for consumption, at the express

order of the purchaser (other than when the food product is sold
from a vending machine); or
(e) is sold at a fund raising event; or
(f) is displayed in an assisted service display cabinet.
Note: Even if a food product is not required to bear a label under this section, in
Australia, it still might be required to bear a label under section 1.32
(Australia only—country of origin labelling requirement).

(3) If the food product has more than 1 layer of packaging and
subsection (2) requires it to bear a label, only 1 label is required in
relation to the food product.
Note: See also section 1.50.

(4) However, if the food product is sold in packaging that includes

individual packages for servings that are intended to be used
separately (individual portion packs), but:
(a) are not designed for individual sale; and
(b) have a surface area of 30 cm2 or greater;
then the individual portion pack is also required to bear a label.
Note: See subsection 1.33(3) for the labelling requirement for individual portion
packs.

1.32 Australia only—country of origin labelling requirement

(1) In Australia:
(a) if the food product is in a package, it is required to bear a label
with the country of origin information in accordance with
sections 1.119 and 1.120; and
(b) if the food product is not in a package, it is required to either
bear a label or have labelling that accompanies it or is displayed
in connection with its sale that states the country of origin
information in accordance with section 1.118.
(2) This section does not apply to a food product that:
(a) is sold to the public by any of the following:
(i) a restaurant;
(ii) a canteen;
(iii) a school;
(iv) a caterer;
(v) a self-catering institution;
(vi) a prison;
(vii) a hospital;
(viii) a medical institution; and
(b) is offered for immediate consumption.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 31

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.33 Information required on general label

1.33 Information required on general label

General requirement—retail sales of food products
(1) Subject to this section, labelling that is required for a food product
under section 1.31 must state the following information in accordance
with the provisions indicated:
(a) name of the food (see section 1.52);
(b) lot identification (see section 1.53);
(c) name and address of the supplier (see section 1.54);
(d) any advisory and warning statements and declarations (see
sections 1.55, 1.56 and 1.57);
(e) a statement of ingredients (see sections 1.58);
(f) date marking information (see section 1.66);
(g) any storage conditions and directions for use (see section 1.69);
(h) information relating to nutrition, health and related claims (see
subsection 1.95(4));
(i) a nutrition information panel (see section 1.100);
(j) for a food product in a small package—the required nutrition
information (see section 1.109);
(k) information about characterising ingredients and components
(see section 1.111);
(l) information relating to foods produced using gene technology
(see section 1.156);
(m) information relating to irradiated food (see section 1.167);
(n) for minced meat—if required, the maximum proportion of fat in
the minced meat (see section 2.10);
(o) for raw meat joined or formed into the semblance of a cut of
meat—any required information relating to that meat (see
section 2.11);
(p) for fermented comminuted processed or manufactured meat—
any required information relating to how the meat has been
processed (see sections 2.12 and 2.13);
(q) for formed or joined fish—any required information relating to
that fish (see section 2.20);
(r) any required process declaration for edible oils (see
section 2.25);
(s) for juice blend—if required, the name and percentage by volume
of each juice in the blend (see section 2.43);
(t) any information related to the composition of packaged water
(see section 2.47);
(u) for an electrolyte drink or electrolyte drink base:
(i) a declaration of the required compositional information
(subsection 2.51(3));

32 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.33 Information required on general label

(ii) if a claim is made that the drink is isotonic, hypertonic or

hypotonic—a declaration of the osmolality of the drink
(see section 2.53);
(v) any statements relating to kava (see section 2.57);
(w) for formulated caffeinated beverages:
(i) declarations of average quantities (see section 2.61);
(ii) any advisory statements (section 2.61);
(x) for a food product that contains alcohol—if required:
(i) a statement of the alcohol content (see section 2.63); or
(ii) a statement of the number of standard drinks in the
product (see section 2.64);
(y) for special purpose foods or amino acid modified foods—the
required information for such foods (see sections 2.156 and
2.157);
(z) the required statements and other information for:
(i) infant formula product (see Division 1 of Part 9 of Chapter
2);
(ii) food for infants (see Division 2 of Part 9 of Chapter 2);
(iii) formulated meal replacements and formulated
supplementary foods (see Division 3 of Part 9 of Chapter
2)
(iv) formulated supplementary sports foods (see Division 4 of
Part 9 of Chapter 2)
(v) foods for special medical purposes (see Division 5 of Part
9 of Chapter 2); and
(aa) the required information for reduced sodium salt mixtures and
salt substitutes (see section 2.163).
Specific requirement—retail sales of food products in hampers
(2) For food products sold in a hamper:
(a) each food product in a package must bear a label stating the
information mentioned in subsection (1); and
(b) each food product not in a package must be accompanied by
labelling stating the information mentioned in subsection (1);
and
(c) the hamper must bear, or carry inside it, a label stating the name
and address of the supplier of the hamper (see section 1.54).
Specific requirement—retail sales of food products in individual
portion packs
(3) A label that is required for an individual portion pack under
subsection 1.31(4) must include any advisory and warning statements
in accordance with sections 1.56 and 1.57.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 33

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.34 Information requirements for food product that does not need to bear a label

Specific requirement—food products sold from vending machines

(4) For food products sold from a vending machine, it is an additional
requirement that labels clearly and prominently displayed in or on the
vending machine state the name and address of the supplier in
accordance with section 1.54.

1.34 Information requirements for food product that does not need to
bear a label
(1) This section applies to a food product that is not required to bear a
label because of section 1.31.
Information that must accompany or be displayed in connection with
the sale of the food product
(2) The information specified in subsection (3) must, in accordance with
the provisions indicated, be stated in labelling that:
(a) accompanies the food product; or
(b) is displayed in connection with the sale of the food product.
(3) For subsection (2), the information is:
(a) any warning statement required by section 1.56;
(b) information relating to irradiated food (see section 1.167).
Information that must accompany food product
(4) The following information must be stated in labelling that
accompanies the food product, in accordance with the provisions
indicated:
(a) if the food product is not required to bear a label because of
subsection 1.31(1)—the information related to storage
conditions required by paragraph 1.69(b); and
(b) in any case—the information related to storage conditions
required by paragraph 1.69(c).
Information that must be displayed in connection with the sale of the
food product
(5) If the food product is not required to bear a label because of
subsection 1.31(1), the following information must be stated in
labelling that is displayed in connection with the display of the food
product, in accordance with the provisions indicated:
(a) information relating to foods produced using gene technology
(see section 1.156);
(b) for fermented comminuted processed or manufactured meat—
the prescribed name (see sections 2.12 and 2.13);
(c) for a food product that consists of kava root:
(i) any statements relating to kava (see section 2.57); and

34 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.35 When this Subdivision applies

(ii) the name and address of the supplier (see section 1.54);
Information that must be provided to the purchaser
(6) The following information must be provided to the purchaser, in
accordance with the provisions indicated:
(a) any required statement indicating the presence of offal (see
section 2.09);
(b) for raw meat joined or formed into the semblance of a cut of
meat—any required information relating to that meat (see
section 2.11);
(c) for formed or joined fish—any required information relating to
that fish (see section 2.20).
Information that may either accompany or be displayed with the food
product or which must be provided to the purchaser on request
(7) The information specified in subsection (8) must, in accordance with
the provisions indicated, be stated in labelling that is:
(a) displayed in connection with the display of the food product; or
(b) provided to the purchaser on request.
(8) For subsection (7), the information is:
(a) name of food (see section 1.52);
(b) any advisory statements and declarations (see sections 1.55 and
1.57);
(c) information relating to nutrition, health and related claims (see
subsection 1.95(4));
(d) the information required for a nutrition information panel (see
sections 1.100 and 1.109);
(e) if the food product that is not required to bear a label because of
subsection 1.31(1) or 1.31(2)(a)—information about
characterising ingredients and characterising components
(section 1.111);
(f) for minced meat—if required, the maximum proportion of fat in
the minced meat (see section 2.10);
(g) for formulated caffeinated beverages—any advisory statements
(section 2.61).

Subdivision C—Sales of food products to caterers

1.35 When this Subdivision applies

This Subdivision applies to a catering sale of a food product, other
than a sale to which section 1.29 applies.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 35

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.36 Outline of Subdivision

1.36 Outline of Subdivision

This Subdivision sets out the following:
(a) the circumstances in which the food product is required to bear a
label—see section 1.37;
(b) when information must be provided with the food product—see
section 1.38; and
(c) the country of origin labelling requirement—see section 1.39;
(d) the other information the label must state—see section 1.40;
(e) the information requirements for a food product that is not
required to bear a label—see sections 1.41 and 1.42.

1.37 When the food product must bear a label

(1) If the food product is not in a package, it is not required to bear a
label.
(2) If the food product is in a package, it is required to bear a label with
the information required by section 1.40 unless it consists of whole or
cut fresh fruit or vegetables (other than seed sprout or similar
products) in a package that does not obscure the nature or quality of
the food product.
(3) If the food product has more than one layer of packaging, and
subsection (2) requires it to bear a label, only one label is required in
relation to the food product.
Note: See also section 1.50.

1.38 When information must be provided with the food product

If the food product is not required by section 1.37 to bear a label,
labelling containing the information required by section 1.40 must be
provided to the purchaser with the food product.

1.39 Australia only—country of origin labelling requirement

In Australia:
(a) if the food product is in a package, it is required to bear a label
with the country of origin information in accordance with
sections 1.119 and 1.120; and
(b) if the food product is not in a package, it is required to either
bear a label or have labelling that accompanies it or is displayed
in connection with its sale that states the country of origin
information in accordance with section 1.118.

36 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.40 Information required to be on labelling

1.40 Information required to be on labelling

General requirement—sales of food products to caterers
(1) Subject to this section, labelling that is required for a food product
under section 1.37 or 1.38 must state the following information in
accordance with the provisions indicated:
(a) name of food (see section 1.52);
(b) lot identification (see section 1.53);
(c) applicable advisory and warning statements (see sections 1.55,
1.56 and 1.57);
(d) date marking information (see section 1.66);
(e) any storage conditions and directions for use (see section 1.69);
(f) information relating to foods produced using gene technology
(see section 1.156);
(g) information relating to irradiated food (see section 1.167).
Specific requirement—labelling on inner and outer packages
(2) If the food product is contained in more than one package, the
package that is visible to the purchaser at the time of purchase (the
outer package) is not required to bear a label that includes the
information required for the purposes of subsection (1) if:
(a) the outer package bears a label that includes the information
required by Division 2; and
(b) another package within the outer package bears a label that
includes the information required for the purposes of
subsection (1).

1.41 Other information that must be provided

(1) The information referred to in subsection 1.33(1) (General
requirement—retail sales of food products) must be:
(a) set out in the label (if any); or
(b) provided in documentation.
(2) In the case of the information referred to in paragraph 1.33(1)(c)
(name and address of the supplier), the documentation must
accompany the food product.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to:
(a) the information that is referred to in subsection 1.40(1) (General
requirement—sales of food products to caterers); or
(b) the information referred to in paragraph 1.33(1)(k) (information
about characterising ingredients and components).

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 37

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.42 Information that can be requested

1.42 Information that can be requested

The purchaser of the food product must be provided with any
information:
(a) requested by the purchaser; or
(b) required to be provided by the relevant authority;
that is necessary to enable the purchaser to comply with this Code in a
sale of the food product or of another food product using it as an
ingredient.

Subdivision D—Other sales of food products

1.43 When this Subdivision applies

(1) This Subdivision applies to sales of food products other than:
(a) sales to which Subdivision B or Subdivision C apply; or
(b) intra-company transfers.
(2) In this section:
intra-company transfer means a transfer of a food product between
elements of a single company, between subsidiaries of a parent
company or between subsidiaries of a parent company and the parent
company.

1.44 Outline of Subdivision

This Subdivision sets out the following:
(a) the circumstances in which the food product is required to bear a
label—see section 1.45;
(b) the information requirements for a food product that is not
required to bear a label—see section 1.46.

1.45 Labelling requirements

(1) If the food product is not in a package, it is not required to bear a
label.
(2) If the food product is in a package, it is required to bear a label that
states the following information in accordance with the provisions
indicated:
(a) name of food (see section 1.52);
(b) lot identification (see section 1.53);
(c) name and address of the supplier (see section 1.54).
(3) The label may be:
(a) on the package; or
(b) if there is more than 1 layer of packaging—on the outer layer; or

38 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.46 When information can be requested

(c) if the food product is in a transportation outer—clearly

discernable through the transportation outer.
(4) Despite subsection (2), the name and address of the supplier may be
provided in documentation accompanying the food product.

1.46 When information can be requested

(1) The purchaser of the food product must be provided with any
information:
(a) requested by the purchaser; or
(b) required to be provided by the relevant authority;
that is necessary to enable the purchaser to comply with this Code in a
sale of the food product or of another food product using it as an
ingredient.
(2) If requested by the purchaser or required by the relevant authority, the
information must be provided in writing.

Subdivision E—General prohibitions relating to labels

1.47 Prohibition on altering labels

(1) A person who sells a food product that is packaged, or deals with a
packaged food product before its sale, must not deface the label on the
package unless:
(a) the relevant authority has given its permission; and
(b) if the relevant authority has imposed any conditions on its
permission—those conditions have been complied with.
(2) Despite subsection (1), a person who sells a food product that is
packaged, or deals with a packaged food product before its sale, may
re-label the food product if the label contains incorrect information, by
placing a new label over the incorrect one in such a way that:
(a) the new label is not able to be removed; and
(b) the incorrect information is not visible.
(3) In this section:
deface includes alter, remove, erase, obliterate and obscure.

1.48 Application of labelling provisions to advertising

If this Code prohibits a label on or relating to food from including a
statement, information, a design or a representation, an advertisement
for that food must not include that statement, information, design or
representation.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 39

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 1—Requirements to have labels or otherwise provide information
Section 1.49 Meaning of size of type

Subdivision F—Legibility requirements

1.49 Meaning of size of type

In this Code:
size of type means the measurement from the base to the top of a letter
or numeral.

1.50 General legibility requirements

(1) If this Code requires a word, statement, expression or design to be
contained, written or set out on a label, the word, statement,
expression or design must, wherever occurring:
(a) be legible; and
(b) be prominent; and
(c) be large enough so that it can be read easily; and
(d) contrast distinctly with the background of the label; and
(e) be in English.
(2) If a language other than English is also used on a label, the
information in that language must not negate or contradict the
information in English.

1.51 Legibility requirements for warning statements

A warning statement on a label must be written:
(a) for a small package—in a size of type of at least 1.5 mm;
(b) otherwise—in a size of type of at least 3 mm.

40 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 2—Information requirements—food identification
Section 1.52 Name of food

Division 2—Information requirements—food identification

1.52 Name of food

(1) For the labelling provisions, the name of a food is:
(a) if a name has been prescribed in relation to the food—the
prescribed name; and
(b) otherwise—a name or description:
(i) sufficient to indicate the true nature of the food; and
(ii) that includes any additional words this Code requires to be
included in the name of food.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

(2) If this Code includes a definition of a particular food, that fact alone
does not establish that the defined term is the name of the food for this
section.

1.53 Lot identification

For the labelling provisions, a requirement to state the lot
identification does not apply to:
(a) an individual portion of ice cream or ice confection; or
(b) a food product that is in a small package, if:
(i) the small package is stored or displayed for sale in a bulk
package or a bulk container; and
(ii) the labelling of the bulk package or bulk container
includes the lot identification.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

1.54 Name and address of supplier

For the labelling provisions, a reference to the name and address of
the supplier of a food product is a reference to the name and business
address in either Australia or New Zealand of a person who is a
supplier.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 41

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 3—Information requirements—warning statements, advisory statements and declarations
Section 1.55 Mandatory advisory statements

Division 3—Information requirements—warning statements,

advisory statements and declarations

1.55 Mandatory advisory statements

(1) For the labelling provisions, if a food is listed in column 1 of the table
in Schedule 9, the corresponding advisory statement in column 2 of
that table is required.
(2) For the labelling provisions, an advisory statement to the effect that
excess consumption may have a laxative effect is required for a food
that contains:
(a) one or more of the following substances, either alone or in
combination, at a level of or in excess of 10 g/100 g:
(i) lactitol;
(ii) maltitol;
(iii) maltitol syrup;
(iv) mannitol;
(v) xylitol; or
(b) one or more of the following substances, either alone or in
combination, at a level of or in excess of 25 g/100 g:
(i) erythritol;
(ii) isomalt;
(iii) polydextrose;
(iv) sorbitol; or
(c) one or more of the substances listed in paragraph (a), in
combination with one or more of the substances listed in
paragraph (b), at a level of or in excess of 10 g/100 g.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

1.56 Mandatory warning statement—royal jelly

For the labelling provisions, if a food consists of or includes as an
ingredient royal jelly, the following warning statement is required:
‘This product contains royal jelly which has been reported to cause
severe allergic reactions and in rare cases, fatalities, especially in
asthma and allergy sufferers’.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

1.57 Mandatory declaration of certain substances in foods

(1) For the labelling provisions, if one of the following foods is present in
a food product in a manner listed in subsection (2), a declaration that
the food is present is required:
(a) added sulphites in concentrations of 10 mg/kg or more;

42 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 3—Information requirements—warning statements, advisory statements and declarations
Section 1.57 Mandatory declaration of certain substances in foods

(b) wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt and hybridised strains of those
cereals (that is, cereals and cereal products containing gluten),
other than where these substances are present in beer or spirits;
(c) any of the following foods, or products of those foods:
(i) crustacea;
(ii) egg;
(iii) fish, except for isinglass derived from swim bladders and
used as a clarifying agent in beer or wine;
(iv) milk;
(v) peanuts;
(vi) soybeans;
(vii) sesame seeds;
(viii) tree nuts, other than coconut from the fruit of the palm
Cocos nucifera.
(2) For subsection (1), the food may be present as:
(a) an ingredient or an ingredient of a compound ingredient; or
(b) a substance used as a food additive, or a component of such a
substance; or
(c) a substance or food used as a processing aid, or a component of
such a substance or food.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 43

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 4—Information requirements—statement of ingredients
Section 1.58 Requirement for statement of ingredients

Division 4—Information requirements—statement of

ingredients

1.58 Requirement for statement of ingredients

(1) For this Code, a statement of ingredients for a food product is a
statement of ingredients that complies with this Code.
(2) To avoid doubt, if:
(a) a label states the name of the food; and
(b) there are no ingredients in the food other than that named on the
label;
the label is taken to contain a statement of ingredients.
(3) For the labelling provisions, a requirement for a statement of
ingredients does not apply to:
(a) water that is packaged and labelled in accordance with Division
2 of Part 6 of Chapter 2; or
(b) a standardised alcoholic beverage; or
(c) a food product that is contained in a small package.
Note 1: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.
Note 2: Despite subsection (3), the presence of some ingredients must be
declared—see Division 3.

1.59 Requirement to list all ingredients

A statement of ingredients must list each ingredient in the food, other
than:
(a) an ingredient of a flavouring substance; or
(b) a volatile ingredient which is completely removed during
manufacture; or
(c) added water that:
(i) is added to reconstitute dehydrated or concentrated
ingredients; or
(ii) forms part of broth, brine or syrup that is declared in the
statement of ingredients or is part of the name of the food;
(iii) constitutes less than 5% of the food; or
(d) a substance that is used as a processing aid in accordance with
Division 4 of Part 4; or
(e) a food that is used as a processing aid.

1.60 Ingredients to be listed by common, descriptive or generic name

A statement of ingredients must identify each ingredient:
(a) in the case of offal—in accordance with section 2.09; or
(b) in any other case, using any of:

44 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 4—Information requirements—statement of ingredients
Section 1.61 Ingredients to be listed in descending order of ingoing weight

(i) a generic name for the ingredient that is specified in

Schedule 10, in accordance with any conditions specified
in that Schedule; or
(ii) a name by which the ingredient is commonly known; or
(iii) a name that describes the true nature of the ingredient.

1.61 Ingredients to be listed in descending order of ingoing weight

(1) A statement of ingredients must list each ingredient in descending
order of ingoing weight.
(2) The ingoing weight of an ingredient may be determined in accordance
with its weight before dehydration or concentration, if the ingredient:
(a) is a dehydrated or concentrated ingredient; and
(b) is reconstituted during preparation, manufacture or handling of
the food.
(3) Despite subsection (1), if a food is represented as one that is to be
reconstituted in accordance with directions:
(a) the ingredients may be listed in descending order of their weight
in the reconstituted food; and
(b) if the ingredients are listed on this basis, this must be made clear
on the label.
(4) For subsection (1), the ingoing weight of water, or of a volatile
ingredient, IW, must be calculated in accordance with the following
formula:
IW  X  Y

where:
X is the weight of the water, or of the volatile ingredient, that is added
to the food.
Y is the sum of the weight of the water, or of the volatile ingredient,
that is removed and the amount that is used for reconstitution of
dehydrated or concentrated ingredients during preparation,
manufacture or handling of the food.
(5) A compound ingredient may be listed in a statement of ingredients by
listing, in accordance with subsection (1):
(a) the compound ingredient by name as an ingredient of the food,
in accordance with subsection (6); or
(b) each ingredient of the compound ingredient individually as an
ingredient of the food.
(6) If a compound ingredient is listed in accordance with paragraph (5)(a),
it must be followed by a list, in parentheses, of:

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 45

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 4—Information requirements—statement of ingredients
Section 1.62 Declaration of alternative ingredients

(a) if the compound ingredient comprises 5% or more of the food—

all ingredients that make up the compound ingredient; or
(b) if the compound ingredient comprises less than 5% of the
food—the following ingredients:
(i) any ingredient of the compound ingredient that is required
to be listed in accordance with section 1.57; and
(ii) any substance used as a food additive in the compound
ingredient which performs a technological purpose in the
food.
(7) Paragraph (5)(a) does not apply to food for infants.
(8) Despite subsection (6), the ingredients of a standardised alcoholic
beverage do not need to be listed in a statement of ingredients if the
alcoholic beverage has been listed as an ingredient of the food
product.

1.62 Declaration of alternative ingredients

If the composition of a food product is subject to minor variations by
the substitution of an ingredient which performs a similar function, the
statement of ingredients may list both ingredients in a way which
makes it clear that alternative or substitute ingredients are being
declared.

1.63 Declaration of substances used as food additives

(1) A substance (including a vitamin or mineral) used as a food additive
must be listed in a statement of ingredients by specifying:
(a) if the substance can be classified into a class of additives listed
in Schedule 7 (whether prescribed or optional)—that class name,
followed in parentheses by the name or code number of the
substance as indicated in Schedule 8; or
(b) otherwise—the name of the substance as indicated in Schedule
8.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), if the substance can be classified
into more than 1 class, the most appropriate class name must be used.
(3) Despite paragraph (1)(a), if the substance is an enzyme:
(a) it may be listed as ‘enzyme’; and
(b) the specific name of the enzyme need not be listed.
(4) If a flavouring substance is an ingredient, it must be listed in the
statement of ingredients by using:
(a) the word ‘flavouring’ or ‘flavour’; or
(b) a more specific name or description of the flavouring substance.

46 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 4—Information requirements—statement of ingredients
Section 1.64 Declaration of vitamins and minerals

(5) If any of the following substances are added to a food product as a

flavouring substance or as an ingredient of a flavouring substance, the
name of the substance must be specifically declared in accordance
with subsection (1):
(a) L-glutamic acid;
(b) monosodium glutamate;
(c) monopotassium L-glutamate;
(d) calcium di-L-glutamate;
(e) monoammonium L-glutamate;
(f) magnesium di-L-glutamate;
(g) disodium guanylate;
(h) disodium inosinate;
(i) disodium 5’-ribonucleotides.
(6) If caffeine is added to a food product (whether as a flavouring
substance or otherwise), it must be listed in the statement of
ingredients as caffeine.

1.64 Declaration of vitamins and minerals

If a vitamin or mineral is used as nutritive substance in a food product,
it may be listed in the statement of ingredients in accordance with
section 1.63 using the class name ‘vitamin’ or ‘mineral’ as
appropriate.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 47

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 5—Date marking of food products
Section 1.65 Definitions

Division 5—Date marking of food products

1.65 Definitions
In this Division:
baked-for date, in relation to bread, means:
(a) if the time at which the bread was baked is more than 12 hours
before the commencement of the following day—the baked-on
date;
(b) if the time at which the bread was baked is less than 12 hours
before the commencement of the following day—the day after
the baked-on date.
Note: For example, bread that is baked after midday on one day may
have a ‘baked-for date’ of the following day.

baked-on date, in relation to bread, means the date on which the bread
was baked.
best-before date, for a food product, means the date up to which the
food product will remain fully marketable and will retain any specific
qualities for which express or implied claims have been made, if the
food product:
(a) remains in an intact package during its storage; and
(b) is stored in accordance with any storage conditions applicable
under section 1.69.
use-by date, for a food product, means the date after which the
supplier estimates that the food product should not be consumed
because of health or safety reasons, if the food product:
(a) remains in an intact package during its storage; and
(b) is stored in accordance with any storage conditions applicable
under section 1.69.

1.66 Food product must be date marked on labels

(1) For the labelling provisions, the date marking information is:
(a) if there is a use-by date for the food product—that date; or
(b) otherwise—any of:
(i) the best-before date of the food product; or
(ii) for bread that has a shelf life of less than 7 days:
(A) the best-before date; or
(B) the baked-for date; or
(C) the baked-on date.
(2) The date marking information is not required if:
(a) the best-before date of the food product is 2 years or more; or

48 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 5—Date marking of food products
Section 1.67 Prohibition on sale of food after its use-by date

(b) the food product is an individual portion of ice cream or ice

confection.
(3) Despite subsection (1), if the food product is in a small package, the
only date-marking information required is the use-by date (if any).
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

1.67 Prohibition on sale of food after its use-by date

A food product must not be sold after its use-by date.

1.68 Required wording and form for dates for labels

(1) The date marking information must be expressed in accordance with
this section.
(2) A best-before date, a use-by date, a baked-for date and a baked-on
date must:
(a) be expressed using the following wording:
(i) for a best-before date—the words ‘Best before’;
(ii) for a use-by date—the words ‘Use by’;
(iii) for a baked-for date—the words ‘Baked for’ or ‘Bkd for’;
(iv) for a baked-on date—the words ‘Baked on’ or ‘Bkd on’;
and
(b) be accompanied by:
(i) the relevant date; or
(ii) a reference to where the date is located on the label.
(3) In a best-before date or a use-by date:
(a) the day and year must be expressed in numerical form; and
(b) the month may be expressed in:
(i) numerical form; or
(ii) letters.
(4) A best-before date and a use-by date must at least consist of:
(a) if the best-before date or use-by date is not more than 3 months
from the date it is applied:
(i) the day and month, in that order; or
(ii) if the month is expressed in letters—the day and the
month, in any order; or
(b) if the best-before date or a use-by date is more than 3 months
from the date it is applied—the month and the year, in that
order.
Examples: For subparagraph (a)(i)—‘23 Dec’ or ‘23 12’ or ‘23 12 2012’ or
‘23 Dec 2012’.
For subparagraph (a)(ii)—‘23 Dec 2012’ or ‘Dec 23 2012’.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 49

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 5—Date marking of food products
Section 1.68 Required wording and form for dates for labels

For paragraph (b)—‘Dec 2012’ or ’12 2012’ or ’23 12 2012’ or

’23 Dec 2012’.

(5) The day, month and year must be expressed so that they are clearly
distinguishable from each other.
(6) To avoid doubt, subsection (1) does not prevent the addition of a
packed-on date or a manufacturer’s or a packer’s code on the label on
a package of food.

50 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 6—Directions for use and storage
Section 1.69 Directions for use, and statement of storage conditions

Division 6—Directions for use and storage

1.69 Directions for use, and statement of storage conditions

For the labelling provisions, storage conditions and directions for use
of a food product are:
(a) if specific storage conditions are required to ensure that the food
product will keep until the use-by date or the best-before date—
a statement of those conditions; and
(b) if the food product must be used or stored in accordance with
certain directions for health or safety reasons—those directions;
and
(c) if the food product consists of or contains:
(i) raw bamboo shoots—a statement indicating that bamboo
shoots should be fully cooked before being consumed, or
words to that effect; or
(ii) raw sweet cassava—a statement indicating that sweet
cassava should be peeled and fully cooked before being
consumed, or words to that effect.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 51

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.70 Outline

Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims

Note: Transitional arrangements that apply to this Division are set out in Part 2 of Chapter 5.

Subdivision A—Outline of Division

1.70 Outline
This Division:
(a) sets out:
(i) the claims that may be made on labels or in advertisements
about the nutritional content of food (described as
‘nutrition content claims’); and
(ii) the claims that may be made on labels or in advertisements
about the relationship between a food or a property of a
food, and a health effect (described as ‘health claims’);
and
(b) describes the conditions under which such claims may be made;
and
(c) describes the circumstances in which endorsements may be
provided on labels or in advertisements.

Subdivision B—Definitions that apply to this Division and Division

8

1.71 General definitions that apply to this Division and Division 8

In this Division and Division 8:
available carbohydrate means available carbohydrate calculated in
accordance with section S11.02 in Schedule 11.
average energy content means the average energy content calculated
in accordance with section S11.01 of Schedule 11.
biologically active substance means a substance, other than a nutrient,
with which health effects are associated.
biomarker means a measurable biological parameter that is predictive
of the risk of a serious disease when present at an abnormal level in
the human body.
carbohydrate by difference means carbohydrate by difference
calculated in accordance with section S11.02 in Schedule 11.
claim requiring nutrition information:
(a) means:
(i) a nutrition content claim; or
(ii) a health claim; and

52 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.71 General definitions that apply to this Division and Division 8

(b) does not include:

(i) a declaration that is required by an application Act; or
(ii) an endorsement.
dietary fibre means that fraction of the edible part of plants or their
extracts, or synthetic analogues that:
(a) are resistant to digestion and absorption in the small intestine,
usually with complete or partial fermentation in the large
intestine; and
(b) promote one or more of the following beneficial physiological
effects:
(i) laxation;
(ii) reduction in blood cholesterol;
(iii) modulation of blood glucose;
and includes:
(c) polysaccharides or oligosaccharides that have a degree of
polymerisation greater than 2; and
(d) lignins.
endorsement means a nutrition content claim or a health claim that is
made with the permission of an endorsing body.
endorsing body means a not-for profit entity that:
(a) has a nutrition- or health-related purpose or function; and
(b) permits a supplier to make an endorsement.
fat means total fat.
food group means any of the following groups:
(a) bread (both leavened and unleavened), grains, rice, pasta and
noodles;
(b) fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices and fungi;
(c) milk, skim milk, cream, fermented milk, yoghurt, cheese,
processed cheese, butter, ice cream, condensed milk, dried milk,
evaporated milk, and analogues derived from legumes and
cereals;
(d) meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and dried legumes;
(e) fats including butter, edible oils and edible oil spreads.
fruit:
(a) means the edible portion of a plant or constituents of the edible
portion that are present in the typical proportion of the whole
fruit (with or without the peel or water); and
(b) does not include nuts, spices, herbs, fungi, legumes and seeds.
fvnl is as defined in section S5.03 of Schedule 5 for the purpose of
calculating V points.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 53

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.71 General definitions that apply to this Division and Division 8

general level health claim means a health claim that is not a high
level health claim.
gluten means the main protein in wheat, rye, oats, barley, triticale and
spelt relevant to the medical conditions coeliac disease and dermatitis
herpetiformis.
glycaemic index (GI) means a measure of the blood glucose raising
ability of the digestible carbohydrates in a given food as determined
by a recognised scientific method.
health claim means a claim which states, suggests or implies that a
food or a property of food has, or may have, a health effect.
Note: See also subsection 2.163(3).

health effect means an effect on the human body, including an effect

on one or more of the following:
(a) a biochemical process or outcome;
(b) a physiological process or outcome;
(c) a functional process or outcome;
(d) growth and development;
(e) physical performance;
(f) mental performance;
(g) a disease, disorder or condition.
high level health claim means a health claim that refers to a serious
disease or a biomarker of a serious disease.
meets the NPSC means that the nutrient profiling score of a food
described in column 1 of the table to section S4.04 of Schedule 4 is
less than the number specified for that food in column 2 of that table.
monounsaturated fatty acids means the total of cis-monounsaturated
fatty acids.
NPSC means the nutrient profiling scoring criterion.
nutrient profiling score means the final score calculated pursuant to
the method referred to in section 1.94.
nutrition content claim—see section 1.72.
polyunsaturated fatty acids means the total of polyunsaturated fatty
acids with cis-cis-methylene interrupted double bonds.
property of food means a component, ingredient, constituent or other
feature of food.
reference food, in relation to a claim, means a food that is:

54 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.72 Meaning of nutrition content claim

(a) of the same type as the food for which the claim is made and
that has not been further processed, formulated, reformulated or
modified to increase or decrease the energy value or the amount
of the nutrient for which the claim is made; or
(b) a dietary substitute for the food in the same food group as the
food for which the claim is made.
saturated fatty acids means the total of fatty acids containing no
double bonds.
serious disease means a disease, disorder or condition which is
generally diagnosed, treated or managed in consultation with or with
supervision by a health care professional.
special purpose food means any of the following:
(a) infant formula product;
(b) food for infants;
(c) a formulated meal replacement;
(d) a formulated supplementary food;
(e) a formulated supplementary sports food;
(f) food for special medical purposes.
sugars means monosaccharides and disaccharides.
Note: In this Division and Division 8, sugars has a narrower meaning than
elsewhere in this Code. See section 1.06 for the general meaning of the
term.

trans fatty acids means the total of unsaturated fatty acids where one
or more of the double bonds are in the trans configuration.
vegetable:
(a) means the edible portion of a plant or constituents of the edible
portion that are present in the typical proportion of the whole
vegetable (with or without the peel or water); and
(b) does not include nuts, spices, herbs, fungi, dried legumes
(including dried legumes that have been cooked or rehydrated)
and seeds.

1.72 Meaning of nutrition content claim

(1) In this Division and Division 8:
nutrition content claim means a claim about:
(a) the presence or absence of any of the following:
(i) a biologically active substance;
(ii) dietary fibre;
(iii) energy;
(iv) minerals;

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 55

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.73 Nutrition content claims or health claims not to be made about certain foods

(v) potassium;
(vi) protein;
(vii) carbohydrate;
(viii) fat;
(ix) the components of any one of protein, carbohydrate or fat;
(x) salt;
(xi) sodium;
(xii) vitamins; or
(b) glycaemic index or glycaemic load;
that does not refer to the presence or absence of alcohol, and is not a
health claim.
Note: See also subsections 2.47(4) and 2.163(3).

Inclusion of mandatory information in nutrition information panel

does not constitute a nutrition content claim
(2) To avoid doubt, if this Code requires particular information to be
included in a nutrition information panel, the inclusion of that
information does not constitute a nutrition content claim.
Inclusion of voluntary information in nutrition information panel
might constitute a nutrition content claim
(3) If this Code permits, but does not require, particular information to be
included in a nutrition information panel, the inclusion of that
information constitutes a nutrition content claim unless:
(a) this Code provides otherwise; or
(b) the information is a declaration of:
(i) if the food product contains less than 2 g of dietary fibre
per serving—dietary fibre; or
(ii) trans fatty acid content; or
(iii) lactose content.
(4) For a food product that contains more than 1.15% alcohol by volume,
the inclusion in a nutrition information panel of the information
referred to in paragraphs 1.101(1)(a), (b) and (c), and subparagraphs
1.101(1)(d)(i), (ii) and (iii) does not constitute a nutrition content
claim.

Subdivision C—Claims framework and general principles

1.73 Nutrition content claims or health claims not to be made about

certain foods
(1) A nutrition content claim or health claim must not be made about:
(a) kava; or
(b) a food that contains more than 1.15% alcohol by volume; or

56 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.74 Division does not apply to certain foods

(c) an infant formula product.

(2) Paragraph (1)(b) does not prevent a nutrition content claim about
energy content or carbohydrate content being made.

1.74 Division does not apply to certain foods

This Division does not apply to:
(a) food that is intended for further processing, packaging or
labelling prior to retail sale; or
(b) food that is delivered to a vulnerable person by a delivered meal
organisation; or
(c) food, other than food in a package, that is provided to a patient
in a hospital or a medical institution.

1.75 Division does not apply to certain claims or declarations

This Division does not apply to:
(a) a claim that is expressly permitted by this Code; or
(b) a claim about the risks or dangers of alcohol consumption or
about moderating alcohol intake; or
(c) a declaration that is required by an application Act.

1.76 Form of food to which provisions of this Division apply

If this Division imposes a prerequisite, condition, qualification or any
other requirement on the making of a claim, that prerequisite,
condition, qualification or requirement applies to whichever of the
following forms of the food is applicable:
(a) if the food can be either prepared with other food or consumed
as sold—the food as sold;
(b) if the food is required to be prepared and consumed according to
directions—the food as prepared;
(c) if the food requires reconstituting with water—the food after it
is reconstituted with water and ready for consumption;
(d) if the food requires draining before consuming—the food after it
is drained and ready for consumption.

1.77 Claims not to be therapeutic in nature

A claim must not:
(a) refer to the prevention, diagnosis, cure or alleviation of a
disease, disorder or condition; or
(b) compare a food with a good that is:
(i) represented in any way to be for therapeutic use; or

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 57

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.78 Claims not to compare vitamin or mineral content

(ii) likely to be taken to be for therapeutic use, whether

because of the way in which the good is presented or for
any other reason.

1.78 Claims not to compare vitamin or mineral content

A claim that directly or indirectly compares the vitamin or mineral
content of a food with that of another food must not be made unless
the claim is permitted by this Code.

1.79 Division does not prescribe words

Nothing in this Division is to be taken to prescribe the words that must
be used when making a claim.

Subdivision D—Requirements for nutrition content claims

1.80 Presentation of nutrition content claims

A nutrition content claim must be stated together with a statement
about the form of the food to which the claim relates, unless the form
of the food to which the claim relates is the food as sold.

1.81 Nutrition content claims about properties of food in section

S4.01 of Schedule 4
(1) If a property of food is mentioned in column 1 of the nutrition content
claims table, a nutrition content claim may only be made about that
property of food in accordance with this section.
(2) If a claim is made in relation to a food about a property of food
mentioned in column 1 of the nutrition content claims table, the food
must meet the corresponding general claim conditions, if any, in
column 2 of the table.
(3) If a claim made in relation to a food about a property of food
mentioned in column 1 of the nutrition content claims table uses a
descriptor mentioned in column 3 of the table, or a synonym of that
descriptor, the food must meet:
(a) the general claim conditions for the relevant property of food in
column 2 of the table; and
(b) the specific claim conditions in column 4 of the table for the
relevant descriptor.
(4) If, in relation to a claim mentioned in subsection (3), there is an
inconsistency between a general claim condition in column 2 of the
table and a specific claim condition in column 4 of the table, the
specific claim condition prevails.

58 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.82 Nutrition content claims about properties of food not in section S4.01 of Schedule 4

(5) A descriptor must not be used in a nutrition content claim about

lactose or trans fatty acids unless the descriptor:
(a) is mentioned in column 3 of the nutrition content claims table
and corresponds with that property of food; or
(b) is a synonym of the descriptor referred to in paragraph (a).
(6) A descriptor must not be used in a nutrition content claim about
glycaemic load unless that descriptor is expressed as a number or in
numeric form.
(7) A nutrition content claim in relation to gluten may only:
(a) use a descriptor that is mentioned in column 3 of the nutrition
content claims table in conjunction with gluten, or a synonym of
such a descriptor; or
(b) state that a food contains gluten or is high in gluten.
(8) Subject to this section and section 1.84, any descriptor that is not
mentioned in column 3 of the nutrition content claims table, including
a descriptor expressed as a number or in numeric form, may be used in
conjunction with a property of food that is mentioned in column 1 of
the table.
(9) In this Subdivision:
nutrition content claims table means the table to section S4.01 of
Schedule 4.

1.82 Nutrition content claims about properties of food not in section

S4.01 of Schedule 4
(1) A nutrition content claim about a property of food that is not
mentioned in the table to section S4.01 of Schedule 4 may state only:
(a) that the food contains or does not contain the property of food;
or
(b) that the food contains a specified amount of the property of food
in a specified amount of that food; or
(c) a combination of paragraph (a) and (b).
(2) A statement made for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a) must not use a
descriptor listed in column 3 of the nutrition content claims table, or
any other descriptor, except a descriptor that indicates that the food
does not contain the property of food.

1.83 Nutrition content claims about choline, fluoride or folic acid

(1) A nutrition content claim about choline, fluoride or folic acid may
state only:
(a) that the food contains choline, fluoride or folic acid; or

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 59

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.84 Nutrition content claims must not imply slimming effects

(b) that the food contains a specified amount of choline, fluoride or

folic acid in a specified amount of that food; or
(c) a combination of paragraph (a) and (b).
(2) A statement made for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a) must not use a
descriptor listed in column 3 of the nutrition content claims table, or
any other descriptor.
(3) A nutrition content claim about choline, fluoride or folic acid may be
made only if a health claim about that substance is made in relation to
the same food.

1.84 Nutrition content claims must not imply slimming effects

A nutrition content claim that meets the conditions to use the
descriptor diet must not use another descriptor that directly or
indirectly refers to slimming or a synonym for slimming.

1.85 Comparative claims

(1) A comparative claim about a food (claimed food) must include
together with the claim:
(a) the identity of the reference food; and
(b) the difference between the amount of the property of food in the
claimed food and the reference food.
(2) In this section, a nutrition content claim is a comparative claim if:
(a) it:
(i) directly or indirectly compares the nutrition content of one
food or brand of food with another; and
(ii) includes claims using any of the following descriptors:
(A) light or lite;
(B) increased;
(C) reduced;
(D) words of similar import; or
(b) it:
(i) uses the descriptor diet; and
(ii) meets the conditions for making that claim by having at
least 40% less energy than the same quantity of reference
food.

60 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.86 Application or proposal to vary S4.03 of Schedule 4 taken to be a high level health
claims variation

Subdivision E—Requirements for health claims

1.86 Application or proposal to vary S4.03 of Schedule 4 taken to be

a high level health claims variation
An application or a proposal to add a general level health claim to the
table to section S4.03 of Schedule 4 is taken to be an application or
proposal for a high level health claims variation.
Note: The term high level health claims variation is defined in section 4 of the
FSANZ Act. The effect of this provision is that an application or a
proposal to add a general level health claim to the table to S4.03 of
Schedule 4 will be assessed under the provisions in Subdivision G of each
of Divisions 1 and 2 of Part 3 of the FSANZ Act, as appropriate.

1.87 Conditions for making health claims

(1) A health claim must not be made unless:
(a) the food to which the health claim relates meets the NPSC; and
(b) the health claim complies with the requirements in:
(i) if the health claim is a high-level health claim—
subsection (2); or
(ii) if the health claim is a general level health claim—
subsection (3).
(2) For subparagraph (1)(b)(i), the requirements are:
(a) the food or the property of food is mentioned in column 1 of the
high-level health claims table; and
(b) the health effect claimed for that food or property of food is
mentioned in the corresponding row in column 2 of the table;
and
(c) the food complies with the relevant conditions in column 5 of
the table.
(3) For subparagraph (1)(b)(ii), the requirements are:
(a) each of the following:
(i) the food or the property of food is mentioned in column 1
of the general level health claims table;
(ii) the health effect claimed for that food or property of food
is mentioned in the corresponding row in column 2 of the
table; and
(iii) the food complies with the relevant conditions in column 5
of the table; or
(b) the person who is responsible for making the health claim has
notified the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority of the
details of a relationship between a food or property of food and
a health effect that has been established by a process of
systematic review that is described in Schedule 6.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 61

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.88 Requirement when making a general level health claim under paragraph 1.87(3)(b)

(4) Despite paragraph (1)(a), a special purpose food does not need to meet
the NPSC.
(5) In this Subdivision:
general level health claims table means the table to section S4.03 of
Schedule 4.
high-level health claims table means the table to section S4.02 of
Schedule 4.

1.88 Requirement when making a general level health claim under

paragraph 1.87(3)(b)
(1) A person who gives the notice mentioned in paragraph 1.87(3)(b) is
required to:
(a) provide the name of the person that is giving the notice and the
address in Australia or New Zealand of that person; and
(b) consent to the publication by the Authority of the information
given for the purposes of paragraph 1.87(3)(b) and
paragraph (1)(a); and
(c) certify that the notified relationship between a food or property
of food and a health effect has been established by a process of
systematic review that is described in Schedule 6; and
(d) if requested by a relevant authority, provide records to the
relevant authority that demonstrate that:
(i) the systematic review was conducted in accordance with
the process of systematic review described in Schedule 6;
and
(ii) the notified relationship is a reasonable conclusion of the
systematic review.
(2) A certificate provided for a body corporate must be signed by a senior
officer of the body corporate.

1.89 How health claims are to be made

(1) If a health claim is a high level health claim based on a relationship
described in the high level health claims table or a general level health
claim based on a relationship described in the general level health
claims table, the health claim must:
(a) state:
(i) the food or the property of food mentioned in column 1 of
the relevant table; and
(ii) the specific health effect mentioned in column 2 of the
relevant table that is claimed for the food or the property
of food; and

62 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.89 How health claims are to be made

(b) if column 3 of the relevant table refers to a relevant population

group to which the specific health effect relates—include a
statement of that population group in conjunction with the health
claim; and
(c) include, together with the health claim, the information referred
to in subsection (3).
(2) If a health claim is a general level health claim based on a relationship
that has been notified under paragraph 1.87(3)(b), the health claim
must:
(a) state the food or the property of food and the specific health
effect; and
(b) include together with the health claim a statement about the
relevant population group, if any, that is a reasonable conclusion
of the systematic review mentioned in paragraph 1.87(3)(b); and
(c) include, together with the health claim, the information referred
to in subsection (3).
(3) For paragraphs (1)(c) and (2)(c), the information is:
(a) a dietary context statement that complies with subsection (4);
and
(b) a statement of the form of the food to which the health claim
relates.
(4) A dietary context statement must:
(a) state that the health effect must be considered in the context of a
healthy diet involving the consumption of a variety of foods;
and
(b) be appropriate to the type of food or the property of food that is
the subject of the claim and the health effect claimed; and
(c) either:
(i) if the health claim is a high level health claim based on a
relationship described in the high level health claims table
or a general level health claim based on a relationship
described in the general level health claims table—include
words to the effect of the relevant dietary context
statement in the corresponding row of column 4 of the
relevant table, if any; or
(ii) if the health claim is a general level health claim based on
a relationship that has been notified under paragraph
1.87(3)(b)—include words to the effect of a relevant
dietary context statement that is a reasonable conclusion of
the systematic review.
(5) Despite paragraph (3)(a), a dietary context statement need not be
included on a label on a food product that is contained in a small
package.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 63

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.90 Split health claims

(6) Despite paragraph (3)(b), if the form of the food to which the claim
relates is the food as sold, the form of the food to which the claim
relates need not be stated.

1.90 Split health claims

The matters referred to in paragraph 1.89(1)(a) or paragraph
1.89(2)(a) may also appear in another statement on the label or in an
advertisement if:
(a) the information required by subsection 1.89(1) or subsection
1.89(2) appears on a label or in an advertisement; and
(b) the other statement indicates where on the label or advertisement
the information required by subsection 1.89(1) or subsection
1.89(2) is located.

1.91 Statements for claims about phytosterols, phytostanols and

their esters
A dietary context statement for a claim about phytosterols,
phytostanols and their esters need not include a statement required by
paragraph 1.89(4)(a) if the claim appears together with the mandatory
advisory statement required by subsection 1.55(1).

Subdivision F—Endorsements

1.92 Endorsing bodies

(1) An endorsing body must:
(a) not be related to; and
(b) be independent of; and
(c) be free from influence by;
the supplier of food in relation to which an endorsement is made.
(2) For this section, an endorsing body is related to a supplier if the
supplier:
(a) has a financial interest in the endorsing body; or
(b) established, either by itself or with others, the endorsing body;
or
(c) exercises direct or indirect control over the endorsing body.

1.93 Criteria for endorsements

(1) A supplier of food may make or include an endorsement on a label or
in an advertisement for the food, or otherwise use the endorsement, if:
(a) the supplier keeps the required records for the information
period; and

64 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.94 Method for calculating a nutrient profiling score

(b) the supplier upon request by the relevant authority, makes the
required records available for inspection within the time
specified by the relevant authority; and
(c) the endorsement complies with section 1.77; and
(d) the endorsing body complies with section 1.92.
(2) If a label on, or an advertisement for, imported food makes or includes
an endorsement, the importer of the food must:
(a) keep the required records for the information period as if the
importer of the food were the supplier of the food; and
(b) upon request by the relevant authority, make the required
records available for inspection within the time specified by the
relevant authority.
(3) An endorsement must not refer to a serious disease except in a
reference to the endorsing body if the serious disease is part of the
name of the endorsing body.
(4) This Division, other than sections 1.71, 1.72 and 1.77, do not apply in
relation to an endorsement.
(5) In this section:
information period, in relation to food, means the period:
(a) during which the food is available for sale or advertised for sale;
and
(b) the period of 2 years after the food was last sold, or advertised
or available for sale, whichever is the latest.
required records means a document or documents that demonstrate
that:
(a) a supplier using an endorsement has obtained the permission of
the endorsing body to use the endorsement; and
(b) the endorsing body has a nutrition- or health-related function or
purpose; and
(c) the endorsing body is a not-for-profit entity; and
(d) the endorsing body is not related to the supplier using the
endorsement.

Subdivision G—Additional labelling of food required to meet the

NPSC

1.94 Method for calculating a nutrient profiling score

The method for calculating a nutrient profiling score is described in
Schedule 5.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 65

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 7—Nutrition, health and related claims
Section 1.95 Labelling of food required to meet the NPSC

1.95 Labelling of food required to meet the NPSC

(1) This section applies if a food must meet the NPSC in order to make a
claim.
Note: See paragraph 1.87(1)(a) and subsection 1.87(4) for when a food must
meet the NPSC in order to make a claim.

(2) The particulars of a property of food must be declared in the nutrition

information panel if:
(a) the property of food, other than fvnl, is relied on to meet the
NPSC; and
(b) those particulars are not otherwise required to be included in the
nutrition information panel.
(3) The calcium content of a food must be declared in the nutrition
information panel if the food:
(a) is classified in Category 3 of section S4.04 of Schedule 4 for the
purposes of determining the food’s nutrient profiling score; and
(b) is a cheese or processed cheese.
(4) For the labelling provisions, if:
(a) a food scores V points under section S5.03 of Schedule 5; and
(b) the claim is not a health claim about fruits and vegetables;
the information relating to nutrition, health and related claims is the
percentage of each element of fvnl that is relied on to meet the NPSC.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

1.96 Labelling exemptions for certain foods

Subsections 1.95(2), (3) and (4) do not apply to food in a small
package.

66 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 8—Nutrition information requirements
Section 1.97 Purpose

Division 8—Nutrition information requirements

Subdivision A—Purpose and interpretation

1.97 Purpose
This Division sets out nutrition information requirements in relation to
food products that are required to be labelled under this Code, and for
food products that are exempt from these labelling requirements. This
Division sets out when nutritional information must be provided, and
the manner in which such information must be provided.
Note: Division 7 also sets out additional nutrition information requirements in
relation to nutrition content claims and health claims. This Division does
not apply to infant formula product. Division 1 of Part 9 of Chapter 2 sets
out specific nutrition labelling requirements for infant formula product.

1.98 Application of Division

This Division does not apply to infant formula product.

1.99 Interpretation of Division

The definitions set out in Subdivision B of Division 7 apply to this
Division.

Subdivision B—Nutrition information panels

1.100 When nutrition information panel is not required

For the labelling provisions, a nutrition information panel is not
required for:
(a) the following food products, unless a claim requiring nutrition
information is made in relation to the food product:
(i) a standardised alcoholic beverage; or
(ii) a herb, a spice or a herbal infusion; or
(iii) vinegar or imitation vinegar; or
(iv) iodised salt, reduced sodium salt mixture, salt or salt
substitute; or
(v) tea or coffee, or instant tea or instant coffee; or
(vi) a substance that is approved for use as a food additive; or
(vii) a substance that is approved for use as a processing aid; or
(viii) fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish that comprise a
single ingredient or category of ingredients; or
(ix) gelatine; or
(x) ice water, or mineral water or spring water; or
(xi) prepared filled rolls, sandwiches, bagels and similar
products; or

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 67

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 8—Nutrition information requirements
Section 1.101 What must be on nutrition information panel

(xii) jam setting compound; or

(xiii) a kit which is intended to be used to produce a
standardised alcoholic beverage; or
(xiv) a beverage containing no less than 0.5% alcohol by
volume that is not a standardised alcoholic beverage; or
(xv) kava; or
(b) a food product in a small package, other than food for infants.
Note 1: See section 1.109 for the requirement for a food product in a small
package.
Note 2: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

1.101 What must be on nutrition information panel

(1) A nutrition information panel must contain the following information:
(a) the number of servings in the package, expressed as either:
(i) the number of servings of the food; or
(ii) if the weight or the volume of the food as packaged is
variable—the number of servings of the food per
kilogram, or other unit as appropriate;
(b) the average quantity of the food in a serving expressed in:
(i) for a solid or semi-solid food—grams; or
(ii) for a beverage or other liquid food—millilitres;
(c) the unit quantity of the food product;
(d) for a serving of the food and a unit quantity of the food:
(i) the average energy content expressed in kilojoules or both
in kilojoules and in calories or kilocalories; and
(ii) the average quantity of protein, carbohydrate, sugars, fat
and, subject to subsection (6), saturated fatty acids,
expressed in grams; and
(iii) the average quantity of sodium, expressed in milligrams or
both milligrams and millimoles; and
(iv) the name and the average quantity of any other nutrient or
biologically active substance in respect of which a claim
requiring nutrition information is made, expressed in
grams, milligrams, micrograms or other units as
appropriate;
(v) any other matter this Code requires to be included.
(2) A nutrition information panel must be set out in the format in
section S12.01 of Schedule 12, unless this Code provides otherwise.
Claims in respect of cholesterol etc
(3) If a claim requiring nutrition information is made in respect of:
(a) cholesterol; or

68 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 8—Nutrition information requirements
Section 1.101 What must be on nutrition information panel

(b) saturated, trans, polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fatty acids;

or
(c) omega-3, omega-6 or omega-9 fatty acids;
a nutrition information panel must include declarations of the trans,
polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in accordance with
section S12.02 of Schedule 12.
Claims in respect of fibre, sugars or carbohydrate
(4) If a claim requiring nutrition information is made in respect of:
(a) fibre or any specifically named fibre; or
(b) sugars or any other type of carbohydrate;
a nutrition information panel must include a declaration of the
presence or absence of dietary fibre in accordance with section S12.02
of Schedule 12.
(5) The absence of dietary fibre under subsection (4) must be indicated by
using the symbol ‘0’.
Claims in respect of polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fatty acid
content
(6) If a claim requiring nutrition information is made in relation to the
polyunsaturated fatty acid content or monounsaturated fatty acid
content of an edible oil, an edible oil spread or margarine, the nutrition
information panel may list the minimum or maximum quantity of the
following in a serving or a unit quantity of the food product:
(a) saturated fatty acids;
(b) polyunsaturated fatty acids;
(c) monounsaturated fatty acids;
(d) trans fatty acids.
Note: See section 1.81 for when claims may be made in relation to the
polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fatty acid content of foods.

Declarations about carbohydrates

(7) If unavailable carbohydrate has been subtracted in the calculation of
carbohydrate by difference, a nutrition information panel must include
a declaration of unavailable carbohydrate.
(8) The reference to ‘unavailable carbohydrate’ in subsection (7) does not
include dietary fibre.
Declarations about certain substances
(9) If:
(a) one or more components (other than organic acids) listed in
subsection S11.01(3) of Schedule 11 is present in the final food,

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 69

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 8—Nutrition information requirements
Section 1.102 How to express particular matters in nutrition information panel

singly or in combination, in an amount of no less than 5 g/100 g;

and
(b) either of the following is satisfied:
(i) if carbohydrate by difference is used—any of those
substances have been subtracted in the calculation; or
(ii) if available carbohydrate is used—any of those substances
have been quantified or added to the food;
the nutrition information panel must include individual declarations of
those substances.
Claims about phytosterols, phytostanols or their esters
(10) If a claim requiring nutrition information is made in relation to
phytosterols, phytostanols or their esters, the nutrition information
panel must include declarations of:
(a) the substances, using the same name for the substance as used in
the advisory statement required by subsection 1.55(1); and
(b) the amount of the substances, calculated as total plant sterol
equivalents content.

1.102 How to express particular matters in nutrition information panel

(1) The nutrition information panel must clearly indicate that:
(a) any average quantities set out in the panel are average
quantities; and
(b) any minimum or maximum quantities set out in the panel are
minimum or maximum quantities.
(2) On a nutrition information panel:
(a) ‘serving’ may be replaced by:
(i) ‘slice’, ‘pack’ or ‘package’; or
(ii) ‘metric cup’ or ‘metric tablespoon’ or other appropriate
word or words expressing a unit or common measure; and
(b) ‘Carbohydrate’ may be replaced by ‘Carbohydrate, total’.
(3) The following must be expressed in a nutrition information panel to
not more than 3 significant figures:
(a) the average energy content;
(b) the average, minimum or maximum quantities of nutrients and
biologically active substances.
(4) If the average energy content of a serving or a unit quantity of the
food product is less than 40 kJ, that average energy content may be
expressed in the panel as ‘LESS THAN 40 kJ’.
(5) If the average quantity of any of the following in a serving or a unit
quantity of the food product is less than 1 gram, that average quantity

70 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 8—Nutrition information requirements
Section 1.103 Percentage daily intake information

may be expressed in the nutrition information panel as ‘LESS THAN

1 g’:
(a) protein;
(b) fat;
(c) classes of fatty acids;
(d) carbohydrate;
(e) sugars;
(f) dietary fibre.
(6) If the average quantity of sodium or potassium in a serving or a unit
quantity of the food product is less than 5 milligrams, that average
quantity may be expressed in the nutrition information panel as ‘LESS
THAN 5 mg’.
(7) The declaration of dietary fibre in a nutrition information panel must
be a declaration of dietary fibre determined in accordance with
section S11.03 in Schedule 11.
(8) In a nutrition information panel:
(a) monounsaturated fatty acids must be declared as
monounsaturated fat; and
(b) polyunsaturated fatty acids must be declared as polyunsaturated
fat; and
(c) saturated fatty acids must be declared as saturated fat; and
(d) trans fatty acids must be declared as trans fat.

1.103 Percentage daily intake information

(1) A nutrition information panel may include information relating to the
percentage daily intake of nutrients set out in the panel.
(2) If information relating to percentage daily intake is included, the panel
may include the percentage daily intake of dietary fibre.
(3) If information relating to percentage daily intake is included, the panel
must include:
(a) the percentage daily intake of the following, calculated using the
associated reference value listed below:

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 71

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 8—Nutrition information requirements
Section 1.104 Percentage recommended dietary intake information

Reference values for percent daily intake information

Component Reference value
energy 8,700 kJ
protein 50 g
fat 70 g
saturated fatty acids 24 g
carbohydrate 310 g
sodium 2,300 mg
sugars 90 g
dietary fibre (if included) 30 g

(b) either of the following statements:

(i) ‘based on an average adult diet of 8700 kJ’;
(ii) ‘Percentage daily intakes are based on an average adult
diet of 8700 kJ’.
Note: For an example nutrition information panel illustrating percentage daily
intake information, see section S12.03 of Schedule 12.

1.104 Percentage recommended dietary intake information

(1) This section applies if:
(a) a claim requiring nutrition information is made about or based
on a vitamin or mineral (the relevant vitamin or mineral); and
(b) the relevant vitamin or mineral has an RDI; and
(c) the food to which the claim relates is not a food for infants.
(2) The percentage of the RDI for the relevant vitamin or mineral
contributed by one serving of the food must be set out in the nutrition
information panel.
(3) The percentage RDI under subsection (2) must be calculated using the
nutrient values set out in the nutrition information panel.
(4) Despite paragraph (1)(c), percentage recommended dietary intake
information may be included in the nutrition information panel for a
food for infants.

1.105 Information referred to in sections 1.103 and 1.104 may be

presented outside nutrition information panel
(1) The information referred to in section 1.103 and subsection 1.104(2)
may be presented outside the nutrition information panel if:
(a) the serving size is presented together with the
information; and
(b) the food does not contain more than 1.15% alcohol by volume.

72 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 8—Nutrition information requirements
Section 1.106 Requirement for dehydrated or concentrated food

(2) If more than 1 piece of such information is presented outside the

nutrition information panel, those pieces of information must be
presented together.
(3) Information presented in accordance with this section does not
constitute a nutrition content claim.

1.106 Requirement for dehydrated or concentrated food

If the label on a package of a food product indicates that the food
should be reconstituted with water before consumption, the nutrition
information panel must express the information required by this
Division as a proportion of the reconstituted food.

1.107 Food intended to be drained before consumption

If the labelling for a food product contains directions indicating that
the food should be drained before consumption, the nutrition
information panel must:
(a) express the information required by this Division as a proportion
of the drained food; and
(b) clearly indicate that the information relates to the drained food.

1.108 Food intended to be prepared or consumed with other food

(1) This section applies to a food product if the labelling indicates that it
is intended to be prepared or consumed with at least one other food.
(2) The nutrition information panel may comply with the requirement in
subsection (4).
(3) If a claim requiring nutrition information is made about the food, the
nutrition information panel must comply with the requirements in
subsections (4) and (5).
(4) The requirement is that the nutrition information panel includes an
additional column at the right hand side of the panel, specifying, in the
same manner as set out in the panel:
(a) a description of the additional food; and
(b) the quantity of the additional food; and
(c) the average energy content of the combined foods; and
(d) the average quantities of nutrients contained in the combined
foods; and
(e) the average quantities of biologically active substances
contained in the combined foods.
(5) The requirement is that the nutrition information panel specifies the
weight or volume of the serving size of the food as prepared.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 73

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 8—Nutrition information requirements
Section 1.109 Requirement for food products in small packages

1.109 Requirement for food products in small packages

(1) For the labelling provisions, for a food product in a small package, the
following nutrition information is required if a claim requiring
nutrition information is made:
(a) the average quantity of the food in a serving, expressed:
(i) for a solid or semi-solid food—in grams; and
(ii) for a beverage or other liquid food—in millilitres; and
(b) if a claim is about a matter in column 1 of the table to section
S13.01 of Schedule 13—the particulars specified in column 2,
expressed:
(i) as minimum, maximum or average quantities, unless
otherwise specified; and
(ii) with a clear indication of whether the particulars are
minimum, maximum or average quantities.
(c) if the claim is about carbohydrate, dietary fibre, sugars or any
other carbohydrate:
(i) if unavailable carbohydrate has been subtracted in the
calculation of ‘carbohydrate by difference’—a declaration
of unavailable carbohydrate (not including dietary fibre);
and
(ii) the presence in the food of any substance other than
organic acids that is listed in the table to subsection
S11.01(3) of Schedule 11, if those substances are present
in the food, either singly or in combination, in an amount
of no less than 5 g/100 g.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

(2) Where appropriate, the word ‘serving’ may be replaced by:

(a) the word ‘slice’, ‘pack’ or ‘package’; and
(b) the words ‘metric cup’, ‘metric tablespoon’ or other appropriate
words expressing a unit or common measure.
(3) To avoid doubt, the information required by this section need not be
set out in the form of a nutrition information panel.

74 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 9—Characterising ingredients and components of food
Section 1.110 Definitions

Division 9—Characterising ingredients and components of

food

1.110 Definitions
(1) In this Division, in relation to a food product:
characterising component means a component of the food that:
(a) is mentioned in the name of the food; or
(b) is likely to be associated with the name of the food by a
consumer; or
(c) is emphasised on the label of the food product in words, pictures
or graphics.
characterising ingredient means an ingredient or a category of
ingredients of the food that:
(a) is mentioned in the name of the food; or
(b) is likely to be associated with the name of the food by a
consumer; or
(c) is emphasised on the label of the food product in words, pictures
or graphics.
(2) Despite subsection (1), any of the following is not a characterising
ingredient:
(a) an ingredient or category of ingredients that is used in small
quantities to flavour the food; or
(b) an ingredient or category of ingredients that comprises the
whole of the food; or
(c) an ingredient or category of ingredients that is mentioned in the
name of the food but which is not such as to govern the choice
of the consumer, because the variation in the quantity is not
essential to characterise the food, or does not distinguish the
food from similar foods.
(3) Compliance with labelling requirements elsewhere in this Code does
not of itself constitute emphasis for the purposes of this section.

1.111 Requirement to declare characterising ingredients and

components
(1) For the labelling provisions, information about characterising
ingredients and characterising components is a declaration of the
proportion of each characterising ingredient and characterising
component of the food:
(a) calculated in accordance with sections 1.112 to 1.115; and
(b) expressed in accordance with section 1.116.
(2) If:

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 75

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 9—Characterising ingredients and components of food
Section 1.112 Calculating proportion of characterising ingredients

(a) the proportion of a characterising component of a food is

declared in accordance with this Division; and
(b) an ingredient or category of ingredients contains that
characterising component;
the proportion of a characterising ingredient containing that
characterising component does not need to be declared.
(3) For the labelling provisions, information about characterising
ingredients and characterising components is not required for the
following food products:
(a) prepared filled rolls, sandwiches, bagels or similar products;
(b) a food product that is sold at a fund-raising event;
(c) a food product that is in a small package;
(d) infant formula product;
(e) cured and/or dried meat flesh in whole cuts or pieces;
(f) a standardised alcoholic beverage;
(g) a beverage containing no less than 0.5% alcohol by volume,
other than one referred to in paragraph (e).
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

1.112 Calculating proportion of characterising ingredients

(1) Subject to sections 1.113 and 1.114, the proportion, PCI, of a
characterising ingredient in a food product must be calculated using
the following formula:
IW
PCI   100
TW
where:
IW is:
(a) if the proportion of the ingredient is declared in accordance with
paragraph 1.116(4)(b)—the minimum ingoing weight of that
ingredient; or
(b) otherwise—the ingoing weight of the characterising ingredient.
TW is the total weight of all ingoing ingredients.
(2) The weight of added water or volatile ingredients removed during the
course of manufacture of the food product must not be included in the
weight of the ingoing ingredients when calculating PCI.
(3) If a concentrated or dehydrated ingredient is reconstituted during
manufacture of the food product, the weight of the reconstituted
ingredient may be used when calculating PCI.

76 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 9—Characterising ingredients and components of food
Section 1.113 Calculating proportion of characterising ingredients where moisture loss occurs

(4) If a food product requires reconstitution prior to consumption, PCI

may be calculated as a proportion of the food product as reconstituted.

1.113 Calculating proportion of characterising ingredients where

moisture loss occurs
If moisture loss occurs in the processing of a food product, the
proportion of a characterising ingredient in a food product may be
calculated taking into account any such moisture loss, on the basis of
the weight of the characterising ingredient in the final food product.

1.114 Calculating proportion of characterising ingredient where

proportion is declared in nutrition information panel
Unless otherwise specified, where the proportion of a characterising
ingredient is declared in a nutrition information panel, the amount
declared must be the average quantity of the characterising ingredient
present in the final food product.

1.115 Method of calculating proportion of characterising components

(1) The proportion of a characterising component, PCC, in a food product
must be calculated using the following formula:
W
PCC   100
TW
where:
TW is the total weight of the food product.
W is:
(a) the weight of the characterising component of the food product;
or
(b) if the proportion of the component is declared in accordance
with paragraph 1.116(4)(b)—the minimum weight of that
component.
(2) The proportion of a characterising component of a food product that
requires reconstitution prior to consumption may be calculated as a
proportion of the food product as reconstituted.
(3) Unless otherwise specified, where the proportion of a characterising
component is declared in a nutrition information panel, the amount
declared must be the average quantity of the characterising component
present in the final food product.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 77

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 9—Characterising ingredients and components of food
Section 1.116 Declaration of characterising ingredients and components

1.116 Declaration of characterising ingredients and components

(1) The proportion of a characterising ingredient or characterising
component must:
(a) be declared as a percentage; or
(b) unless otherwise specified, be declared as the average quantity
per serving and per unit quantity, when declared in a nutrition
information panel.
(2) If the proportion of a characterising ingredient is declared in
accordance with paragraph (1)(a) in a statement of ingredients, the
percentage must immediately follow the common, descriptive or
generic name of the ingredient.
(3) The percentage may be rounded to:
(a) the nearest whole number; or
(b) if the percentage is below 5%—the nearest 0.5 decimal place.
(4) The proportion of a characterising ingredient or characterising
component must be declared as:
(a) the actual percentage; or
(b) if the minimum weight of a characterising ingredient or
characterising component was used when performing the
calculation in section 1.112 or 1.115 as appropriate—a
minimum percentage; or
(c) unless otherwise specified—the average quantity when declared
in a nutrition information panel.
(5) If a minimum percentage is declared, that fact must be clearly
indicated.
(6) The proportion of a characterising ingredient or characterising
component of a food product that requires reconstitution prior to
consumption may be declared as a percentage of the food product as
reconstituted if:
(a) in the case of a characterising ingredient—the proportion of the
characterising ingredient was calculated in accordance with
subsection 1.112(4); and
(b) in any case—the fact that the ingredient or component is a
proportion of the reconstituted food product is clearly indicated.

78 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 10—Country of origin labelling requirements
Section 1.117 Interaction with other Divisions

Division 10—Country of origin labelling requirements

Note: This Division applies in Australia only.

1.117 Interaction with other Divisions

This Division does not affect the operation of Division 5 of Part 7 of
Chapter 2.

1.118 Labelling requirements—unpackaged food

(1) This section applies to a food product listed below (whether that food
product is whole or cut) that is displayed for retail sale other than in a
package:
(a) fish, including fish that has been processed and fish that has
been mixed with other ingredients; and
(b) fresh or preserved pork;
(c) fruit and vegetables, including fruit or vegetables that are fresh,
preserved, pickled, cooked, frozen or dehydrated, and including
fruit or vegetables that have been mixed with other ingredients.
(2) However, this section does not apply to:
(a) fresh or preserved pork that has been mixed with an ingredient
that is not referred to in this section (other than, in the case of
preserved pork, an ingredient that is used to preserve the pork);
or
(b) fruit or vegetables that have been preserved, pickled, cooked,
frozen or dehydrated and that have been mixed with an
ingredient that is not mentioned in this section (other than an
ingredient that is used to preserve, pickle, cook, freeze or
dehydrate the fruit or vegetables).
(3) For the labelling provisions, the country of origin information for a
food product to which this section applies is a statement:
(a) identifying the country or countries of origin of the food; or
(b) indicating that the food is a mix of local and/or imported food.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

(4) If the country of origin information is displayed in connection with the

food product when it is sold, the size of type must be:
(a) if the food product is in an refrigerated assisted service display
cabinet—at least 5 mm; or
(b) otherwise—at least 9 mm.
Note: See also section 1.50.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 79

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 3—Labelling and other information requirements
Division 10—Country of origin labelling requirements
Section 1.119 Labelling requirements—packaged fresh fruit or vegetables

1.119 Labelling requirements—packaged fresh fruit or vegetables

(1) This section applies to fresh fruit and vegetables (whether whole or
cut) that are displayed for retail in a package that does not obscure the
nature or quality of the food.
(2) For the labelling provisions, the country of origin information for a
food product to which this section applies is a statement:
(a) identifying the country or countries of origin of the food; or
(b) indicating that the food is a mix of local and/or imported food.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

1.120 Labelling requirements—packaged food other than fresh fruit or

vegetables
(1) This section applies to a packaged food product other than one to
which section 1.119 applies.
(2) For the labelling provisions, the country of origin information for a
food product to which this section applies is:
(a) a statement identifying where the food was made or produced;
or
(b) a statement:
(i) that identifies the country or countries where the food was
made, manufactured or packaged for retail sale; and
(ii) to the effect that the food is constituted from ingredients
imported into that country or from local and imported
ingredients, as the case may be.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1.

80 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 1—Outline of Part
Section 1.121 Outline

Part 4—Substances added to or present in food

Division 1—Outline of Part

1.121 Outline
This Part sets out the conditions for:
(a) the addition to a food of substances that are not normally
consumed (see Division 2, Division 3 and Division 4); and
(b) the presence in a food of substances that are not normally
consumed (see Division 5, Division 6, Division 7 and Division
10); and
(c) the use of novel foods (see Division 8); and
(d) the use of food produced by gene technology (see Division 9).

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 81

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 2—Food additives
Section 1.122 Interpretation

Division 2—Food additives

Note: Subsection 1.21(4) provides that a food product must not consist of, or have as an
ingredient or a component, a substance that is used as a food additive, unless expressly
permitted by this Division or by another provision of this Code. This Division defines used
as a food additive and contains the relevant permissions.

1.122 Interpretation
Meaning of used as a food additive
(1) For this Code, a substance is used as a food additive in relation to
food if:
(a) it is a substance identified in subsection (2); and
(b) it is added to the food to perform 1 or more of the technological
purposes listed in Schedule 14.
(2) For subsection (1), the substances are:
(a) any of the following:
(i) a substance that is listed in Schedule 15;
(ii) an additive permitted at GMP;
(iii) a colouring permitted at GMP;
(iv) a colouring permitted to a maximum level; and
(b) any substance that:
(i) has been extracted, refined, or synthesised; and
(ii) is not normally sold as a food product; and
(iii) is not normally used as an ingredient by consumers.
Other definitions
(3) In this Code:
additive permitted at GMP means a substance that is listed in section
S16.01 of Schedule 16.
Note: See subsection 1.124(1).

colouring permitted at GMP means a substance that is listed in

section S16.02 of Schedule 16.
Note: See subsection 1.124(1).

colouring permitted to a maximum level means a substance that is

listed in section S16.03 of Schedule 16.
Note: See subsection 1.124(3).

Colours and their calcium lakes

(4) A reference to a colour listed in Schedule 15, a colouring permitted at
GMP or a colouring permitted to a maximum level includes a

82 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 2—Food additives
Section 1.123 When food additives may be used as ingredients in foods

reference to the aluminium and calcium lakes prepared from that

colour.

1.123 When food additives may be used as ingredients in foods

Listed food additives may be ingredients of a food
(1) A substance may be used as a food additive in relation to food if:
(a) the substance is permitted to be used as a food additive for that
food by Schedule 15; and
(b) any restrictions on the use of that substance as a food additive
set out in this Division or in Schedule 15 or Schedule 16 are
complied with; and
(c) the proportion of the substance is no more than required under
GMP.
Carry-over of food additive
(2) A substance that is permitted for use as a food additive may be present
in any food as a result of carry-over from a raw material or an
ingredient if the level of the substance in the food is no greater than
would be introduced by the use of the raw material or ingredient under
proper technological conditions and GMP.

1.124 Maximum permitted levels of food additives in foods

(1) An additive permitted at GMP or a colouring permitted at GMP that is
permitted to be used as a food additive by Schedule 15 may be present
in the food as a result of use in accordance with GMP.
(2) If a substance is used as a food additive in a food, the level of the
substance as a component of the food must comply with any limitation
in Schedule 15 for a food of that kind.
(3) For a colouring permitted to a maximum level that is permitted to be
used as a food additive by Schedule 15, the level of all such colours
together in the food must be no more than:
(a) in a beverage—70 mg/L; and
(b) in another food—290 mg/kg.
(4) Unless the contrary intention appears, if a food is sold that is not
normally consumed except after preparation in accordance with
directions on the label, a limitation in Schedule 15 on the level of a
substance that is used as a food additive in the food applies to the level
of the substance in the food when prepared for consumption according
to the directions.
(5) A substance permitted to be used as a food additive in a food may be
added to an ingredient intended for use in the preparation of that food
at a higher level than would otherwise be allowed, provided that the

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 83

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 2—Food additives
Section 1.124 Maximum permitted levels of food additives in foods

level in the final food complies with the maximum permitted level in
Schedule 15.
(6) For this Division:
(a) annatto and annatto extracts include norbixin and bixin,
calculated as bixin;
(b) benzoic acid and its salts are calculated as benzoic acid;
(c) cyclamate and its salts are calculated as cyclohexyl-sulphamic
acid;
(d) ethyl lauroyl arginate is calculated as ethyl-Nα-lauroyl-L-
arginate.HCl;
(e) nitrates refers to the total of nitrates and nitrites, calculated as
sodium nitrite;
(f) ferrocyanides are calculated as the total of sodium ferrocyanide
and potassium ferrocyanide;
(g) propionic acid and its salts are calculated as propionic acid;
(h) saccharin and its calcium and sodium salts are calculated as
saccharin;
(i) sorbic acid and its salts are calculated as sorbic acid;
(j) steviol glycosides are calculated as steviol equivalents in
accordance with subsection (7);
(k) sulphur dioxide and sulphites, including bisulphites and
metabisulphites, are calculated as sulphur dioxide.
(7) To calculate the steviol equivalent levels for a steviol glycoside, the
following equation is used:
[SE]  CF  [SG]

where:
CF is the conversion factor, as follows:
(a) dulcoside A—0.40;
(b) rebaudioside A—0.33;
(c) rebaudioside B—0.40;
(d) rebaudioside C—0.33;
(e) rebaudioside D—0.28;
(f) rebaudioside F—0.34;
(g) rubusoside—0.50;
(h) steviol—1.00;
(i) steviolbioside—0.50;
(j) stevioside—0.40.
[SG] is the concentration of individual steviol glycoside.
[SE] is the concentration as steviol equivalents.

84 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 2—Food additives
Section 1.125 Limitation on use of intense sweeteners

1.125 Limitation on use of intense sweeteners

Unless Schedule 15 expressly provides otherwise, a substance that
may be used as a food additive to perform the technological purpose
of an intense sweetener may be added to a food only:
(a) as a flavour enhancer; or
(b) in an amount necessary to replace, either wholly or partially, the
sweetness normally provided by sugars.

1.126 Food additives performing the same purpose

(1) If a food contains a mixture of substances that are used as food
additives to perform the same technological purpose, the sum of the
proportions of these substances in the food must not be more than 1.
(2) In this section:
sum of the proportions is calculated in accordance with the following
formula:
N
Conci
sum of the proportions  
i 1 MPLi

where:
Conci is the concentration of the ith food additive in the food.
MPLi is the maximum permitted level of the ith food additive in the
food.
N is the number of substances used as food additives in the food that
perform the same technological purpose.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 85

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 3—Vitamins and minerals
Section 1.127 Meaning of reference quantity

Division 3—Vitamins and minerals

Note 1: Subsection 1.21(3) provides that a food product must not consist of, or have as an
ingredient or a component, a substance used as a nutritive substance unless expressly
permitted by this Division or Part 6 or Part 9 of Chapter 2. This Division deals with
vitamins and minerals used as nutritive substances.
Note 2: This Division relates generally to the use of vitamins and minerals as nutritive substances in
foods and the claims which can be made about the vitamin and mineral content of foods.
Provisions that relate to specific foods appear in other Divisions. See for example Division
1 of Part 1 of Chapter 2 (bread and bread products), Division 2 of Part 4 of Chapter 2
(edible oil spreads), Division 4 of Part 6 of Chapter 2 (formulated caffeinated beverages),
Part 9 of Chapter 2 (special purpose foods), and Division 2 of Part 10 of Chapter 2 (salt and
salt products).

1.127 Meaning of reference quantity

In this Code:
reference quantity means:
(a) for a food listed in the table to section S17.03 in Schedule 17,
either:
(i) the quantity specified in the table for that food; or
(ii) for a food that requires dilution or reconstitution according
to directions—the quantity of the food that, when diluted
or reconstituted, produces the quantity referred to in
subparagraph (i); or
(b) for all other foods:
(i) a normal serving; or
(ii) for a food that requires dilution, reconstitution, draining or
preparation according to directions—the quantity of the
food that, when diluted, reconstituted, drained or prepared
produces a normal serving.

1.128 Listed vitamins and minerals may be used as nutritive

substance in foods
A vitamin or mineral may be used as a nutritive substance in a food if:
(a) the vitamin or mineral is in a permitted form specified in section
S17.01 or section S17.02 of Schedule 17; and
(b) the vitamin or mineral is listed in relation to that type of food in
section S17.03 of Schedule 17; and
(c) the total amount of the naturally occurring and added vitamin or
mineral present in a reference quantity of the food is no more
than the amount (if any) specified in relation to that vitamin or
mineral in section S17.03 of Schedule 17.

86 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 3—Vitamins and minerals
Section 1.129 Claims in relation to vitamin and mineral content of foods

1.129 Claims in relation to vitamin and mineral content of foods

(1) This section applies if a vitamin or mineral has been used as a
nutritive substance in a food listed in section S17.03 of Schedule 17.
(2) A claim must not be made that the proportion of the vitamin or
mineral (including the amount added and the amount naturally
present) in a reference quantity of the food is greater than the amount
that is specified as the maximum claim per reference quantity of that
vitamin or mineral in the table to section S17.03 of Schedule 17.

1.130 Calculation of maximum quantity of a vitamin or mineral which

may be claimed in a reference quantity of food
(1) If:
(a) a food contains more than one ingredient; and
(b) at least one ingredient contains a vitamin or mineral that has
been used as a nutritive substance in accordance with this
Division;
the maximum claim permitted in relation to that vitamin or mineral in
a reference quantity of the food is calculated in accordance with this
section.
(2) First, the maximum quantity permitted to be claimed in a reference
quantity of the food, Mrq, is calculated using the following formula:
M rq  Q1  Q2  ...  Qi

where:
Qi, for a particular ingredient, is:
(a) for an unfortified ingredient—the average quantity of the
vitamin or mineral present in the amount of the ingredient in a
reference quantity of the food; and
(b) for a fortified ingredient—the maximum amount that may be
claimed for that vitamin or mineral in the amount of the
ingredient in a reference quantity of the food.
(3) Then, Mrq is rounded to the nearest 2 significant figures.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 87

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 4—Processing aids
Section 1.131 Meaning of used as a processing aid

Division 4—Processing aids

Note: Subsection 1.21(4) provides that a food product must not consist of, or have as an
ingredient or a component, a substance that is used as a processing aid, unless expressly
permitted by this Division or by another provision of this Code. This Division defines what
is meant by references to a substance that is used as a processing aid and more general
references to a food that is used as a processing aid, and contains the relevant permissions.

Subdivision A—Interpretation

1.131 Meaning of used as a processing aid

References to substances that are used as a processing aid
(1) For this Code, a reference to a substance that is used as a processing
aid in relation to a food is a reference to a substance that:
(a) is identified in subsection (3); and
(b) is added to food during the course of processing to perform a
technological purpose; and
(c) does not perform a technological purpose listed in Schedule 14
in the processed food.
References to foods that are used as a processing aid
(2) For this Code, a reference to a food that is used as a processing aid in
relation to another food:
(a) is a reference to a food that:
(i) is not a substance identified in subsection (3); and
(ii) is added to the other food during the course of processing
to perform a technological purpose; and
(iii) does not perform a technological purpose listed in
Schedule 14 in the processed food; and
(b) is a reference to so much of the food as is necessary to perform
the technological purpose.
Note 1: This Code does not regulate the use of foods as processing aids (other
than foods that are substances referred to in subsection (3)). There are
special labelling requirements that apply in relation to foods and
substances that are used as processing aids—see paragraphs 1.59(d) and
1.59(e) and subparagraph 1.100(a)(vii).
Note 2: If a food is used as a processing aid in relation to another food, and the
amount of the food used is greater than the amount that is necessary to
perform the technological purpose, the excess amount of the food is not
taken to be used as a processing aid in the other food.

(3) For subsections (1) and (2), the substances are the following:
(a) a substance that is listed in Schedule 18;
(b) an additive permitted at GMP.
Note: ‘additive permitted at GMP’ is a defined term—see section 1.122.

88 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 4—Processing aids
Section 1.132 Permission to use substance as processing aid

1.132 Permission to use substance as processing aid

A substance may be used as a processing aid in relation to food if:
(a) the substance is permitted to be used as processing aid for that
food by this Division; and
(b) the proportion of the substance that is used is no more than the
maximum level necessary to achieve the technological purpose
under conditions of GMP.

Subdivision B—Processing aids that may be used with any food

1.133 Generally permitted processing aids for all foods

(1) A substance listed in subsection (2) may be used as a processing aid in
any food if it is used at a level necessary to achieve a technological
purpose in the processing of that food.
(2) For subsection (1), the foods and substances are:
(a) an additive permitted at GMP; or
(b) any substance listed in section S18.01 of Schedule 18.

1.134 Processing aids for certain purposes for all foods

A substance listed in section S18.02 of Schedule 18 may be used as a
processing aid in any food, if the substance is:
(a) used to perform a technological purpose listed in relation to that
substance; and
(b) not present in the food at a level greater than the maximum
permitted level indicated in the corresponding row of the table.
Note: The purposes listed in section S18.02 are the following:
 anti-foaming;
 catalysis;
 decolouring, clarifying, filtering or adsorbing;
 desiccating;
 ion exchange;
 lubricating, releasing or anti-stick;
 a carrier, solvent or diluent.

1.135 Enzymes
An enzyme listed in section S18.03 of Schedule 18 may be used as a
processing aid to perform any technological purpose if the enzyme is
derived from the corresponding source specified in the table.
Note 1: Section S18.03 includes:
 enzymes of animal origin; and

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 89

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 4—Processing aids
Section 1.136 Microbial nutrients and microbial nutrient adjuncts

 enzymes of plant origin; and

 enzymes of microbial origin.
Note 2: Some enzyme sources identified in section S18.03 are genetically
modified sources. If an enzyme from such a source is used as a processing
aid, the resulting food will have as an ingredient a food produced using
gene technology, and the labelling and other requirements relating to
foods produced using gene technology will apply—see Division 1 of Part
3 and Division 9 of Part 4.

1.136 Microbial nutrients and microbial nutrient adjuncts

A substance listed in section S18.04 of Schedule 18 may be used as a
processing aid to perform the technological purpose of a microbial
nutrient or a microbial nutrient adjunct in the course of manufacture of
any food.

Subdivision C—Processing aids that can be used with specified

foods

1.137 Processing aids for water

A substance listed in section S18.05 of Schedule 18 may be used as a
processing aid in the course of manufacture of:
(a) packaged water; or
(b) water that is used as an ingredient;
if the substance is not present in the processed food at a level greater
than the maximum permitted indicated in the corresponding row of the
table.
Note: This section contains the permissions for fluoride to be used in water that
is used as an ingredient in other foods, but not in water presented as a
food. Division 2 of Part 6 of Chapter 2 contains a voluntary permission to
add fluoride to water presented in packaged form.

1.138 Bleaching, washing and peeling agents—various foods

A substance listed in section S18.06 of Schedule 18 may be used as a
processing aid to perform the technological purpose of:
(a) a bleaching agent; or
(b) a washing agent; or
(c) a peeling agent;
for a food if the substance:
(d) is used in relation to a food listed in the corresponding row of
the table; and
(e) is not present in the food at a level greater than the maximum
permitted indicated in the corresponding row of the table.

90 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 4—Processing aids
Section 1.139 Extraction solvents—various foods

1.139 Extraction solvents—various foods

A substance listed in section S18.07 of Schedule 18 may be used as a
processing aid to perform the technological purpose of an extraction
solvent if the substance:
(a) is used in relation to a food listed in the corresponding row of
the table; and
(b) is not present in the food at a level greater than the maximum
permitted indicated in the corresponding row of the table.

1.140 Processing aids that perform miscellaneous functions

A substance specified in a row in the table to section S18.08 of
Schedule 18 may be used as a processing aid:
(a) in relation to:
(i) if a food is specified in that row—that food; or
(ii) if no food is specified in that row—any food; and
(b) for the corresponding technological purpose specified in that
row; and
(c) if the substance is not present in the food at a level greater than
the maximum permitted level indicated in that row.

1.141 Microbial control agent—dimethyl dicarbonate

(1) Dimethyl dicarbonate may used as a processing aid to perform the
technological purpose of a microbial control agent during the
manufacture of a food listed in section S18.09 of Schedule 18 at a
concentration no greater than the corresponding maximum permitted
addition level indicated in the table.
(2) Dimethyl dicarbonate must not be present in the food.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 91

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 5—Contaminants and natural toxicants
Section 1.142 Maximum levels of contaminants and natural toxicants in food

Division 5—Contaminants and natural toxicants

Note: Subsection 1.21(6) provides that a food product must comply with any provisions of this
Code relating to the composition of, or the presence of other substances in, food of that
kind. This Division contains provisions relating to the presence of other substances in food.

1.142 Maximum levels of contaminants and natural toxicants in food

(1) The level of a contaminant or natural toxicant listed in section S19.03,
S19.04, S19.05 or S19.06 in Schedule 19 in a food listed in relation to
that contaminant or toxicant must not be greater than the
corresponding amount listed in that Schedule.
Note: Schedule 19 sets out maximum levels of:
 metal contaminants; and
 non-metal contaminants; and
 natural toxicants from the addition of a flavouring substance; and
 natural toxicants.

(2) The level of mercury in fish, calculated in accordance with section

S19.07 of Schedule 19, must comply with the requirements of
subsection S19.07 or S19.07(1)(b)(ii), as appropriate.
(3) For a food consisting of 2 or more ingredients (a mixed food), 1 or
more of which is listed in Schedule 19, the level of a contaminant or
toxicant listed in Schedule 19 in the mixed food must not be greater
than the amount, ML, given by the following formula:
( MLA Total A) ( MLB  Total B) CF  (Total  (Total A  Total B))
ML   
Total Total Total
where:
CF is:
(a) in the case lead—0.01 mg/kg; and
(b) in the case of cadmium—0.005 mg/kg; and
(c) in the case of any other contaminant or toxicant—0.
Note: CF is the Background Calculation Factor.

MLA is the maximum level of the contaminant or toxicant permitted

in ingredient A in accordance with Schedule 19 (in mg/kg).
MLB is the maximum level of the contaminant or toxicant permitted
in ingredient B in accordance with Schedule 19 (in mg/kg).
Total is the total weight of the mixed food (in g).
Total A is the total weight of ingredient A (in g).
Total B is the total weight of ingredient B (in g).

92 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 6—Agvet chemicals
Section 1.143 Purpose of Division

Division 6—Agvet chemicals

Note 1: Subsection 1.21(3) provides that a food product must not consist of, or have as an
ingredient or a component, an agvet chemical, unless expressly permitted by this Division.
This Division defines agvet chemical and contains the relevant permissions.
Note 2: This Division applies in Australia only. In New Zealand, maximum residue limits for
agricultural compounds are set out in a Maximum Residue Limits Standard issued under
section 11C of the Food Act 1981 (NZ).
Note 3: This Division is the Maximum Residue Limits Standard for the purposes of the FSANZ
Act.

1.143 Purpose of Division

(1) The purpose of this Division is to set out the maximum residue limits
of agricultural or veterinary chemicals that are permitted in foods.
(2) These limits:
(a) have been determined by the amount of such chemicals that
could be present in food when they are used at the minimum
effective level and using Good Agricultural Practice (GAP); and
(b) have been determined after an assessment of the potential risk to
public health and safety at that level.

1.144 Interpretation
(1) In this Code:
agvet chemical means an agricultural chemical product or a veterinary
chemical product, within the meaning of the Agvet Code.
Note: The Agvet Code is the Code set out in the Schedule to the Agricultural
and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 (Cth). See subsection 4(1) of
the FSANZ Act.

(2) Maximum residue limits and extraneous residue limits apply to the
portion of foods specified in Schedule 22.
(3) Unless a maximum residue limit or extraneous limit is specified for a
processed food, the same limit applies to both the processed and the
unprocessed food.
(4) For this Division, a reference to a particular food is to the food as
described in Schedule 22.

1.145 Maximum residue limit of agvet chemicals in foods

(1) In this Code:
maximum residue limit or MRL, for an agvet chemical in a food,
means the amount identified in Schedule 20 for that agvet chemical in
that food.
Note: In Schedule 20:

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 93

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 6—Agvet chemicals
Section 1.146 Extraneous residue limit

 an asterisk (*) indicates that the MRL is set at the limit of

determination; and
 the symbol ‘T’ indicates that the MRL is a temporary MRL.

(2) A food listed in Schedule 20 may contain a residue of an agvet

chemical that is identified in relation to that food in that Schedule.
(3) The level of the residue of the chemical in the food must be calculated
by assessing the level of:
(a) the chemical identified in Schedule 20; and
(b) any chemical identified in the relevant residue definition for that
chemical in that Schedule;
that is present in the food.
(4) The level of the residue, calculated in accordance with subsection (3),
must not be greater than the maximum residue limit.
(5) For a food for which there is no MRL specified, and that contains 2 or
more ingredients (a mixed food), 1 or more of which is listed in
Schedule 20, the level of a residue of a particular agvet chemical listed
in Schedule 20 in the food must not be greater than the amount MRL
calculated in accordance with the following formula:
Total A Total B
MRL   MRL A   MRL B
Total Total
where, for a particular residue:
MRL A and MRL B are the maximum residue limits for the residue in
ingredient A and ingredient B respectively.
Total is the total weight of the food.
Total A and Total B are the weight of ingredient A and ingredient B
respectively.

1.146 Extraneous residue limit

(1) In this Code:
extraneous residue limit or ERL, for an agvet chemical in a food,
means the amount identified in Schedule 21 for that agvet chemical in
that food.
Note: In Schedule 21:
 an asterisk (*) indicates that the ERL is set at the limit of
determination; and
 the symbol T indicates that the ERL is a temporary ERL; and
 the symbol E indicates an ERL.

94 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 6—Agvet chemicals
Section 1.146 Extraneous residue limit

(2) A food listed in Schedule 21 may contain a residue of an agvet

chemical that is identified in relation to that food in that Schedule.
(3) The presence of the chemical in the food must arise from
environmental sources, and must not arise from direct or indirect use
of an agvet chemical.
(4) The level of the residue of the chemical in the food must be calculated
by assessing the level of
(a) the chemical identified in Schedule 21; and
(b) any chemical identified in the relevant residue definition for that
chemical in that Schedule;
that is present in the food.
(5) The level of the residue, calculated in accordance with subsection (4),
must not be greater than the extraneous residue limit.
(6) For a food for which there is no ERL specified, and that contains 2 or
more ingredients (a mixed food), 1 or more of which is listed in
Schedule 21, the level of a residue of a particular agvet chemical listed
in Schedule 21 in the food must not be greater than the amount ERL
calculated in accordance with the following formula:
Total A Total B
ERL   ERL A   ERL B
Total Total
where, for a particular residue:
ERL A and ERL B are the extraneous residue limits for the residue in
ingredient A and ingredient B respectively.
Total is the total weight of the food.
Total A and Total B are the weight of ingredient A and ingredient B
respectively.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 95

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 7—Prohibited and restricted plants and fungi
Section 1.147 Interpretation

Division 7—Prohibited and restricted plants and fungi

Note: Subsection 1.21(3) provides that a food product must not consist of, or have as an
ingredient or a component, a prohibited or restricted plant or fungus, or cocoa bush, unless
expressly permitted by this Division. This Division defines prohibited plant or fungus,
restricted plant or fungus and coca bush, and contains the relevant permissions.

1.147 Interpretation
In this Code:
coca bush means:
(a) eurythroxylum coca; or
(b) a substance derived from eurythroxylum coca.
prohibited plant or fungus means:
(a) a plant or fungus listed in Schedule 23; or
(b) a part or a derivative of such a plant or fungus; or
(c) a substance derived from a plant, fungus, part or derivative
referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
restricted plant or fungus means:
(a) a plant or fungus listed in Schedule 24; or
(b) a part or a derivative of such a plant or fungus; or
(c) a substance derived from a plant, fungus, part or derivative
referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).

1.148 Exception to prohibition relating to prohibited plants and fungi

Subsection 1.21(3) does not apply to a prohibited plant or fungus that
was unintentionally sold or used as an ingredient in a food.

1.149 Exception to prohibition relating to restricted plants and fungi

A restricted plant or fungus may be used as an ingredient in a food
only if it complies with the requirements for natural toxicants from the
addition of a flavouring substance in section 1.142 and section S19.05
of Schedule 19.

1.150 Exception relating to coca bush

Coca bush may be used as an ingredient in a food if the cocaine has
been removed.

96 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 8—Novel foods
Section 1.151 Definitions

Division 8—Novel foods

Note: Subsection 1.21(3) provides that a food product must not consist of, or have as an
ingredient or a component, a novel food, if the food product is offered for retail sale, unless
expressly permitted by this Division. This Division defines novel food and contains the
relevant permissions.

1.151 Definitions
In this Code:
non-traditional food means:
(a) a food that does not have a history of human consumption in
Australia or New Zealand; or
(b) a substance derived from a food, where that substance does not
have a history of human consumption in Australia or New
Zealand other than as a component of that food; or
(c) any other substance, where that substance, or the source from
which it is derived, does not have a history of human
consumption as a food in Australia or New Zealand.
novel food means a non-traditional food that requires an assessment of
the public health and safety considerations having regard to:
(a) the potential for adverse effects in humans; or
(b) the composition or structure of the food; or
(c) the process by which the food has been prepared; or
(d) the source from which it is derived; or
(e) patterns and levels of consumption of the food; or
(f) any other relevant matters.
Note: Possible categories of novel foods are described in guidelines issued by
FSANZ. Categories of novel foods may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
 plants or animals and their components;
 plant or animal extracts;
 herbs, including extracts;
 dietary macro-components;
 single chemical entities;
 microorganisms, including probiotics;
 foods produced from new sources, or by a process not previously
applied to food.

1.152 Sale of novel foods

Despite subsection 1.21(3), a food product offered for retail sale may
consist of, or have as an ingredient, a novel food if:

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 97

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 8—Novel foods
Section 1.153 Exclusive use of novel foods

(a) the novel food is listed in the table to section S25.01 of Schedule
25; and
(b) any conditions of use specified in the corresponding row of that
table are complied with.

1.153 Exclusive use of novel foods

Despite subsection 1.21(3), a food product may consist of, or have as
an ingredient, a novel food listed in column 1 of the table to section
S25.02 of Schedule 25 if:
(a) the food product is sold under the brand listed in the
corresponding row of column 2 of the table; and
(b) the food product falls within the class of food listed in the
corresponding row of column 3 of the table; and
(c) any conditions of use listed in the corresponding row of column
4 are complied with.
Note: No novel foods are currently listed in the table to section S25.02 of
Schedule 25.

98 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 9—Food produced using gene technology
Section 1.154 Definitions

Division 9—Food produced using gene technology

Note: Subsection 1.21(3) provides that a food product must not consist of, or have as an
ingredient or a component, a food produced using gene technology, unless expressly
permitted by this Division. This Division defines food produced using gene technology
and contains the relevant permissions.

1.154 Definitions
In this Code:
altered characteristics: a food produced using gene technology is
taken to have altered characteristics if:
(a) the genetic modification has resulted in one or more significant
composition or nutritional parameters having values outside the
normal range of values for existing counterpart food not
produced using gene technology; or
(b) the level of anti-nutritional factors or natural toxicants are
significantly different in comparison to the existing counterpart
food not produced using gene technology; or
(c) the food produced using gene technology contains a new factor
known to cause an allergic response in particular sections of the
population; or
(d) the intended use of the food produced using gene technology is
different to the existing counterpart food not produced using
gene technology.
food produced using gene technology means a food which has been
derived or developed from an organism which has been modified by
gene technology.
Note: This definition does not include food derived from an animal or other
organism which has been fed food produced using gene technology,
unless the animal or other organism is itself a product of gene technology.

gene technology means recombinant DNA techniques that alter the

heritable genetic material of living cells or organisms.

1.155 When food produced using gene technology is permitted for

sale
A food product may consist of, or have as an ingredient, a food
produced using gene technology if the food produced using gene
technology:
(a) is listed in Schedule 26 and complies with any corresponding
conditions listed in that Schedule; or
(b) is a substance that is permitted for use as a food additive or as a
processing aid by Division 2 or Division 4.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 99

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 9—Food produced using gene technology
Section 1.156 Requirement to label food as ‘genetically modified food’

1.156 Requirement to label food as ‘genetically modified food’

(1) This section applies to a food product that consists of or has as an
ingredient a food produced using gene technology that:
(a) contains novel DNA or novel protein; or
(b) has altered characteristics.
(2) This section does not apply to a food product if:
(a) both of the following are satisfied:
(i) the food produced using gene technology does not have
altered characteristics;
(ii) the food has been refined so that the novel DNA or protein
has been removed; or
(b) both of the following are satisfied:
(i) the food produced using gene technology is a substance
that is permitted to be used as a processing aid or as a food
additive in accordance with this Code;
(ii) no novel DNA or novel protein from the substance
remains present in the food; or
(c) the food produced using gene technology is a flavouring
substance that is present in the food in a concentration of no
more than 1 g of flavouring/kg of food; or
(d) the food produced using gene technology is an ingredient that is:
(i) unintentionally present in the food; and
(ii) present in a quantity of no more than 10 g of each such
ingredient/kg of food; or
(e) the food is:
(i) intended for immediate consumption; and
(ii) prepared and sold from food premises and vending
vehicles, including restaurants, take away outlets, caterers,
or self-catering institutions.
(3) For the labelling provisions, the information relating to foods
produced using gene technology is:
(a) the statement ‘genetically modified’; and
(b) in conjunction with that statement, the name of the food or any
food produced using gene technology that is an ingredient of the
food.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3.

(4) If the food produced using gene technology is an ingredient, the

information may be included in the statement of ingredients.
Example: Ingredients: Soy Protein Isolate (genetically modified); Maltodextrin;
Vegetable Oil; Food Acid (332); Emulsifier (471); Vegetable Gum
(407); Water Added.

100 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 9—Food produced using gene technology
Section 1.156 Requirement to label food as ‘genetically modified food’

(5) To avoid doubt, if this section does not apply to a food product, this
Code does not require any statement about the genetic status of the
food.
(6) In this section:
novel DNA means DNA which has been modified by the use of gene
technology.
novel protein means protein encoded from novel DNA and, in the
case of a substances used as a processing aid, which has a different
amino acid sequence from that found in nature.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 101

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 10—Microbiological limits for food
Section 1.157 Interpretation

Division 10—Microbiological limits for food

Note: Subsection 1.21(6) provides that a food product must comply with any provisions of this
Code relating to the composition of, or the presence of other substances in, food of that
kind. This Division contains provisions relating to the presence of other substances in food.

1.157 Interpretation
(1) In this Division:
SPC means a standard plate count at 30C with an incubation time of
72 hours.
(2) In this Division, references to the SPC for powdered infant formula
with added lactic acid producing microorganisms are to the SPC prior
to the addition of the microorganisms to the food.

1.158 Maximum microbiological levels in foods

A food listed in the table to Schedule 27 may contain a microorganism
listed in relation to the food in column 1 only if either:
(a) the number of sample units having an activity greater than that
listed in the corresponding row of column 4 is no greater than
the number listed in the corresponding row of column 3; or
(b) the level of the microorganism in any of the sample units is no
greater than the number (if any) listed in the corresponding row
of column 5.

1.159 Assessment of microbiological levels

(1) Microbiological levels in food referred to in section 1.158 must be
assessed in accordance with this section.
(2) For a particular lot of a food listed in column 1 of the table to
Schedule 27, the number of sample units analysed must be the number
of sample units set out in the corresponding row of column 2.
(3) Despite subsection (2), if the food product is the subject of a consumer
complaint or a suspected food poisoning incident, an authorised
officer may take or otherwise sample fewer sample units than the
number referred to in that subsection.
(4) An authorised officer who takes or otherwise obtains a sample of food
for the purpose of submitting it for microbiological analysis:
(a) must not divide that sample into separate parts; and
(b) where the sample consists of one or more sealed packages of a
kind ordinarily sold by retail—must submit for such analysis
that sample in that package or those packages in an unopened
and intact condition.

102 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 4—Substances added to or present in food
Division 10—Microbiological limits for food
Section 1.159 Assessment of microbiological levels

(5) The level of foodborne microorganisms must be determined using:

(a) for packaged water, packaged ice or mineral water—AS/NZS
4276, as in force as at the commencement of this Code; or
(b) otherwise:
(i) an equivalent method as determined by AS 5013, as in
force at the commencement of this Code; or
(ii) AS/NZS 4659, as in force at the commencement of this
Code.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 103

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 5—Processing requirements
Division 1—Irradiation of food
Section 1.160 Definitions

Part 5—Processing requirements

Division 1—Irradiation of food
Note: Subsection 1.21(3) provides that a food product must not consist of, or have as an
ingredient or a component, a food that has been irradiated, unless expressly permitted by
this Division. Subdivision B of this Division contains the relevant permissions.
Subsection 1.24(2) provides that, if this Code sets requirements for record-keeping in
relation to food, those requirements must be complied with. Subdivision C contains such
requirements.

Subdivision A—Preliminary

1.160 Definitions
In this Code:
irradiation, in relation to food, means subjecting the food to ionising
radiation, other than ionising radiation imparted to food by measuring
or inspection instruments, and irradiate and irradiated have
corresponding meanings.

Subdivision B—Irradiation of food

1.161 Irradiation of fruit and vegetables

(1) Fruit and vegetables listed in subsection (2) may be irradiated for the
purpose of pest disinfestation for a phytosanitory objective, if the
absorbed dose is:
(a) no lower than 150 Gy; and
(b) no higher than 1 kGy.
(2) For subsection (1), the fruit and vegetables are:
(a) bread fruit;
(b) carambola;
(c) custard apple;
(d) longan;
(e) litchi;
(f) mango;
(g) mangosteen;
(h) papaya (paw paw);
(i) persimmon;
(j) rambutan.

104 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 5—Processing requirements
Division 1—Irradiation of food
Section 1.162 Irradiation of herbs and spices

1.162 Irradiation of herbs and spices

(1) Herbs and spices may be irradiated for the purpose of controlling
sprouting and pest disinfestation, including the control of weeds, if the
absorbed dose is no higher than 6 kGy.
(2) Herbs and spices may be irradiated for the purpose of bacterial
decontamination, if the absorbed dose is:
(a) no lower than 2 kGy; and
(b) no higher than 30 kGy.
(3) In this section:
herbs and spices means the herbs and spices described in Schedule
22.

1.163 Irradiation of herbal infusions

(1) A herbal infusion may be irradiated for the purpose of controlling
sprouting and pest disinfestation, including the control of weeds, if the
absorbed dose is no higher than 6 kGy.
(2) A herbal infusion may be irradiated for the purpose of bacterial
decontamination, if the absorbed dose is:
(a) no lower than 2 kGy; and
(b) no higher than 10 kGy.
(3) In this section:
herbal infusion means fresh, dried or fermented leaves, flowers and
other parts of plants used to make beverages, but does not include tea.

1.164 Re-irradiation of food

Food that has been irradiated may be re-irradiated if any of the
following conditions are met:
(a) the food is prepared from materials that have been irradiated at
levels that do not exceed 1 kGy; or
(b) the food contains less than 50 g/kg of irradiated ingredients; or
(c) the required full dose of ionising radiation was applied to the
food in divided doses for a specific technological reason.

1.165 What sources of radiation may be used?

Food may be irradiated in accordance with this Subdivision using any
of the following forms of ionising radiation:
(a) gamma rays from the radionuclide cobalt 60;
(b) X-rays generated by or from machine sources operated at an
energy level not exceeding 5 megaelectronvolts;

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 105

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 5—Processing requirements
Division 1—Irradiation of food
Section 1.166 Record-keeping

(c) electrons generated by or from machine sources operated at an

energy level not exceeding 10 megaelectronvolts.

Subdivision C—Record-keeping for and labelling of irradiated

food

1.166 Record-keeping
(1) A person who irradiates food must keep records in relation to:
(a) the nature and quantity of the food treated; and
(b) the lot identification; and
(c) the minimum durable life of the food treated; and
(d) the process used; and
(e) compliance with the process used; and
(f) the minimum and maximum dose absorbed by the food; and
(g) an indication whether or not the product has been irradiated
previously and if so, details of such treatment; and
(h) the date of irradiation.
(2) The records must be kept at the facility where the food was irradiated.
(3) The records must be kept for a period of time that exceeds the
minimum durable life of the irradiated food by 1 year.

1.167 Labelling and other information—retail and catering

For the labelling provisions, the information relating to irradiated
foods is:
(a) if the food has been irradiated—a statement to the effect that the
food has been treated with ionising radiation; and
(b) if the food has as an ingredient or component a food that has
been irradiated—a statement to the effect that the ingredient or
component has been treated with ionising radiation.
Note 1: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3.
Note 2: For paragraph (b), the statement may be on the statement of ingredients or
elsewhere on the label.

106 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 5—Processing requirements
Division 2—Processing requirements for meat
Section 1.168 Crocodile meat

Division 2—Processing requirements for meat

Note: This Division applies in Australia only. For New Zealand purposes, processing
requirements for meat products are regulated under the Animal Products Act 1999 (NZ) and
the Food Act 1981 (NZ).

1.168 Crocodile meat

(1) In this section:
crocodile meat means the skeletal muscle of the family Crocodylidae
including any attached fat, connective tissue, nerve, blood and blood
vessels, but does not include head meat.
(2) Crocodile meat must be derived from farmed animals and be handled
in accordance with and under the conditions specified in the Standing
Committee on Agriculture's Australian Code of Practice for
Veterinary Public Health: The Hygienic Production of Crocodile
Meat for Human Consumption, 1993, published by the
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
(3) A person must not sell as food any part of the carcass of the family
Crocodylidae that is not crocodile meat.

1.169 Game meat

(1) Game meat, except game birds, must be obtained:
(a) from a game carcass that has been subjected to a post mortem
inspection that is conducted in accordance with relevant State or
Territory law; or
(b) in accordance with a quality assurance program that:
(i) is conducted in accordance with relevant State or Territory
law; and
(ii) is designed to ensure that the game meat is fit for human
consumption.
(2) A food product must not consist of, or have as an ingredient, game
meat offal, other than bone or cartilage attached to game meat flesh.
(3) In this section:
game meat means the whole or part of the carcass of any bird, buffalo,
camel, deer, donkey, goat, hare, horse, kangaroo, rabbit, pig, possum
or wallaby that has been slaughtered in the wild state, but does not
include avian eggs, foetuses, parts of foetuses or pouch young.
game meat flesh means skeletal game meat muscle, including any
attached fat, connective tissue, nerve, blood, blood vessels and, in the
case of birds, skin.
game offal means game meat other than game meat flesh.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 107

Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 5—Processing requirements
Division 2—Processing requirements for meat
Section 1.170 Fermented comminuted processed meat

1.170 Fermented comminuted processed meat

(1) Fermented comminuted processed meat is heat treated if it has had its
core temperature maintained at 55°C for a period of at least 20
minutes, or an equivalent combination of time and higher temperature.
(2) Fermented comminuted processed meat is cooked if it has had its core
temperature maintained at 65°C for a period of at least 10 minutes, or
an equivalent combination of time and higher temperature.
(3) A fermented comminuted processed meat product must not contain
mechanically separated meat or rendered trimmings unless it has been
cooked in accordance with subsection (2).
(4) In this section:
mechanically separated meat means meat that has been separated
from bone by a mechanical process that results in comminuted meat.
rendered trimmings means the cooked meat fractions derived from
the rendering of meat trimmings, excluding ligamentum nuchae.

108 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 1—Introduction and standards that apply to all foods
Part 5—Processing requirements
Division 3—Articles and materials in contact with food
Section 1.171 Restriction on things in contact with food products

Division 3—Articles and materials in contact with food

1.171 Restriction on things in contact with food products

A food product must not be sold if it is contained in packaging, or is in
contact with an article or with material, that, if taken into the mouth:
(a) is capable of being swallowed or obstructing any alimentary or
respiratory passage; or
(b) is otherwise likely to cause bodily harm, distress or discomfort.
Example: Articles or materials include moisture absorbers, mould inhibitors,
oxygen absorbers, promotional materials, writing or other graphics.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 109

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 1—Cereals
Division 1—Bread and bread products
Section 2.01 Compositional requirements for bread

Chapter 2—Food standards

Part 1—Cereals
Division 1—Bread and bread products

2.01 Compositional requirements for bread

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘bread’,
must consist of:
(a) bread; or
(b) bread with the addition of other ingredients.
(2) In this section:
bread means a food made by baking a yeast-leavened dough prepared
from one or more cereal flours or meals and water.
Note: Under section 1.06, bread is defined for the rest of this Code as a food
that may be sold as bread under this section.

2.02 Compositional requirements for wholemeal and wholegrain

products
(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it consists of,
or is made from:
(a) ‘wholemeal’; or
(b) ‘wholegrain’;
must consist of, or have as an ingredient, wholemeal or wholegrain as
appropriate.
(2) In this section:
wholegrain means the intact grain or the dehulled, ground, milled,
cracked or flaked grain where the constituents—endosperm, germ and
bran—are present in such proportions that represent the typical ratio
of those fractions occurring in the whole cereal, and includes
wholemeal.
wholemeal means the product containing all the milled constituents of
the grain in such proportions that it represents the typical ratio of those
fractions occurring in the whole cereal.
Note: Under section 1.06, wholemeal and wholegrain are defined for the rest of
this Code as a food that may be sold as wholemeal or wholegrain under
this section.

110 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 1—Cereals
Division 1—Bread and bread products
Section 2.03 Application of sections 2.04 and 2.05

2.03 Application of sections 2.04 and 2.05

Sections 2.04 and 2.05 do not apply to:
(a) the following foods, or to wheat flour used to make those
products:
(i) pizza bases;
(ii) breadcrumbs;
(iii) pastries;
(iv) cakes, including brioche, panettone and stollen;
(v) biscuits;
(vi) crackers; or
(b) bread that is represented as organic.

2.04 Requirement for folic acid and thiamin in bread

Note: This section applies in Australia only.

(1) Wheat flour that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is

suitable for making bread to which this section applies must contain:
(a) no less than 2 mg/kg, and no more than 3 mg/kg, of folic acid;
and
(b) no less than 6.4 mg/kg thiamin.
(2) In this section:
wheat flour includes wholemeal wheat flour.

2.05 Requirement for iodised salt in bread

(1) Iodised salt must be used for making bread to which this section
applies where salt would ordinarily be used.
(2) This section does not prevent:
(a) the addition of salt other than iodised salt to the surface of
bread; or
Example: the addition of rock salt
(b) the addition of other food containing salt other than iodised salt
during the making of bread.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 111

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 2—Meat, eggs and fish
Division 1—Meat and meat products
Section 2.06 Definitions

Part 2—Meat, eggs and fish

Division 1—Meat and meat products
Subdivision A—Interpretation

2.06 Definitions
In this Code:
cured and/or dried meat flesh in whole cuts or pieces means meat
flesh including any attached bone containing no less than 160 g/kg
meat protein on a fat free basis.
manufactured meat means processed meat containing no less than
660 g/kg of meat.
meat:
(a) means the whole or part of the carcass of any of the following
animals, if slaughtered other than in a wild state:
(i) buffalo, camel, cattle, deer, goat, hare, pig, poultry, rabbit
or sheep;
(ii) any other animal permitted for human consumption under
a law of a State, Territory or New Zealand; and
(b) does not include:
(i) fish; or
(ii) avian eggs; or
(iii) foetuses or part of foetuses.
meat flesh means meat that consists of skeletal muscle and any
attached:
(a) animal rind; or
(b) fat; or
(c) connective tissue; or
(d) nerve; or
(e) blood; or
(f) blood vessels; or
(g) skin, in the case of poultry.
offal:
(a) includes blood, brain, heart, kidney, liver, pancreas, spleen,
thymus, tongue and tripe; and
(b) excludes meat flesh, bone and bone marrow.
processed meat means a food containing no less than 300 g/kg meat,
which has, either singly or in combination with other ingredients or

112 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 2—Meat, eggs and fish
Division 1—Meat and meat products
Section 2.07 Compositional requirement for sausage

additives, undergone a method of processing other than boning,

slicing, dicing, mincing or freezing.

Subdivision B—Compositional requirements

2.07 Compositional requirement for sausage

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘sausage’
must:
(a) consist of sausage; and
(b) contain no less than 500 g/kg of fat free meat flesh; and
(c) have a proportion of fat that is no more than 500 g/kg of the fat
free meat flesh content.
(2) In this section:
sausage:
(a) means meat that has been minced, meat that has been
comminuted, or a mixture of both, whether or not mixed with
other ingredients, and which has been encased or formed into
discrete units; and
(b) does not include meat formed or joined into the semblance of
cuts of meat.
Note: Under section 1.06, sausage is defined for the rest of this Code as a food
that may be sold as sausage under this section.

2.08 Compositional requirement for meat pies

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is a ‘meat
pie’ must consist of a meat pie.
(2) In this section:
meat pie means a pie containing no less than 250 g/kg of meat flesh.
Note: Under section 1.06, meat pie is defined for the rest of this Code as a food
that may be sold as meat pie under this section.

Subdivision C—Information requirements

2.09 Statement indicating the presence of offal

For the labelling provisions:
(a) brain, heart, kidney, liver, tongue or tripe must be identified as:
(i) ‘offal’; or
(ii) by the specific name of the type of offal; and
(b) any other type of offal must be identified by the specific name
of the type of offal.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 113

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 2—Meat, eggs and fish
Division 1—Meat and meat products
Section 2.10 Proportion of fat in minced meat

2.10 Proportion of fat in minced meat

For the labelling provisions, a statement of the maximum proportion
of fat in minced meat, in g/100 g, is required if a claim is made in
relation to the fat content of minced meat.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

2.11 Information about raw meat joined or formed into the semblance
of a cut of meat
For the labelling provisions, for a food that consists of raw meat that
has been formed or joined in the semblance of a cut of meat, whether
coated or not, using a binding system without the application of heat,
the following information is required:
(a) a declaration that the food consists of meat that is formed or
joined; and
(b) in conjunction with that information, cooking instructions that
would result in microbiological safety of the food being
achieved.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

2.12 Labelling of fermented comminuted processed meat

(1) The prescribed name for fermented comminuted processed meat is:
(a) if the meat has not been heat treated or cooked—‘fermented
processed meat – not heat treated’; and
(b) if the meat has been heat treated—‘fermented processed meat –
heat treated’; and
(c) if the meat has been cooked—‘fermented processed meat –
cooked’.
(2) For the labelling provisions, if the label on a package containing
fermented comminuted processed meat contains a trade name, the
following words are required to be included on the label in association
with the trade name:
(a) if the meat has not been heat treated or cooked—‘fermented’;
(b) if the meat has been heat treated—‘fermented heat treated’;
(c) if the meat has been cooked—‘fermented cooked’.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(3) The labelling on a package referred to in subsection (1) or (2) may

refer to a heating process only if:
(a) the reference is included for compliance with this section; or
(b) the heating process is a cooking instruction for the consumer.

114 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 2—Meat, eggs and fish
Division 1—Meat and meat products
Section 2.13 Labelling of fermented comminuted manufactured meat

2.13 Labelling of fermented comminuted manufactured meat

(1) The prescribed name for fermented comminuted manufactured meat
is:
(a) if the meat is not heat treated or cooked—‘fermented
manufactured meat – not heat treated’; and
(b) if the meat has been heat treated—‘fermented manufactured
meat – heat treated’; and
(c) if the meat has been cooked—‘fermented manufactured meat –
cooked’.
(2) For the labelling provisions, if the label on a package containing
fermented comminuted manufactured meat contains a trade name, the
following words are required to be included in association with the
trade name:
(a) if the meat has not been heat treated or cooked—‘fermented’;
(b) if the meat has been heat treated—‘fermented heat treated’;
(c) if the meat has been cooked—‘fermented cooked’.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(3) The labelling may refer to a heating process only if:

(a) the reference is included for compliance with this section; or
(b) the heating process is a cooking instruction for the consumer.

2.14 Fermented comminuted meat—unpackaged

For the labelling provisions, despite paragraphs 2.12(1)(a) and
2.13(1)(a), the words ‘not heat treated’ need not be displayed.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

Subdivision D—Sourcing requirements

2.15 Bovine must be free from bovine spongiform encephalopathy

(1) Bovine meat, and ingredients derived from bovines, must be derived
from animals free from bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to:
(a) collagen from bovine skins and hides (including sausage casings
produced from this type of collagen); or
(b) bovine fat or bovine tallow that:
(i) is an ingredient of a food; and
(ii) comprises no more than 300 g/kg of the food; or
(c) gelatine sourced from bovine skins or hides; or
(d) dairy products sourced from bovines.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 115

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 2—Meat, eggs and fish
Division 1—Meat and meat products
Section 2.15 Bovine must be free from bovine spongiform encephalopathy

Note: Section 2.15 applies in Australia only. Bovine products imported for sale
in New Zealand are regulated by the New Zealand Food (Prescribed
Foods) Standard 2007 (NZ) and associated import requirements.

116 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 2—Meat, eggs and fish
Division 2—Eggs
Section 2.16 Application of Division

Division 2—Eggs
Note: This Division applies in Australia only.

2.16 Application of Division

This Division applies to retail sales and catering sales of eggs.

2.17 Sale or supply of unacceptable eggs

(1) Unacceptable eggs must not be sold or supplied for catering purposes
or retail sale.
(2) In this section:
unacceptable egg—see clause 2 of Standard 4.2.5.

2.18 Traceability
Eggs intended for retail sale or catering sale must be individually
marked with the producers’ or processors’ unique identification.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 117

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 2—Meat, eggs and fish
Division 3—Fish and fish products
Section 2.19 Meaning of fish

Division 3—Fish and fish products

2.19 Meaning of fish

In this Code:
fish means a cold-blooded aquatic vertebrate or aquatic invertebrate
including shellfish, but not including amphibians or reptiles.
Note 1: This Division does not define specific names for fish. An Australian Fish
Names Standard (AS SSA 5300) has been published which provides
guidance on standard fish names to be used in Australia.
1. Hard copies of the Australian Fish Names Standard (AS SSA 5300)
are available from Seafood Services Australia at
http://www.seafood.net.au/shop.
2. A searchable database of Australian Standard Fish Names is available
at http://www.fishnames.com.au.
3. New Zealand common, Maori, and scientific names for fish species
are available from the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry at
http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/industry/sectors/seafood/fish-
names/index.htm.
Note 2: Section 1.142 and section S19.06 of Schedule 19 prescribes the maximum
level of histamine permitted in fish and fish products.

2.20 Labelling of formed or joined fish

For the labelling provisions, for a food that consists of raw fish that
has been formed or joined in the semblance of a cut or fillet of fish
using a binding system without the application of heat, whether coated
or not, the following information is required:
(a) a declaration that the food is either formed or joined;
(b) in conjunction with that declaration, cooking instructions that
would result in microbiological safety of the food being
achieved.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

118 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 3—Fruit and vegetables
Division 1—Fruit and vegetables
Section 2.21 Meaning of fruit and vegetables

Part 3—Fruit and vegetables

Division 1—Fruit and vegetables

2.21 Meaning of fruit and vegetables

In this Code:
fruit and vegetables includes nuts, spices, herbs, fungi, legumes and
seeds.
surface treated fruit and vegetables means fruit and vegetables
harvested, washed and treated with substances permitted for use as
processing aids and food additives.

2.22 Compositional requirement for fruit and vegetables in brine, etc

(1) A food consisting of fruit and vegetables in brine, oil, vinegar or water
must not have a pH greater than 4.6.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to commercially canned fruit and
vegetables.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 119

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 3—Fruit and vegetables
Division 2—Jam
Section 2.23 Compositional requirement for jam

Division 2—Jam

2.23 Compositional requirement for jam

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘jam’
must:
(a) consist of jam; and
(b) contain no less than 650 g/kg of water-soluble solids; and
(c) if the name of one or more fruits appears on the label—be made
from no less than 400 g/kg of those fruits.
(2) In this section:
jam:
(a) means the product prepared by processing fruit with one or more
of the following:
(i) concentrated fruit juice;
(ii) fruit;
(iii) fruit juice;
(iv) sugars or honey;
(v) water extracts of fruit; and
(b) includes conserve; and
(c) does not include marmalade.
Note: Under section 1.06, jam is defined for the rest of this Code as a food that
may be sold as jam under this section.

120 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 4—Edible oils
Division 1—Edible oils
Section 2.24 Compositional requirement for edible oils

Part 4—Edible oils

Division 1—Edible oils

2.24 Compositional requirement for edible oils

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is an edible
oil must consist of:
(a) edible oil; or
(b) edible oil with incidental amounts of free fatty acids,
unsaponifiable constituents and other lipids including naturally
occurring gums, waxes and phosphatides.
(2) A representation that a food is a particular kind of edible oil is taken to
be a representation that it is an edible oil.
(3) In this section:
edible oil means the triglycerides, diglycerides, or both the
triglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids of plant or animal origin,
including aquatic plants and aquatic animals.
Note: Under section 1.06, edible oil is defined for the rest of this Code as a food
that may be sold as edible oil under this section.

2.25 Process declaration for edible oils

For the labelling provisions, if:
(a) a food consists of, or has as an ingredient, an edible oil; and
(b) the label lists the specific source name of the oil; and
(c) the oil has undergone a process that has altered its fatty acid
composition;
the required process declaration is a statement that describes the
nature of that process.
Note 1: An example of a process that alters the fatty acid composition of fatty
acids in edible oil is the process of hydrogenation.
Note 2: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 121

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 4—Edible oils
Division 2—Edible oil spreads
Section 2.26 Compositional requirement for edible oil spreads and margarine

Division 2—Edible oil spreads

2.26 Compositional requirement for edible oil spreads and margarine

Compositional requirement for edible oil spreads
(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is an edible
oil spread must consist of:
(a) edible oil spread; or
(b) edible oil spread with the addition of any of the following:
(i) water;
(ii) edible proteins;
(iii) salt;
(iv) lactic acid producing microorganisms;
(v) flavour producing microorganisms;
(vi) milk products;
(vii) no more than 82 g/kg of total plant sterol equivalents
content.
Compositional requirement for table edible oil spreads
(2) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is a ‘table’
edible oil spread must:
(a) satisfy subsection (1); and
(b) contain no less than 55 g/kg of vitamin D.
Compositional requirement for margarine
(3) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is
‘margarine’ must:
(a) satisfy subsection (1); and
(b) contain no less than 800g/kg of edible oils.
Compositional requirement for table margarine
(4) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘table
margarine’ must:
(a) satisfy subsection (3); and
(b) contain no less than 55 g/kg of vitamin D.
Application of section to New Zealand
(5) Subsections (2) and (4) do not apply to sales in New Zealand.
Interpretation
(6) In this section:

122 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 4—Edible oils
Division 2—Edible oil spreads
Section 2.26 Compositional requirement for edible oil spreads and margarine

edible oil spread means a spreadable food composed of edible oils and
water in the form of an emulsion of the type water-in-oil.
Note: Under section 1.06, edible oil spread is defined for the rest of this Code
as a food that may be sold as edible oil spread under this section.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 123

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 5—Dairy products
Division 1—Milk
Section 2.27 Compositional requirement for milk

Part 5—Dairy products

Note: The Australian processing requirements for dairy products are contained in Standard 4.2.4.
New Zealand has its own processing requirements for dairy products.

Division 1—Milk
Note: In Australia, milk must be processed in accordance with Standard 4.2.4.

2.27 Compositional requirement for milk

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘milk’
must consist of:
(a) milk; or
(b) milk with the addition of phytosterols, phytostanols and their
esters in accordance with this Division.
(2) In this section:
milk means the mammary secretion of milking animals, obtained from
one or more milkings for consumption as liquid milk or for further
processing but excluding colostrum.
Note: Under section 1.06, milk is defined for the rest of this Code as a food that
may be sold as milk under this section.

2.28 Compositional requirement for cow’s milk

(1) This section applies to retail sales.
(2) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘cow’s
milk’ must:
(a) consist of milk from cows, or of such milk altered in accordance
with this section; and
(b) contain:
(i) no less than 32 g/kg of milkfat; and
(ii) no less than 30 g/kg of protein (measured as crude
protein).
(3) The composition of the food may be altered by the addition or
withdrawal of cow’s milk components in order to comply with this
section.
(4) However, the alterations must not result in the whey protein to casein
ratio of the food being altered.

2.29 Composition of skim milk

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘skim
milk’ must:
(a) consist of skim milk; and

124 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 5—Dairy products
Division 1—Milk
Section 2.30 Addition of phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters to milk

(b) contain no more than 1.5 g/kg of milkfat; and

(c) in the case of skim milk derived from cow’s milk—contain no
less than 30 g/kg of protein (measured as crude protein).
(2) In this section:
skim milk means milk from which milkfat has been removed.
Note: Under section 1.06, skim milk is defined for the rest of this Code as a
food that may be sold as skim milk under this section.

2.30 Addition of phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters to milk

Phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters may be added to milk only
if:
(a) the milk contains no more than 1.5 g total fat/100 g; and
(b) the total plant sterol equivalents content is no less than 3 g/L of
milk and no more than 4 g/L of milk.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 125

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 5—Dairy products
Division 2—Cream
Section 2.31 Compositional requirement for cream

Division 2—Cream

2.31 Compositional requirement for cream

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘cream’
must:
(a) consist of cream; and
(b) contain no less than 350 g/kg of milkfat.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), the composition of cream that is obtained by
the separation from milk may be altered by the addition of milk
products obtained from milk.
(3) In this section:
cream means a milk product comparatively rich in fat, in the form of
an emulsion of fat-in-skim milk, which can be obtained by separation
from milk.
Note: Under section 1.06, cream is defined for the rest of this Code as a food
that may be sold as cream under this section.

126 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 5—Dairy products
Division 3—Fermented milk products
Section 2.32 Compositional requirement for fermented milk and yoghurt

Division 3—Fermented milk products

2.32 Compositional requirement for fermented milk and yoghurt

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘fermented
milk’ or ‘yoghurt’ must:
(a) consist of fermented milk or yoghurt as appropriate, or of
fermented milk or yoghurt with the addition of other ingredients;
and
(b) have a pH of no more than 4.5; and
(c) have no less than 106 cfu/g microorganisms used in the
fermentation; and
(d) contain no less than 30 g/kg protein (measured as crude protein).
(2) If a food contains fermented milk or yoghurt as an ingredient, that
ingredient must comply with paragraphs (1)(a) to (d).
(3) In this section:
fermented milk means a food obtained by fermentation of milk or
products derived from milk, where the fermentation involves the
action of microorganisms and results in coagulation and a reduction in
pH.
yoghurt means a fermented milk where the fermentation has been
carried out with lactic acid producing microorganisms.
Note: Under section 1.06, fermented milk and yoghurt are defined for the rest
of this Code as a food that may be sold as fermented milk or yoghurt
under this section.

2.33 Addition of phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters to

yoghurt
Phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters may be added to yoghurt
only if:
(a) the yogurt contains no more than 1.5 g total fat/100 g; and
(b) the yoghurt is supplied in a package, the capacity of which is no
more than 200 g; and
(c) the total plant sterol equivalents content added is no less than
0.8 g and no more than 1.0 g/package.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 127

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 5—Dairy products
Division 4—Cheese
Section 2.34 Compositional requirement for cheese

Division 4—Cheese

2.34 Compositional requirement for cheese

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘cheese’ or
‘processed cheese’ must consist of cheese or processed cheese as
appropriate, with or without any of the following additional
ingredients added during production:
(a) water;
(b) lactic acid producing microorganisms;
(c) flavour producing microorganisms;
(d) gelatine;
(e) starch;
(f) vinegar;
(g) salt;
(h) tall oil phytosterol esters added in accordance with this Division.
(2) In this section:
cheese means the ripened or unripened solid or semi-solid milk
product which may be coated and is obtained by one or both of the
following processes:
(a) wholly or partly coagulating milk, or materials obtained from
milk, or both, through the action of rennet or other suitable
coagulating agents, partially draining the whey which results
from such coagulation; or
(b) processing techniques involving concentration or coagulation of
milk, or materials obtained from milk, or both, which give an
end-product with similar physical, chemical and organoleptic
characteristics as the product described in paragraph (a).
processed cheese means a product manufactured from cheese and
products obtained from milk, which is heated and melted, with or
without added emulsifying salts, to form a homogeneous mass.
Note: Under section 1.06, cheese and processed cheese are defined for the rest
of this Code as a food that may be sold as cheese or processed cheese
under this section.

2.35 Addition of tall oil phytosterol esters

Tall oil phytosterol esters may only be added to cheese or to processed
cheese if:
(a) the cheese or processed cheese contains no more than 12 g total
fat/100 g; and
(b) the cheese or processed cheese is supplied in an individual
portion, the weight of which is no more than 50 g; and

128 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 5—Dairy products
Division 4—Cheese
Section 2.35 Addition of tall oil phytosterol esters

(c) the tall oil phytosterol ester is added at no less than 70 g/kg and
no more than 90 g/kg.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 129

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 5—Dairy products
Division 5—Butter
Section 2.36 Compositional requirement for butter

Division 5—Butter

2.36 Compositional requirement for butter

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘butter’
must:
(a) consist of butter, or of butter with any of the following
additional ingredients:
(i) water;
(ii) salt;
(iii) lactic acid producing microorganisms;
(iv) flavour producing microorganisms; and
(b) contain no less than 80.0% m/m milkfat.
(2) In this section:
butter means a product derived exclusively from milk and products
obtained from milk, principally in the form of an emulsion of the type
water-in-oil.
Note: Under section 1.06, butter is defined for the rest of this Code as a food
that may be sold as butter under this section.

130 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 5—Dairy products
Division 6—Ice cream
Section 2.37 Compositional requirement for ice cream

Division 6—Ice cream

2.37 Compositional requirement for ice cream

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘ice cream’
must:
(a) consist of ice cream; and
(b) contain no less than:
(i) 100 g/kg of milk fat; and
(ii) 168 g/L of food solids.
(2) In this section:
ice cream means a sweet frozen food made from cream or milk
products or both, and other foods, and is generally aerated.
Note: Under section 1.06, ice cream is defined for the rest of this Code as a
food that may be sold as ice cream under this section.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 131

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 5—Dairy products
Division 7—Dried milk, evaporated milk and condensed milk
Section 2.38 Compositional requirements for condensed milk

Division 7—Dried milk, evaporated milk and condensed milk

2.38 Compositional requirements for condensed milk

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘condensed
milk’ must:
(a) consist of condensed milk, or of condensed milk with any of the
following additional ingredients:
(i) salt;
(ii) water;
(iii) sugars; and
(b) contain no less than 34% m/m milk proteins in milk solids-non-
fat; and
(c) if derived from cow’s milk and represented as condensed whole
milk—contain:
(i) no less than 8% m/m milkfat; and
(ii) no less than 28% m/m milk solids;
(d) if derived from cow’s milk and represented as condensed skim
milk—contain:
(i) no more than 1% m/m milkfat; and
(ii) no less than 24% m/m milk solids.
(2) The fat or protein content of the milk used to make condensed milk
may be adjusted to comply with this Division by the addition or
withdrawal of milk constituents.
(3) However, the adjustments must not result in the whey protein to
casein ratio of the milk being altered.
(4) In this section:
condensed milk means:
(a) a food obtained by the partial removal of water from milk with
the addition of sugars; or
(b) a food of the same composition obtained by any other process.
Note: Under section 1.06, condensed milk is defined for the rest of this Code as
a food that may be sold as condensed milk under this section.

2.39 Compositional requirement for dried milk

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘dried
milk’ must:
(a) consist of dried milk; and
(b) contain no less than 34% m/m milk proteins in milk solids-non-
fat; and
(c) if derived from cow’s milk and represented as dried whole
milk—contain:

132 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 5—Dairy products
Division 7—Dried milk, evaporated milk and condensed milk
Section 2.40 Compositional requirement for evaporated milk

(i) no less than 26% m/m milkfat; and

(ii) no more than 5% m/m water;
(d) if derived from cow’s milk and represented as dried skim
milk—contain:
(i) no more than 1.5% m/m milkfat; and
(ii) no more than 5% m/m water.
(2) The fat or protein content of the milk used to make dried milk may be
adjusted to comply with this Division by the addition or withdrawal of
milk constituents.
(3) However, the adjustments must not result in the whey protein to
casein ratio of the milk being altered.
(4) In this section:
dried milk means a powdered milk product obtained by the partial
removal of water from milk.
Note: Under section 1.06, dried milk is defined for the rest of this Code as a
food that may be sold as dried milk under this section.

2.40 Compositional requirement for evaporated milk

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is
‘evaporated milk’ must:
(a) consist of evaporated milk, or of evaporated milk with any of
the following additional ingredients:
(i) salt;
(ii) water; and
(b) contain no less than 34% m/m milk proteins in milk solids-non-
fat; and
(c) if derived from cow’s milk and represented as evaporated whole
milk—contain:
(i) no less than 7.5% m/m milkfat; and
(ii) no less than 25% m/m milk solids; and
(d) if derived from cow’s milk and represented as evaporated skim
milk—contain:
(i) no more than 1% m/m milkfat; and
(ii) no less than 20% m/m milk solids.
(2) In this section:
evaporated milk means:
(a) a milk product obtained by the partial removal of water from
milk by heat; or
(b) a milk product of the same composition obtained by any other
process.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 133

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 5—Dairy products
Division 7—Dried milk, evaporated milk and condensed milk
Section 2.40 Compositional requirement for evaporated milk

Note: Under section 1.06, evaporated milk is defined for the rest of this Code as
a food that may be sold as evaporated milk under this section.

134 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages
Division 1—Fruit juice and vegetable juice
Section 2.41 Meaning of juice blend

Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages

Division 1—Fruit juice and vegetable juice

2.41 Meaning of juice blend

In this Code:
juice blend means the food made from a blend of more than one fruit
juice or vegetable juice.

2.42 Compositional requirement for fruit juice and vegetable juice

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘fruit
juice’ or the juice of a specified fruit or fruits must consist of fruit
juice or a blend of fruit juices, and may contain any of the following
additional ingredients:
(a) no more than 40 g/kg of sugars;
(b) salt;
(c) herbs and spices.
(2) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘vegetable
juice’ or the juice of a specified vegetable or vegetables must consist
of vegetable juice, or a blend of vegetable juices, and may contain any
of the following additional ingredients:
(a) sugars;
(b) salt;
(c) herbs and spices.
(3) In this section:
fruit juice means the juice from a fruit.
juice:
(a) means the liquid portion, with or without pulp, obtained from:
(i) a fruit or a vegetable; or
(ii) in the case of citrus fruit, other than lime—the endocarp
only of the fruit; and
(b) includes a product that results from concentrating juice and then
reconstituting it with water to a concentration consistent with
that of the original juice.
vegetable juice means the juice from a vegetable.
Note: Under section 1.06, fruit juice and vegetable juice are defined for the rest
of this Code as a food that may be sold as fruit juice or vegetable juice
under this section.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 135

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages
Division 1—Fruit juice and vegetable juice
Section 2.43 Name and percentage by volume of juices in juice blend

2.43 Name and percentage by volume of juices in juice blend

For the labelling provisions, the name and percentage of each juice in
fruit juice blend is not required for orange juice which contains no
more than 10% in total of:
(a) mandarin juice; or
(b) tangelo juice; or
(c) mandarin juice and tangelo juice.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

136 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages
Division 2—Non-alcoholic beverages and brewed soft drinks
Section 2.44 Definitions

Division 2—Non-alcoholic beverages and brewed soft drinks

2.44 Definitions
In this Code:
formulated beverage means a non-carbonated, ready-to-drink, water-
based flavoured beverage that contains added vitamins or minerals or
both vitamins and minerals, prepared from one or more of the
following:
(a) water;
(b) fruit juice;
(c) fruit purée;
(d) concentrated fruit juice;
(e) concentrated fruit purée;
(f) comminuted fruit;
(g) orange peel extract;
(h) mineral water;
(i) sugars.
mineral water or spring water means ground water obtained from
subterranean water-bearing strata that, in its natural state, contains
soluble matter.
non-alcoholic beverage means:
(a) packaged water; or
(b) a water-based beverage which may or may not contain other
foods, except for alcoholic beverages; or
(c) electrolyte drinks.

2.45 Composition of packaged water

A food consisting of water presented in packaged form must not
contain a substance listed in column 1 of the table in Schedule 28 in a
greater proportion than that specified in column 2 of the table.

2.46 Addition of fluoride to packaged water

A food consisting of water presented in packaged form may contain
added fluoride only if:
(a) the water does not contain sugars, sweeteners, flavouring
substances or other food; and
(b) the water is not carbonated; and
(c) the total amount of the naturally occurring and any added
fluoride is no less than 0.6 mg/L and no more than 1 mg/L; and
(d) the form of fluoride added is:
(i) hydrofluorosilicic acid (fluorosilicic acid);

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 137

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages
Division 2—Non-alcoholic beverages and brewed soft drinks
Section 2.47 Labelling—composition of packaged water

(ii) sodium fluoride; or

(iii) sodium fluorosilicate (sodium silicofluoride).

2.47 Labelling—composition of packaged water

(1) For the labelling provisions, for packaged water that contains added
fluoride, a statement to the effect that the water contains added
fluoride is required.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(2) For the labelling provisions, a typical analysis that lists the total
concentration of any naturally occurring compound expressed in either
mg/L or parts per million may be included.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(3) The typical analysis may also include added fluoride provided that
only the total amount of the naturally occurring and added fluoride is
specified.
(4) A typical analysis that complies with subsections (2) and (3) is not a
nutrition content claim for the purposes of section 1.72.

2.48 Compositional requirement for brewed soft drink

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is a brewed
soft drink must:
(a) consist of a brewed soft drink; and
(b) contain no more than 1.15% alcohol/volume.
(2) In this section:
brewed soft drink means the product prepared by a fermentation
process from water with sugar and one or more of:
(a) fruit extractives or infusions; or
(b) vegetable extractives or infusions.
Note: Under section 1.06, brewed soft drink is defined for the rest of this Code
as a food that may be sold as brewed soft drink under this section.

2.49 Compositional requirement for fruit drink

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘fruit
drink’ must:
(a) consist of fruit drink; and
(b) contain no less than:
(i) in the case of passionfruit juice drink—35 mL/L of
passionfruit; and
(ii) otherwise—50 mL/L of fruit.

138 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages
Division 2—Non-alcoholic beverages and brewed soft drinks
Section 2.50 Non-alcoholic beverages not to be labelled or presented as alcoholic beverages

(2) In this section:

fruit drink means a product prepared from:
(a) one or more of the following:
(i) fruit juice;
(ii) fruit purée;
(iii) concentrated fruit juice;
(iv) concentrated fruit puree;
(v) comminuted fruit;
(vi) orange peel extract; and
(b) one or more of the following:
(i) water;
(ii) mineralised water;
(iii) sugars.
Note: Under section 1.06, fruit drink is defined for the rest of this Code as a
food that may be sold as fruit drink under this section.

2.50 Non-alcoholic beverages not to be labelled or presented as

alcoholic beverages
A non-alcoholic beverage must not be labelled or otherwise presented
for sale in a form which expressly or by implication suggests that the
product is an alcoholic beverage.

2.51 Compositional requirement for electrolyte drinks and electrolyte

drink bases
(1) A food that is represented as an electrolyte drink or an electrolyte
drink base must contain, or contain when made up according to
directions:
(a) no less than 10 mmol/L of sodium;
(b) no less than 50 g/L and no more than 100 g/L in total of the
following:
(i) dextrose;
(ii) fructose;
(iii) glucose syrup;
(iv) maltodextrin;
(v) sucrose; and
(c) no more than 50 g/L fructose.
(2) Such a food may contain any of the following:
(a) calcium phosphates;
(b) potassium phosphates;
(c) calcium citrates;
(d) potassium citrates;

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 139

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages
Division 2—Non-alcoholic beverages and brewed soft drinks
Section 2.52 Labelling of electrolyte drinks and electrolyte drink bases

(e) sodium citrates;

(f) potassium carbonates, including potassium bicarbonate;
(g) potassium chloride;
(h) calcium chloride;
(i) sodium chloride;
(j) calcium lactate;
(k) magnesium lactate;
(l) magnesium sulphate.
(3) In this section:
electrolyte drink means a drink formulated and suitable for the rapid
replacement of fluid, carbohydrates, electrolytes and minerals.
electrolyte drink base means a solid or liquid which, when made up,
makes an electrolyte drink.
Note: Under section 1.06, electrolyte drink and electrolyte drink base are
defined for the rest of this Code as a food that may be sold as electrolyte
drink or electrolyte drink base under this section.

2.52 Labelling of electrolyte drinks and electrolyte drink bases

(1) For the labelling provisions, the following compositional information
is required for an electrolyte drink or an electrolyte drink base:
(a) the average per 100 mL, of:
(i) the average energy content; and
(ii) the total carbohydrate present, including each type of
monosaccharide and disaccharide; and
(iii) added minerals and electrolytes, expressed as milligrams
and millimoles;
(b) the recommended volume and frequency of use.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(2) For an electrolyte drink base, the declaration must be based on the
electrolyte drink as ready to drink.

2.53 Claims in relation to the tonicity of electrolyte drinks

(1) A claim that an electrolyte drink is isotonic may only be made if the
electrolyte drink has an average osmolality of 250-340 milliOsmol/L.
(2) For the labelling provisions, the osmolality of the electrolyte drink
must be declared as measured in milliOsmol/L.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(3) The label on a package of isotonic electrolyte drink may include

words to the effect that the product is designed to promote the

140 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages
Division 2—Non-alcoholic beverages and brewed soft drinks
Section 2.54 Compositional requirement for formulated beverages

availability of energy and to prevent or treat mild dehydration that

may occur as a result of sustained strenuous exercise.

2.54 Compositional requirement for formulated beverages

(1) A formulated beverage must contain no more than:
(a) 240 mL/L of fruit prepared from any of the sources specified in
paragraphs (b) to (g) of the definition for formulated beverage in
section 2.44; and
(b) 75 g/L of sugars.
(2) A formulated beverage must not contain:
(a) carbon dioxide; or
(b) caffeine.
(3) A formulated beverage must not be mixed with other beverages.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 141

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages
Division 3—Kava
Section 2.55 Meaning of kava

Division 3—Kava
Note 1: Subsection 1.21(3) provides that a food product must not consist of, or have as an
ingredient or a component, kava or any substance derived from kava, unless expressly
permitted by this Division. This Division defines kava and contains the relevant
permissions.
Note 2: In Australia, this Division should be considered in conjunction with the Customs
(Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (Cth) and certain State and Territory restrictions on
the supply of kava which seek to minimise the detrimental effects associated with kava
abuse. Where kava is permitted for supply, the requirements in this Division complement
those restrictions.

2.55 Meaning of kava

In this Code:
kava means plants of the species Piper methysticum.
kava root means the peeled root or peeled rootstock of kava.

2.56 Exception to prohibition

The prohibition relating to the use of kava and substances derived
from kava in subsection 1.21(3) does not apply to a food that consists
of:
(a) a beverage obtained by the aqueous suspension of kava root
using cold water only, and not using any organic solvent; or
(b) the dried or raw kava root.

2.57 Labelling of foods containing kava

For the labelling provisions, the following statements are required for
a food referred to in paragraph 2.56(a) or 2.56(b):
(a) ‘Use in moderation’; and
(b) ‘May cause drowsiness’.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.
For the labelling requirement for unpackaged kava, see paragraph
1.34(5)(c).

142 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages
Division 4—Formulated caffeinated beverages
Section 2.58 Interpretation

Division 4—Formulated caffeinated beverages

2.58 Interpretation
(1) In this Code:
formulated caffeinated beverage means a flavoured non-alcoholic
beverage which contains caffeine and may contain carbohydrates,
amino acids, vitamins and other substances, including other foods, for
the purpose of enhancing mental performance.
(2) In this Division, a reference to caffeine is a reference to the total
quantity of caffeine, whatever its source.

2.59 Meaning of one-day quantity

(1) A formulated caffeinated beverage has a one-day quantity if it
contains a substance listed in column 1 of the table in Schedule 29.
Note: The one-day quantity is the maximum amount of the formulated
caffeinated beverage that should be consumed in a day.

(2) To calculate the one-day quantity, follow the following steps:

(a) for each substance listed in subsection (1) that the beverage
contains, calculate the equivalent amount of the substance in
accordance with the formula in subsection (3);
(b) select the substance with the lowest equivalent amount;
(c) the one-day quantity is the corresponding lowest equivalent
amount, in mL.
(3) For paragraph (2)(a), the formula is:
permitted amount
equivalent amount   1000
concentrat ion
where:
concentration is the concentration of the substance, in mg/L, in the
beverage.
permitted amount is, for a substance listed in column 1 of the table in
Schedule 29, the corresponding amount in column 2.

2.60 Composition of formulated caffeinated beverage

(1) A formulated caffeinated beverage must contain no less than
145 mg/L and no more than 320 mg/L of caffeine.
(2) If a formulated caffeinated beverage contains a substance listed in
column 1 of the table in Schedule 29, a one-day quantity must not

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 143

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 6—Non-alcoholic beverages
Division 4—Formulated caffeinated beverages
Section 2.61 Labelling requirements—formulated caffeinated beverage

contain more than the amount specified in the corresponding row of

column 2.
(3) A food must not consist of a mixture of a formulated caffeinated
beverage and a non-alcoholic beverage.

2.61 Labelling requirements—formulated caffeinated beverage

Required declarations
(1) For the labelling provisions, the required declarations of average
quantities are a declaration of the average quantity, per serving size
and per 100 mL, of:
(a) caffeine, expressed in milligrams; and
(b) any of the substances listed in the table in Schedule 29 that are
included in the food, expressed in the units included in column 2
of the table.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(2) The declarations under subsection (1):

(a) may be adjacent to or follow a nutrition information panel on the
label; and
(b) may be set out in the format in section S12.04 of Schedule 12;
and
(c) must be clearly distinguished from the nutrition information
panel.
Required advisory statements
(3) For the labelling provisions, the required advisory statements are
statements to the effect that:
(a) the food contains caffeine; and
(b) the food is not recommended for:
(i) children; or
(ii) pregnant or lactating women; or
(iii) individuals sensitive to caffeine.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(4) For the labelling provisions, if the beverage has a one-day quantity, an
advisory statement is required that is to the following effect:
‘Consume no more than [amount of one day quantity (as cans, bottles
or mL)] per day’.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

144 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 7—Alcoholic beverages
Division 1—Labelling of alcoholic beverages and food containing alcohol
Section 2.62 Meaning of standard drink

Part 7—Alcoholic beverages

Division 1—Labelling of alcoholic beverages and food
containing alcohol

2.62 Meaning of standard drink

In this Code:
standard drink, for a beverage, means the amount of a beverage
which contains 10 grams of ethanol when measured at 20C.

2.63 Statement of alcohol content

(1) For the labelling provisions, a statement of the alcohol content is
required for:
(a) a food that contains more than 1.15% alcohol by volume; or
(b) an alcoholic beverage that contains 1.15% or less alcohol by
volume; or
(c) a beverage that contains not less than 0.5% but not more than
1.15% alcohol by volume.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(2) For paragraph (1)(a), the alcohol content must be expressed in

mL/100 g, mL/100 mL or as the percentage of alcohol by volume.
(3) For paragraph (1)(b) or (c), the alcohol content must be expressed
using the words ‘CONTAINS NOT MORE THAN X% ALCOHOL
BY VOLUME’.
(4) The statement must be accurate to within:
(a) for beer, cider or perry—0.3% alcohol by volume;
(b) for spirits, liqueurs, fortified wine, fortified fruit or vegetable
wine, and all other alcoholic beverages containing more than
1.15% alcohol by volume—0.5% alcohol by volume;
(c) for wine and fruit wine (including sparkling forms), and wine
products and fruit or vegetable wine products containing more
than 6.5% alcohol by volume—1.5% alcohol by volume.

2.64 Statement of the number of standard drinks

(1) For the labelling provisions, a statement of the approximate number of
standard drinks in the product is required for a food that:
(a) is capable of being consumed as a beverage; and
(b) contains more than 0.5% alcohol by volume, measured at 20C.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 145

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 7—Alcoholic beverages
Division 1—Labelling of alcoholic beverages and food containing alcohol
Section 2.65 Restriction on representations of low alcohol

(2) The statement must be accurate to:

(a) for a package containing 10 or less standard drinks—the first
decimal place; or
(b) for a package containing more than 10 standard drinks—the
nearest whole number of standard drinks.
(3) A statement is not required for beverages packaged prior to 20
December 2002.

2.65 Restriction on representations of low alcohol

An alcoholic beverage which contains more than 1.15% alcohol by
volume must not be represented as a low alcohol beverage.

2.66 Restriction on representation of ‘non-intoxicating’

The label on a package of a beverage containing more than 0.5%
alcohol by volume must not include the words ‘non intoxicating’ or
words of similar meaning.

2.67 Restriction on representation as non-alcoholic

A food containing alcohol must not be represented in a form which
expressly or by implication suggests that the product is a non-
alcoholic confection or non-alcoholic beverage.

146 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 7—Alcoholic beverages
Division 2—Beer
Section 2.68 Compositional requirement for beer

Division 2—Beer

2.68 Compositional requirement for beer

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘beer’,
‘ale’, ‘lager’, ‘pilsener’, ‘porter’ or ‘stout’ must consist of:
(a) beer; or
(b) beer with the addition of any of the following if added during
production:
(i) cereal products or other sources of carbohydrate;
(ii) sugar;
(iii) salt;
(iv) herbs and spices.
(2) In this section:
beer means the product, characterised by the presence of hops or
preparations of hops, prepared by the yeast fermentation of an
aqueous extract of malted or unmalted cereals, or both.
Note: Under section 1.06, beer is defined for the rest of this Code as a food that
may be sold as beer under this section.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 147

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 7—Alcoholic beverages
Division 3—Fruit wine and vegetable wine
Section 2.69 Meaning of fruit wine product and vegetable wine product

Division 3—Fruit wine and vegetable wine

2.69 Meaning of fruit wine product and vegetable wine product

In this Code:
fruit wine product or vegetable wine product means a food containing
no less than 700 mL/L of fruit wine, or vegetable wine, or both fruit
and vegetable wine, which has been formulated, processed, modified
or mixed with other foods such that it is not a fruit wine or vegetable
wine.

2.70 Compositional requirement for cider, mead, perry, fruit wine and
vegetable wine
(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is a fruit
wine, a vegetable wine or ‘mead’ must consist of:
(a) fruit wine, vegetable wine or mead, as appropriate; or
(b) fruit wine, vegetable wine or mead, as appropriate, with the
addition of any of the following:
(i) fruit juice and fruit juice products;
(ii) vegetable juice and vegetable juice products;
(iii) sugars;
(iv) honey;
(v) spices;
(vi) alcohol;
(vii) water.
(2) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘cider’ or
‘perry’ must consist of cider or perry, as appropriate.
(3) In this section:
cider means the fruit wine prepared from the juice or must of apples
and no more than 25% of the juice or must of pears.
fruit wine or vegetable wine:
(a) means a food prepared from the complete or partial fermentation
of fruit, vegetable, grains, cereals or any combination or
preparation of those foods; and
(b) does not include wine or wine product.
mead means the product prepared from the complete or partial
fermentation of honey.
perry means the fruit wine prepared from the juice or must of pears
and no more than 25% of the juice or must of apples.

148 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 7—Alcoholic beverages
Division 3—Fruit wine and vegetable wine
Section 2.70 Compositional requirement for cider, mead, perry, fruit wine and vegetable wine

Note: Under section 1.06, cider, fruit wine, mead, perry and vegetable wine are
defined for the rest of this Code as a food that may be sold as cider, fruit
wine, mead, perry or vegetable wine under this section.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 149

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 7—Alcoholic beverages
Division 4—Wine and wine product
Section 2.71 Meaning of wine product

Division 4—Wine and wine product

Note: For Australia, the Wine Australia Corporation Act 1980 (Cth) is also relevant to the
regulation of wine and geographical indications in relation to wine.
For New Zealand, the Wine Act 2003 (NZ) is also relevant to the regulation of wine, and
the Geographical Indications (Wines and Spirits) Registration Act 2006 (NZ) is relevant to
geographical indications in relation to wine.

2.71 Meaning of wine product

In this Code:
wine product means a food containing no less than 700 mL/L of wine,
which has been formulated, processed, modified or mixed with other
foods such that it is not wine.

2.72 Compositional requirements for wine

(1) A food that is sold on the basis that it is ‘wine’ must consist of wine,
or wine with any of the following added during production:
(a) grape juice and grape juice products;
(b) sugars;
(c) brandy or other spirit;
(d) water that is necessary to incorporate any substance permitted
for use as a food additive or a processing aid.
(2) In this section:
wine means the product of the complete or partial fermentation of
fresh grapes, or a mixture of that product and products derived solely
from grapes.
Note: Under section 1.06, wine is defined for the rest of this Code as a food that
may be sold as wine under this section.

150 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 7—Alcoholic beverages
Division 5—Spirit
Section 2.73 Compositional requirements for brandy, liqueur and spirit

Division 5—Spirit

2.73 Compositional requirements for brandy, liqueur and spirit

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘brandy’
must consist of brandy, or brandy with the addition of any of the
following during production:
(a) water;
(b) sugars;
(c) honey;
(d) spices;
(e) grape juice;
(f) grape juice concentrates;
(g) wine;
(h) prune juice.
(2) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘liqueur’
must consist of liqueur.
(3) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is a spirit
must consist of that spirit, or that spirit with the addition of any of the
following:
(a) water;
(b) sugars;
(c) honey;
(d) spices.
(4) In this section:
brandy means a spirit obtained from the distillation of wine, or
fermented preparations of grapes or grape product.
liqueur means a spirit flavoured or mixed with other foods, which
contains more than 15% alcohol by volume, measured at 20°C.
spirit means a potable alcoholic distillate, including whisky, brandy,
rum, gin, vodka and tequila, which contains at least 37% alcohol by
volume, produced by distillation of fermented liquor derived from
food sources, so as to have the taste, aroma and other characteristics
generally attributable to that particular spirit.
Note: Under section 1.06, brandy, liqueur and spirit are defined for the rest of
this Code as a food that may be sold as brandy, liqueur or spirit under this
section.

2.74 Restriction on use of geographical indications

(1) A geographical indication must not be used in relation to a spirit, even
where the true origin of the spirit is indicated or the geographical

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 151

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 7—Alcoholic beverages
Division 5—Spirit
Section 2.74 Restriction on use of geographical indications

indication is used in translation or accompanied by expressions such

as ‘kind’, ‘type’, ‘style’, ‘imitation’ or the like, unless the spirit has
been produced in the country, locality or region indicated.
(2) A spirit lawfully exported under a geographical indication, but bottled
other than in the territory, locality or region indicated by the
geographical indication must not be sold under that geographical
indication:
(a) unless the concentration of alcohol by volume in the spirit is at a
level permitted under the laws for that geographical indication
of the territory, locality or region indicated by that geographical
indication; or
(b) if any other distinctive quality or characteristic of the spirit is
such as to mislead or deceive the public as to the nature of the
product identified by the geographical indication.
(3) In this section:
geographical indication means an indication, whether express or
implied:
(a) which identifies a spirit as originating in a particular country,
locality or region; and
(b) where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the
spirit is essentially attributable to its origin in that particular
country, locality or region.

152 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 8—Sugars and honey
Division 1—Sugars
Section 2.75 Meaning of icing and sugars

Part 8—Sugars and honey

Division 1—Sugars

2.75 Meaning of icing and sugars

In this Code:
icing means a mixture of sugar and other foods for use as a coating
and includes frosting, plastic icing and icing gel.
sugars:
(a) means any of the following products, derived from any source:
(i) hexose monosaccharides and disaccharides, including
dextrose, fructose, sucrose and lactose;
(ii) starch hydrolysate;
(iii) glucose syrups, maltodextrin and similar products;
(iv) products derived at a sugar refinery, including brown
sugar and molasses;
(v) icing sugar;
(vi) invert sugar;
(vii) fruit sugar syrup; and
(b) does not include:
(i) malt or malt extracts; or
(ii) sorbitol, mannitol, glycerol, xylitol, polydextrose, isomalt,
maltitol, maltitol syrup or lactitol.

2.76 References to sugar

A reference to ‘sugar’ in this Code is, unless otherwise expressly
stated, a reference to any of the following:
(a) white sugar;
(b) caster sugar;
(c) icing sugar;
(d) loaf sugar;
(e) coffee sugar;
(f) raw sugar.

2.77 Compositional requirement for white sugar

(1) A food that is sold on the basis that it is ‘white sugar’ must:
(a) consist of white sugar; and
(b) have no less than 99.7% sucrose content, calculated on a dry
basis.
(2) In this section:

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 153

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 8—Sugars and honey
Division 1—Sugars
Section 2.78 Compositional requirement for icing

white sugar means purified crystallised sucrose.

2.78 Compositional requirement for icing

A food that is sold on the basis that it is ‘icing’ must consist of icing.

154 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 8—Sugars and honey
Division 2—Honey
Section 2.79 Compositional requirement for honey

Division 2—Honey

2.79 Compositional requirement for honey

(1) A food that is sold on the basis that it is ‘honey’ must:
(a) consist of honey; and
(b) contain:
(i) no less than 60% reducing sugars; and
(ii) no more than 21% moisture.
(2) In this section:
honey means the natural sweet substance produced by honey bees
from the nectar of blossoms or from secretions of living parts of plants
or excretions of plant sucking insects on the living parts of plants,
which honey bees collect, transform and combine with specific
substances of their own, store and leave in the honey comb to ripen
and mature.
Note: Under section 1.06, honey is defined for the rest of this Code as a food
that may be sold as honey under this section.

2.80 Prescribed name

‘Honey’ is a prescribed name.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 155

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 1—Infant formula products
Section 2.81 Outline of Division

Part 9—Special purpose foods

Division 1—Infant formula products
Subdivision A—Preliminary

2.81 Outline of Division

(1) This Division provides for the compositional and labelling
requirements for foods intended or represented for use as a substitute
for breast milk, referred to as ‘infant formula products’. This Division
applies to all infant formula products whether in powder, liquid
concentrate or ‘ready to drink’ forms.
(2) This Division also provides for infant formula products intended for
infants with special nutritional requirements.
(3) There are Guidelines for Infant Formula Products at the end of this
Division. These guidelines are not legally binding.

2.82 Definitions
In this Code:
follow-on formula means an infant formula product that:
(a) is represented as either a breast-milk substitute or replacement
for infant formula; and
(b) is suitable to constitute the principal liquid source of
nourishment in a progressively diversified diet for infants aged
from 6 months.
infant formula means an infant formula product that:
(a) is represented as a breast milk substitute for infants; and
(b) satisfies by itself the nutritional requirements of infants aged up
to 4 to 6 months.
infant formula product means a product based on milk or other edible
food constituents of animal or plant origin which is nutritionally
adequate to serve by itself as the sole or principal liquid source of
nourishment for infants.
medium chain triglycerides means triacylglycerols that contain
predominantly the saturated fatty acids designated by 8:0 and 10:0.
pre-term formula means an infant formula product specifically
formulated to satisfy particular needs of infants born prematurely or of
low birthweight.
protein substitute means:

156 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 1—Infant formula products
Section 2.83 Interpretation

(a) L-amino acids; or

(b) the hydrolysate of one or more of the proteins on which infant
formula product is normally based; or
(c) a combination of L-amino acids and the hydrolysate of one or
more of the proteins on which infant formula product is
normally based.
soy-based formula means an infant formula product in which soy
protein isolate is the sole source of protein.

2.83 Interpretation
Interpretation of compositional requirements
(1) Compositional requirements in this Division apply to:
(a) a powdered or concentrated form of infant formula product that
has been reconstituted with water according to directions; or
(b) an infant formula product in ‘ready to drink’ form.
Calculation of energy, protein and potential renal solute load
(2) For this Division:
(a) energy must be calculated in accordance with section S30.01 of
Schedule 30; and
(b) protein content must be calculated in accordance with the
formula set out in section S30.02 of Schedule 30; and
(c) potential renal solute load must be calculated in accordance with
section S30.03 of Schedule 30.

Subdivision B—General compositional requirements for infant

formula products

2.84 Use of substances as nutritive substances

What substances may be used as nutritive substances
(1) A substance listed in column 1 of the table to section S30.04 in
Schedule 30 may be used as a nutritive substance in an infant formula
product if:
(a) it is in a permitted form listed in column 2 of the table; and
(b) the amount of the substance in the infant formula product is no
more than the corresponding amount listed in column 3 of the
table (taking into account both the naturally-occurring and
added substance).

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 157

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 1—Infant formula products
Section 2.85 Addition of lactic acid producing microorganisms

When labelling may refer to presence of substances used as nutritive

substances
(2) For the labelling provisions, a label may include words or other
indications to the effect that the product contains a substance used as a
nutritive substance only if:
(a) the substance is used as a nutritive substance in the product in
accordance with this section; and
(b) the total amount of the substance in the product (taking into
account both the naturally-occurring and added substances) is at
least the corresponding amount listed in column 4 of the table to
section S30.04 in Schedule 30.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

2.85 Addition of lactic acid producing microorganisms

L(+) lactic acid producing microorganisms may be added to infant
formula product.

2.86 Permitted quantities of added inulin-derived substances and

galacto-oligosaccharides
If an inulin-derived substance or a galacto-oligosaccharide is added to
an infant formula product, the product must contain (taking into
account both the naturally-occurring and added substances) no more
than:
(a) if only inulin-derived substances are added—110 mg/100 kJ of
inulin-derived substances; or
(b) if only galacto-oligosaccharides are added—290 mg/100 kJ of
galacto-oligosaccharides; or
(c) if both inulin-derived substances and galacto-oligosaccharides
are added:
(i) no more than 110 mg/100 kJ of inulin-derived substances;
and
(ii) no more than 290 mg/100 kJ of combined inulin-derived
substances and galacto-oligosaccharides.

2.87 Restriction on levels of other substances in infant formula

product
Infant formula product must not contain:
(a) detectable gluten; or
(b) more than 3.8 mg/100 kJ of nucleotide 5’-monophosphates; or
(c) more than the following amounts of aluminium:
(i) for a pre-term formula—0.02 mg/100 mL;
(ii) for a soy-based formula—0.1 mg/100 mL;

158 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 1—Infant formula products
Section 2.88 Infant formula and follow-on formula—composition

(iii) otherwise—0.05 mg/100 mL.

Subdivision C—Infant formula and follow-on formula

2.88 Infant formula and follow-on formula—composition

(1) Infant formula must have:
(a) an energy content of no less than 2500 kJ/L and no more than
3150 kJ/L; and
(b) a protein content of no less than 0.45 g/100kJ and no more than
0.7 g/100 kJ; and
(c) a fat content of no less than 1.05 g/100kJ and no more than
1.5 g/100 kJ.
(2) Follow-on formula must have:
(a) an energy content of no less than 2500 kJ/L and no more than
3550 kJ/L; and
(b) a protein content of no less than 0.45 g/100kJ and no more than
1.3 g/100 kJ; and
(c) a fat content of no less than 1.05 g/100kJ and no more than
1.5 g/100 kJ; and
(d) a potential renal solute load value of no more than 8
mOsm/100 kJ.

2.89 Infant formula and follow-on formula—protein

(1) The L-amino acids listed in the table to section S30.05 in Schedule 30
must be present in infant formula and follow-on formula at a level no
less than the corresponding minimum level specified in the table.
(2) Infant formula or follow-on formula must provide no less than:
(a) 6 mg of cysteine, cystine or combined cysteine and
cystine/100 kJ; and
(b) 17 mg phenylalanine/100 kJ.
(3) Despite subsection (1), L-amino acids listed in the table to
section S30.05 in Schedule 30 may be added to infant formula or
follow-on formula only in an amount necessary to meet the minimum
amino acid requirements.

2.90 Infant formula and follow-on formula—fat

(1) The fats in infant formula and follow-on formula:
(a) may contain medium chain triglycerides only if the medium
chain triglyceride is present as the result of its being:
(i) a natural constituent of a milk-based ingredient of that
formula; or

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 159

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 1—Infant formula products
Section 2.91 Infant formula and follow-on formula—vitamins, minerals and electrolytes

(ii) for a fat soluble vitamin that is specified in the table to

section S30.07 in Schedule 30—a substance that was used
as a processing aid in the preparation of that permitted fat
soluble vitamin for use in the formula; and
(b) must have a ratio of linoleic acid to -linolenic acid of no less
than 5 to 1 and no more than 15 to 1; and
(c) must have a ratio of total long chain omega 6 series fatty acids
(C>= 20) to total long chain omega 3 series fatty acids (C>= 20)
that is not less than 1 in an infant formula or follow-on formula
which contains those fatty acids; and
(d) for any long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are present—
must have an eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3) content of no
more than the docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) content; and
(e) for a fat that is listed in the table to section S30.07 in Schedule
30—must comply with the limits (if any) specified in the table.

2.91 Infant formula and follow-on formula—vitamins, minerals and

electrolytes
(1) Infant formula and follow-on formula must contain the vitamins,
minerals and electrolytes specified in column 1 of the table to
section S30.08 in Schedule 30 in an amount that is:
(a) no less than the minimum amount specified in column 2 of the
table; and
(b) no more than the maximum amount (if any) specified in
column 3 of the table.
(2) Any vitamins, minerals or electrolytes that are used as nutritive
substances must be in a permitted form as listed in the table to section
S30.06 in Schedule 30.
(3) Infant formula and follow-on formula must contain no less than
0.5 mg of Vitamin E/g of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
(4) The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in infant formula and follow-on
formula must be no less than 1.2 to 1 and no more than 2 to 1.
(5) The ratio of zinc to copper must be:
(a) for infant formula—no more than 15 to 1; and
(b) for follow-on formula—no more than 20 to 1.

Subdivision D—Infant formula products for special dietary use

2.92 Products formulated for premature or low birthweight infants

(1) A compositional requirement of this Division does not apply to the
extent that it would prevent the sale of an infant formula product that

160 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 1—Infant formula products
Section 2.93 Products for metabolic, immunological, renal, hepatic and malabsorptive conditions

has been specifically formulated for premature or low birthweight

infants.
(2) If an infant formula product would not comply with this Division
apart from this section, then for the labelling provisions:
(a) the following warning statement is required: ‘Suitable only for
pre-term infants under specialist medical supervision’; and
(b) the name of food must include the words ‘pre-term’.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

2.93 Products for metabolic, immunological, renal, hepatic and

malabsorptive conditions
(1) A compositional requirement of this Division does not apply to the
extent that it would prevent the sale of an infant formula product that
is specifically formulated to satisfy particular metabolic,
immunological, renal, hepatic or malabsorptive conditions.
(2) If:
(a) an infant formula product would not comply with this Division
apart from this section; and
(b) the label contains a claim that the infant formula product is
suitable for infants with metabolic, immunological, renal,
hepatic or malabsorptive conditions;
then for the labelling provisions, a statement indicating the following
is required:
(c) that the product is not suitable for general use and should be
used under medical supervision; and
(d) the condition, disease or disorder for which the product has been
specially formulated; and
(e) the nutritional modifications, if any, which have been made to
the product.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

Special requirements for food represented as lactose free and low

lactose formulas
(3) A compositional requirement of this Division that relates to lactose
content does not apply to an infant formula product that is represented
as lactose free formula or low lactose formula.
(4) If the formula is represented as lactose free, it must contain no
detectable lactose.
(5) If the formula is represented as low lactose, it must contain no more
than 0.3 g lactose/100 mL of infant formula product.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 161

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 1—Infant formula products
Section 2.94 Products for special dietary use based on a protein substitute

(6) For the labelling provisions, if a label contains a claim that the infant
formula product is lactose free, low lactose or words of similar import:
(a) the name of food must include the following:
(i) for a formula represented as lactose free—the words
‘lactose free’; and
(ii) for a formula represented as low lactose—the words ‘low
lactose’; and
(b) the following statements are required:
(i) the amount of lactose expressed in g/100 mL; and
(ii) the amount of galactose expressed in g/100 mL.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

2.94 Products for special dietary use based on a protein substitute

(1) The protein content of an infant formula product based on a protein
substitute may be in the form of a protein substitute.
(2) Such infant formula must:
(a) have an energy content of:
(i) for an infant formula—no less than 2500 kJ/L and no more
than 3150 kJ/L; and
(ii) for a follow-on formula—no less than 2500 kJ/L and no
more than 3550 kJ/L; and
(b) have a potential renal solute load of no more than
8 mOsm/100 kJ; and
(c) have a protein content of no less than 0.45 g/100 kJ and no more
than 1.4 g/100 kJ; and
(d) have a fat content of no less than 0.93 g/100 kJ and no more
than 1.5 g/100 kJ; and
(e) contain:
(i) chromium in an amount of no less than 0.35 g/100 kJ and
no more than 2.0 g/100 kJ; and
(ii) molybdenum in an amount of no less than 0.36 g/100 kJ
and no more than 3.0 g/100 kJ.
(3) Section 2.89 applies to such infant formula product as if it were infant
formula.
(4) Such infant formula product may contain added medium chain
triglycerides.

162 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 1—Infant formula products
Section 2.95 Representations about food as an infant formula product

Subdivision E—Labelling and packaging requirements

2.95 Representations about food as an infant formula product

A food may only be represented as an infant formula product if it
complies with this Division.

2.96 Prescribed names

The following are prescribed names:
(a) ‘Infant formula’; and
(b) ‘Follow-on formula’.

2.97 Requirement for measuring scoop

(1) A package of infant formula product in a powdered form must contain
a scoop to enable the use of the infant formula product in accordance
with the directions contained in the label on the package.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to single serve sachets, or packages
containing single serve sachets, of an infant formula product in a
powdered form.

2.98 Requirement for warning statements and directions

(1) For the labelling provisions, the following warning statements are
required:
(a) for infant formula product in powered form—‘Warning – follow
instructions exactly. Prepare bottles and teats as directed. Do not
change proportions of powder except on medical advice.
Incorrect preparation can make your baby very ill’;
(b) for concentrated infant formula product—‘Warning – follow
instructions exactly. Prepare bottles and teats as directed. Do not
change proportions of concentrate except on medical advice.
Incorrect preparation can make your baby very ill’;
(c) for ready-to-drink infant formula product—‘Warning – follow
instructions exactly. Prepare bottles and teats as directed. Do not
dilute or add anything to this ‘ready to drink’ formula except on
medical advice. Incorrect preparation can make your baby very
ill’;
(d) subject to subsection (2), a heading that states ‘Important
Notice’, with under it the warning statement—‘Breast milk is
best for babies. Before you decide to use this product, consult
your doctor or health worker for advice’.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(2) Paragraph (1)(d) does not apply to infant formula products for
metabolic, immunological, renal, hepatic or malabsorptive conditions.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 163

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 1—Infant formula products
Section 2.99 Print size

(3) For the labelling provisions, directions (in words or pictures) for the
preparation and use of the infant formula product are required, which
instruct that:
(a) each bottle should be prepared individually; and
(b) if a bottle of made up formula is to be stored prior to use, it must
be refrigerated and used within 24 hours; and
(c) potable, previously boiled water should be used; and
(d) if a package contains a measuring scoop—only the enclosed
scoop should be used; and
(e) formula left in the bottle after a feed must be discarded.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(4) For the labelling provisions, the required statements are ones
indicating that:
(a) for infant formula—the infant formula product may be used
from birth; and
(b) for follow-on formula—the infant formula product should not be
used for infants aged under 6 months; and
(c) subject to subsection (5), it is recommended that infants over the
age of 6 months should be offered foods in addition to the infant
formula product.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(5) Paragraph (4)(c) does not apply to packages of pre-term formula.

2.99 Print size

The statements required by subsections 2.98(1) and 2.92(2) must be in
a size of type of at least:
(a) if the package of infant formula product has a net weight of
more than 500 g—3 mm;
(b) if the package of infant formula has net weight of 500 g or
less—1.5 mm.

2.100 Declaration of nutrition information

(1) For the labelling provisions, the following nutrition information is
required:
(a) for ‘ready to drink’ infant formula product, and for powdered or
concentrated infant formula product:
(i) the average energy content expressed in kJ/100 mL; and
(ii) the average amount of protein, fat and carbohydrate
expressed in g/100 mL; and
(iii) the average amount, whether added or naturally occurring,
of each vitamin, mineral and any other substance used as a

164 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 1—Infant formula products
Section 2.101 Date marking and storage instructions

nutritive substance permitted by this Division expressed in

weight/100 mL; and
(iv) if added, the average amount of the following, expressed
in weight/100 mL:
(A) inulin-derived substances; or
(B) galacto-oligosaccharides; or
(C) a combination of inulin-derived substances and
galacto-oligosaccharides; and
(b) for a powdered or concentrated form of infant formula product,
additionally, a declaration of:
(i) the proportion of powder or concentrate required to
reconstitute the formula according to directions; and
(ii) for powdered infant formula product—the weight of one
scoop.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(2) For a powdered or concentrated form of infant formula product, the

information mentioned in subsection (1) must be expressed in terms of
the product as reconstituted according to directions on the package.
(3) The information required by this section may be expressed in the form
of a table.
Note: For an example of how the nutrition information may be presented, see
the guidelines set out in section S30.09 of Schedule 30.

2.101 Date marking and storage instructions

(1) Infant formula product that complies with this Division does not need
to be date marked in accordance with subsection 1.66(2).
(2) For the labelling provisions, the storage instructions must cover the
period after the package is opened.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

2.102 Statements of protein source and dental fluorosis

(1) For the labelling provisions, the required statements include:
(a) a statement of the specific source, or sources, of protein in the
product, immediately adjacent to the name of the product; and
(b) if the infant formula product is one to which subsection (2)
applies:
(i) a statement to the effect that consumption of the formula
has the potential to cause dental fluorosis; and
(ii) a statement recommending that the risk of dental fluorosis
should be discussed with a medical practitioner or other
health professional.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 165

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 1—Infant formula products
Section 2.103 Prohibited representations

(2) This subsection applies to an infant formula product that contains:

(a) for a powdered or concentrated infant formula product—more
than 17 g of fluoride/100 kJ prior to reconstitution; or
(b) for a ready-to-drink formula—more than 0.15 mg of
fluoride/100 mL.

2.103 Prohibited representations

(1) The label on a package of infant formula product must not contain:
(a) a picture of an infant; or
(b) a picture that idealises the use of infant formula product; or
(c) the word ‘humanised’ or ‘maternalised’ or any word or words
having the same or similar effect; or
(d) words claiming that the formula is suitable for all infants; or
(e) information relating to the nutritional content of human milk; or
(f) subject to subsection 2.93(2), a reference to the presence of any
nutrient or substance used as a nutritive substance, except for a
reference to a nutrient or substance required by:
(i) subsection 2.93(6); or
(ii) Division 4 of Part 3 of Chapter 1; or
(iii) section 2.100; or
(g) subject to Subdivision D, a representation that the food is
suitable for a particular condition, disease or disorder.
(2) Subject to subsection 2.93(2), the label on a package of infant formula
product must not contain a reference to inulin-derived substances or
galacto-oligosaccharides except for a reference in:
(a) a statement of ingredients; or
(b) the declaration of nutrition information under section 2.100.

Subdivision F—Guidelines

2.104 Guidelines for infant formula product

Guidelines for infant formula product are set out in section S30.09 of
Schedule 30.

166 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 2—Food for infants
Section 2.105 Definitions

Division 2—Food for infants

2.105 Definitions
In this Code:
cereal-based food means food for infants that is based on cereal.
food for infants:
(a) means a food that is intended or represented for use as a source
of nourishment for infants; and
(b) does not include:
(i) infant formula products; or
(ii) formulated meal replacements; or
(iii) formulated supplementary foods; or
(iv) unprocessed fruit and vegetables.
fruit-based food means food for infants that is based on fruit.

2.106 Food for infants—general compositional requirements

(1) Food for infants must not contain:
(a) for a cereal-based food—more than 50 mg/100 g of total iron on
a moisture free basis; or
(b) honey, unless it has been treated to inactivate Clostridium
botulinum spores; or
(c) more than the following amount of sodium:
(i) for rusks—350 mg/100 g; or
(ii) for biscuits—300 mg/100 g; or
(iii) for flours, pasta, ready-to-eat foods for infants (including
cereal-based foods other than rusks and biscuits)—
100 mg/100 g; or
(iv) for vegetable juices and ready-to-eat fruit-based foods
including, fruit drinks—100 mg/100 g; or
(d) if the food consists of fruit drink or vegetable juice, or is a
ready-to-eat product that is based on fruit—added salt; or
(e) for vegetable juice, fruit drink or a non-alcoholic beverage—a
total monosaccharide and disaccharide content of more than
4 g/100 g.
(2) If inulin-derived substances or galacto-oligosaccharides are added to
food for infants, the total amount of those substances in the food
(including the amount added and the amount naturally occurring) must
not be greater than 0.8 g/100 g, based on the product as consumed.
(3) Food for infants may have as an ingredient lactic acid producing
microorganisms.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 167

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 2—Food for infants
Section 2.107 Additional compositional requirements for cereal-based food for infants over the age
of 6 months
(4) If food for infants is intended for infants under the age of 6 months, it
must:
(a) be formulated and manufactured to a consistency that minimises
the risk of choking; and
(b) for a food other than rusks—have a texture that is soft and free
of lumps.

2.107 Additional compositional requirements for cereal-based food for

infants over the age of 6 months
(1) This section applies to cereal-based food for infants that:
(a) contains more than 70% cereal, on a moisture free basis; and
(b) is promoted as suitable for infants over the age of 6 months.
(2) The food must contain at least 20 mg iron/100 g on a moisture free
basis.
(3) The food may contain:
(a) added iron in the following forms:
(i) electrolytic iron; or
(ii) reduced iron; or
(iii) in the permitted forms set out in the table to
section S30.06 of Schedule 30; and
(b) added thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate, magnesium
in permitted forms set out in the table to section S30.06 of
Schedule 30; and
(c) added vitamin C to a maximum level of 90 mg/100 g on a
moisture free basis.

2.108 Additional compositional requirements for cereal-based foods

for infants over the age of 4 months
(1) This section applies to cereal-based food for infants that:
(a) contains more than 70% cereal, on a moisture free basis; and
(b) is promoted as suitable for infants from 4 months of age.
(2) The food may contain:
(a) added iron in the following forms:
(i) electrolytic iron; or
(ii) reduced iron; or
(iii) in a permitted form as set out in the table to section S30.06
of Schedule 30; and
(b) added vitamin C in the forms permitted in the table to
section S30.06 of Schedule 30 to a maximum level of
90 mg/100g on a moisture free basis.

168 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 2—Food for infants
Section 2.109 Additional compositional requirements for non-cereal-based food for infants

2.109 Additional compositional requirements for non-cereal-based

food for infants
(1) This section applies to food for infants other than cereal-based food.
(2) If the food consists of vegetable juice, fruit drink or gel, it must
contain no less than 25 mg/100 g of vitamin C.
(3) If the food is a fruit-based food, it may contain vitamin C or folate or
both in the permitted forms set out in the table to section S30.06 of
Schedule 30.

2.110 Labelling
(1) This section does not apply to packaged water.
(2) The label on a package of food for infants must not include a
recommendation, whether express or implied, that the food is suitable
for infants less than 4 months old.
(3) For the labelling provisions, the required information relating to
composition is:
(a) a statement indicating the consistency of the food; and
(b) a statement indicating the minimum age, expressed in numbers,
of the infants for whom the food is recommended; and
(c) if the food is recommended for infants between the ages of 4-6
months, in association with the statement required by
paragraph (b), the words ‘Not recommended for infants under
the age of 4 months’; and
(d) if the monosaccharide and disaccharide content of added sugars
and honey is more than 4 g/100 g—the word ‘sweetened’; and
(e) if honey has been used as an ingredient—in association with the
word ‘honey’, the word ‘sterilised’.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

2.111 Additional labelling requirements relating to specific nutrients

and energy information
(1) For the labelling provisions, the required information relating to
composition is:
(a) if a reference is made in the label (including in the name of the
food) to milk, eggs, cheese, fish, meat (including poultry), nuts
or legumes—the percentage of that ingredient in the final food;
and
(b) if the food contains more than of 3 g/100 kJ of protein—the
words ‘Not suitable for infants under the age of 6 months’.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 169

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 2—Food for infants
Section 2.112 Representations

(2) A claim must not be made, whether express or implied, that a food for
infants is a source of protein unless at least 12% of the average energy
content of the food is derived from protein.

2.112 Representations
(1) A food must not be represented as being the sole or principal source of
nutrition for infants.
(2) The label on a package of food for infants must not include a
recommendation that the food can be added to bottle feeds of an infant
formula product.

2.113 Claims about vitamins and minerals

(1) A claim must not be made, whether express or implied, in relation to
food for infants comparing the vitamin or mineral content of the food
with that of any other food unless such a claim is expressly permitted
elsewhere in this Division.
(2) A claim, either express or implied, as to the presence of a vitamin or
mineral in food for infants may be made if the food contains in a
normal serve at least 10% of the RDI or ESADDI, as appropriate, for
that vitamin or mineral.
(3) A claim, either express or implied, that food for infants is a good
source of a vitamin or mineral may be made if a reference quantity of
the food contains at least 25% of the RDI or ESADDI, as appropriate,
for that vitamin or mineral.
(4) A claim, whether express or implied, must not be made in relation to a
fruit-based food for infants that the food contains more than:
(a) 60 mg/100 g of vitamin C; or
(b) 150 g/100 g of folate.
(5) If a vitamin or mineral has been used as a nutritive substance in a
cereal-based food for infants, a claim must not be made that a normal
serve of the food contains that vitamin or mineral in a quantity greater
than that specified in relation to that vitamin or mineral in the table to
section S30.10 of Schedule 30.

2.114 Nutrition information

(1) Food for infants need not comply with:
(a) the requirement to include the average quantity of saturated fat
on a nutrition information panel (subparagraph 1.101(1)(d)(ii));
or
(b) subsections 1.101(3), 1.101(4) or 1.102(1); or
(c) sections 1.103, 1.106 or 1.109.

170 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 2—Food for infants
Section 2.115 Food in dehydrated or concentrated form

(2) Food for infants need not comply with the requirement in Division 7
of Part 3 of Chapter 1 to indicate the potassium content of a food in
the nutrition information panel.
(3) The nutrition information panel for food for infants must be set out in
the format set out in section S12.05 of Schedule 12.

2.115 Food in dehydrated or concentrated form

(1) This section applies to food for infants that is in dehydrated or
concentrated form.
(2) For the labelling provisions, directions are required for how the food
should be reconstituted.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(3) The particulars set out in each column of the nutrition information
panel must be expressed as a proportion of the food as reconstituted
according to those directions.
(4) If more than one fluid for preparing the food is nominated in the label:
(a) the particulars set out in the column should be adjusted
according to the first liquid nominated; and
(b) the name of this liquid must be included in the nutrition
information panel.

2.116 Storage requirements

For the labelling provisions, the storage instructions must cover the
period after the package is opened.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 171

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 3—Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods
Section 2.117 Interpretation

Division 3—Formulated meal replacements and formulated

supplementary foods
Subdivision A—Interpretation

2.117 Interpretation
In this Division:
serving means a quantity of the food which constitutes one normal
serving when prepared according to manufacturer’s directions or when
the food requires no further preparation before consumption, and in
the case of a formulated meal replacement is equivalent to one meal.

Subdivision B—Formulated meal replacements

2.118 Meaning of formulated meal replacement

In this Code:
formulated meal replacement means a food that:
(a) has been specifically formulated as a replacement for one or
more meals of the day, but not as a total diet replacement; and
(b) is represented as a formulated meal replacement.

2.119 Compositional requirements for formulated meal replacements

(1) A formulated meal replacement must contain in a serving no less than:
(a) 12 g protein; and
(b) 850 kJ; and
(c) 25% of the RDI of each vitamin and mineral listed in column 1
of the table to section S30.11 of Schedule 30.
(2) A vitamin or mineral may be used as a nutritive substance in a
formulated meal replacement if:
(a) the vitamin or mineral is listed in column 1 of:
(i) the table to section S30.11 of Schedule 30; or
(ii) the table to section S30.12 of Schedule 30; and
(b) the total of the naturally occurring and added vitamin or mineral
in a serving is not greater than the quantity, if any, specified in
relation to that vitamin or mineral in column 2 of the relevant
table; and
(c) the vitamin or mineral is in a permitted form specified in:
(i) the table in section S17.01 or S17.02 of Schedule 17; or
(ii) the table to section S30.16 of Schedule 30.

172 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 3—Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods
Section 2.120 Labelling of formulated meal replacements

2.120 Labelling of formulated meal replacements

(1) The nutrition information panel on the label on a package of
formulated meal replacement must include a declaration of the
average quantities of the vitamins and minerals that:
(a) in the case of vitamins and minerals listed in the table in
section S30.11 of Schedule 30—are present in the food; and
(b) in the case of vitamins and minerals listed in table in
section S30.12 of Schedule 30—have been used as a nutritive
substance in the food.
(2) A claim as to the presence in a formulated meal replacement of a
vitamin or mineral listed in the table to section S30.11 or S30.12 of
Schedule 30 may be made on the label on a package of formulated
meal replacement only if:
(a) no less than 10% of the RDI or ESADDI of that vitamin or
mineral is present in a serving of the food; and
(b) for a vitamin or mineral that has been used as a nutritive
substance in the food—the claimed quantity of that vitamin or
mineral in a serving is no more than the quantity set out in
column 3 of the
table to section S30.11 or S30.12 of Schedule 30, as relevant.
Note: If such a claim is made, the subparagraph 1.101(1)(d)(iv) might apply.

(3) A claim, either express or implied, that a formulated meal replacement

is a good source of a vitamin or mineral may be made if:
(a) the vitamin or mineral is listed in column 1 of the table to
section S30.11 or S30.12 of Schedule 30; and
(b) a serving of the food contains at least 25% of the RDI or
ESADDI of that vitamin or mineral; and
(c) where the vitamin or mineral has been used as a nutritive
substance in the food, the claimed quantity of that vitamin or
mineral in a serving is no more than the quantity set out in
column 3 of the table to section S30.11 or S30.12 of Schedule
30.
(4) ‘Formulated meal replacement’ is a prescribed name.
(5) For the labelling provisions, the required statement is words to the
effect that the product must not be used as a total diet replacement.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

Subdivision C—Formulated supplementary foods

2.121 Meaning of formulated supplementary food

In this Code:

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 173

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 3—Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods
Section 2.122 Compositional requirements for formulated supplementary foods

formulated supplementary food means a food specifically formulated

as, and sold on the basis that it is, a supplement to a normal diet to
address situations where intakes of energy and nutrients may not be
adequate to meet an individual’s requirements.

2.122 Compositional requirements for formulated supplementary

foods
(1) A formulated supplementary food must contain in a serving no less
than:
(a) 8 g protein; and
(b) 550 kJ; and
(c) 20% of the RDI of at least 1 vitamin or mineral listed in
column 1 of the table to S30.13 of Schedule 30.
(2) A vitamin or mineral may be used as a nutritive substance in a
formulated supplementary food if:
(a) the vitamin or mineral is listed in column 1 of the table to
S30.13 of Schedule 30; and
(b) the total of the naturally occurring and added quantity of each
vitamin or mineral in a serving is not more than the quantity, if
any, set out in relation to that vitamin or mineral in column 2 of
the table; and
(c) the vitamin or mineral is in a permitted form specified in:
(i) the table in section S17.01 or S17.02 of Schedule 17; or
(ii) the table to section S30.16 of Schedule 30.

2.123 Labelling of formulated supplementary foods

(1) The nutrition information panel on the label on a package of
formulated supplementary food must include a declaration of the
average quantities of any vitamin or mineral that:
(a) is listed in column 1 of the table to S30.13 of Schedule 30; and
(b) has been used as a nutritive substance in the food.
(2) A claim as to the presence in a formulated supplementary food of a
claimable vitamin or mineral may be made on the label on a package
of formulated supplementary food if:
(a) no less than 10% of the RDI or ESADDI, as appropriate, of the
vitamin or mineral listed in column 1 of the table to section
S30.13 of Schedule 30 is in a serving of the food; and
(b) for a vitamin or mineral that has been used as a nutritive
substance in the food, the claimed quantity in a serving of the
food is no more than the quantity set out in column 3 of the
table.

174 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 3—Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods
Section 2.124 Meaning of formulated supplementary food for young children

(3) A claim, either express or implied, that a formulated supplementary

food is a good source of a vitamin or mineral may be made if:
(a) the vitamin or mineral is a claimable vitamin or mineral; and
(b) a serving of the food contains at least 25% of the RDI or
ESADDI of that vitamin or mineral; and
(c) where the vitamin or mineral has been used as a nutritive
substance in the food, the claimed quantity of that vitamin or
mineral in a serving is no more than the quantity set out in
column 3 of the table to section S30.13 of Schedule 30.
(4) For the labelling provisions, the required information is a description
of the role of the food as a supplement to a normal diet to address
situations where intakes of energy and nutrients may not be adequate
to meet an individual’s requirements.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(5) ‘Formulated supplementary food’ is a prescribed name.

(6) In this section:
claimable vitamin or mineral means a vitamin or mineral that is listed
in:
(a) section S17.01 or S17.02 of Schedule 17; or
(b) section S30.13 of Schedule 30.

Subdivision D—Formulated supplementary foods for young

children

2.124 Meaning of formulated supplementary food for young children

In this Code:
formulated supplementary food for young children means a
formulated supplementary food for children aged 1 to 3 years.

2.125 Compositional requirements for formulated supplementary

foods for young children
(1) A formulated supplementary food for young children must contain in
a serving no less than:
(a) 2.5 g protein; and
(b) 330 kJ; and
(c) 20% of the RDI of at least 1 vitamin or mineral listed in
column 1 of the table to section S30.14 in Schedule 30.
(2) A vitamin or mineral may be used as a nutritive substance in a
formulated supplementary food for young children if:

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 175

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 3—Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods
Section 2.126 Labelling of formulated supplementary foods for young children

(a) the vitamin or mineral is listed in column 1 of the table to

section S30.14 in Schedule 30; and
(b) the total of the naturally occurring and added quantity of each
vitamin or mineral in a serving is not more than the quantity, if
any, set out in relation to that vitamin or mineral in column 2 of
the table; and
(c) the vitamin or mineral is in a permitted form specified in:
(i) the table in section S17.01 or S17.02 of Schedule 17; or
(ii) the table to section S30.16 of Schedule 30.
(3) If inulin-derived substances or galacto-oligosaccharides are added to a
formulated supplementary food for young children, the total amount
of those substances, both added and naturally occurring, must not be
more than 1.6 g/serving.
(4) Lutein may be added to a formulated supplementary food for young
children only if:
(a) the lutein is derived from Tagetes erecta L.; and
(b) the total amount of lutein, both added and naturally occurring, is
not more than 100 µg/serving.

2.126 Labelling of formulated supplementary foods for young children

(1) The nutrition information panel on the label on a package of
formulated supplementary foods for young children must include a
declaration of the average quantity of any vitamin or mineral that:
(a) is listed in column 1 of the table to section S30.14 in Schedule
30; and
(b) has been used as a nutritive substance in the food.
(2) A claim as to the presence in a formulated supplementary food for
young children of a claimable vitamin or mineral may be made on the
label on a package of formulated supplementary food if:
(a) no less than 10% of the RDI or ESADDI, as appropriate, of the
vitamin or mineral listed in column 1 of the table is present in a
serving of the food; and
(b) for a vitamin or mineral that has been used as a nutritive
substance in the food, the claimed quantity of that vitamin or
mineral in a serving of the food is no more than the quantity set
out in column 3 of the table.
(3) A claim, either express or implied, that a formulated supplementary
food for young children is a good source of a vitamin or mineral may
be made if:
(a) the vitamin or mineral is a claimable vitamin or mineral; and
(b) a serving of the food contains at least 25% of the RDI or
ESADDI of that vitamin or mineral; and

176 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 3—Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods
Section 2.126 Labelling of formulated supplementary foods for young children

(c) where the vitamin or mineral has been used as a nutritive

substance in the food, the claimed quantity of that vitamin or
mineral in a serving is no more than the quantity set out in
column 3 of the table to section S30.14 in Schedule 30.
(4) For the labelling provisions, the required information is a description
of the role of the food as a supplement to a normal diet to address
situations where intakes of energy and nutrients may not be adequate
to meet an individual’s requirements.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(5) ‘Formulated supplementary food for young children’ is a prescribed

name.
(6) The label on a package of formulated supplementary food for young
children must not include any words indicating, or any other
indication, that the product contains lutein unless the total amount of
lutein is no less than 30 µg/serving.
(7) In this section:
claimable vitamin or mineral means a vitamin or mineral that is listed
in:
(a) section S17.01 or S17.02 of Schedule 17; or
(b) section S30.14 of Schedule 30.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 177

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 4—Formulated supplementary sports foods
Section 2.127 Definitions

Division 4—Formulated supplementary sports foods

Subdivision A—Formulated supplementary sports foods generally

2.127 Definitions
In this Code:
formulated supplementary sports food means a product that is
specifically formulated to assist sports people in achieving specific
nutritional or performance goals.
one-day quantity in relation to formulated supplementary sports food,
means the amount of that food which is to be consumed in one day in
accordance with directions specified in the label.

2.128 Composition of formulated supplementary sports foods

(1) Formulated supplementary sports food may contain:
(a) a vitamin or mineral if:
(i) the vitamin or mineral is listed in the table to
section S30.15 in Schedule 30; and
(ii) for a vitamin or mineral that is used as a nutritive
substance—it is added in a permitted form specified in:
(A) section S17.01 or section S17.02 of Schedule 17; or
(B) column 2 of the table to section S30.16 in Schedule
30; and
(iii) the amount of the vitamin or mineral in the food is no
more than the amount, if any, specified in column 2 of the
table in section S30.15 of Schedule 30; and
(b) an amino acid that is used as a nutritive substance, if:
(i) the amino acid is listed in the table to section S30.17 in
Schedule 30; and
(ii) the amount of the amino acid added is no more than the
amount specified in column 2 of the table; and
(c) any other substance that is used as a nutritive substance, if:
(i) the substance is listed in the table to section S30.18 of
Schedule 30; and
(ii) the amount of the substance added is no more than the
amount specified in relation to that ingredient in column 2
of the table.
(2) Formulated supplementary sports food must not contain, in a one-day
quantity, more than:
(a) 70 mmol sodium; or
(b) 95 mmol potassium.

178 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 4—Formulated supplementary sports foods
Section 2.129 Labelling information

2.129 Labelling information

(1) For the labelling provisions:
(a) the required statements are:
(i) a statement to the effect that the food is not a sole source
of nutrition and should be consumed in conjunction with a
nutritious diet; and
(ii) a statement to the effect that the food should be used in
conjunction with an appropriate physical training or
exercise program; and
(iii) the statement ‘Not suitable for children under 15 years of
age or pregnant women: Should only be used under
medical or dietetic supervision’; and
(iv) if the food contains added phenylalanine—the statement
‘Phenylketonurics: Contains phenylalanine’; and
(b) the required information is:
(i) directions stating the recommended quantity and
frequency of intake of the food; and
(ii) a statement of the recommended consumption in one day;
and
(iii) a nutrition information panel.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(2) ‘Formulated supplementary sports food’ is a prescribed name.

2.130 Nutritive substance claims

(1) This section applies in relation to a package of formulated
supplementary sports food if:
(a) the label on the package includes a statement referring to the
presence of a substance that is used as a nutritive substance in
the food; and
(b) the substance is not a vitamin or a mineral; and
(c) the statement is not required by another provision of this Code.
(2) The label must either:
(a) state the amount by weight (expressed /100 g food or as a
percentage) of the substance, either:
(i) immediately after the statement referring to the presence
of the substance; or
(ii) immediately following the name of the substance in the
statement of ingredients; or
(b) list, in the nutrition information panel, the substance and the
average quantity by weight of the substance in:
(i) a serving of the food; and
(ii) a unit quantity of the food.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 179

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 4—Formulated supplementary sports foods
Section 2.131 Vitamin and mineral claims

2.131 Vitamin and mineral claims

(1) The label on a package of formulated supplementary sports food must
not claim the presence of a vitamin or mineral unless:
(a) the reference is required elsewhere in this Code; or
(b) the reference is specifically permitted by this section.
(2) The label on a package of formulated supplementary sports food may
claim the presence of a vitamin or mineral in the food only if:
(a) a serving of the food contains:
(i) at least 10% of the RDI for that vitamin or mineral
specified in column 3 of the table to section S1.01 or
S1.02 of Schedule 1, as appropriate; or
(ii) at least 10% of the amount specified in column 3 of the
table to section S30.16 of Schedule 30 for that vitamin or
mineral; and
(b) the amount claimed is no more than the amount specified in
column 3 of the table to section S30.15 of Schedule 30 for that
vitamin or mineral.

2.132 Prohibition on representations

Unless specific permission is given in Subdivision B, the label on a
package of formulated supplementary sports food must not include an
express or implied representation that relates to any property or
proposed use of the food to enhanced athletic performance or
beneficial physiological effects.

Subdivision B—Particular formulated supplementary sports foods

2.133 High carbohydrate supplement

(1) For the labelling provisions, for a package of high carbohydrate
supplement, the following statements are required:
(a) a statement to the effect that, if used during exercise, the food
should be consumed in accordance with directions, to avoid the
possibility of gastro-intestinal upset; and
(b) a statement to the effect that the food must be consumed with an
appropriate fluid intake.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(2) The label on a package of a high carbohydrate supplement may

include statements to the effect that:
(a) the product is useful before, during, or after sustained strenuous
exercise; and
(b) appropriate usage may assist in the provision of energy in the
form of carbohydrates.

180 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 4—Formulated supplementary sports foods
Section 2.134 Protein energy supplement

(3) In this section:

high carbohydrate supplement means a formulated supplementary
sports food for which:
(a) not less than 90% of the average energy content of the product is
derived from carbohydrate; and
(b) more than 15% of the product by weight is carbohydrate when
prepared as directed.

2.134 Protein energy supplement

(1) For the labelling provisions, for a package of protein energy
supplement, a statement to the effect that the food must be consumed
with an appropriate fluid intake is required.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(2) The label on a package of protein energy supplement may include

statements to the effect that:
(a) the product may assist in providing a low-bulk diet as may be
required during training; and
(b) the product may assist in supplementing the diet with a high
energy source as may be required during training; and
(c) usage as directed may assist in the development of muscle bulk;
and
(d) the product is useful before, during, or after sustained strenuous
exercise.
(3) In this section:
protein energy supplement means a formulated supplementary sports
food for which:
(a) not more than 30% and not less than 15% of the average energy
content of the product is derived from protein; and
(b) not more than 25% of the average energy content of the product
is derived from fat; and
(c) not more than 70% of the average energy content of the product
is derived from carbohydrate.

2.135 Energy supplement

(1) For the labelling provisions, for a package of energy supplement, the
following statements are required:
(a) a statement to the effect that, if used during exercise, the food
should be consumed in accordance with directions, to avoid the
possibility of gastro-intestinal upset; and
(b) a statement to the effect that the food must be consumed with an
appropriate fluid intake; and

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 181

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 4—Formulated supplementary sports foods
Section 2.135 Energy supplement

(c) if more than 30% of the average energy content of the food is
derived from fat—a statement to the effect that the product is a
high fat food and should be used for special fat loading
strategies rather than everyday use.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

(2) The label on a package of energy supplement may include statements

to the effect that:
(a) the product may assist in supplementing the diet with an energy
source as may be required during training; and
(b) the product is useful before, during or after sustained strenuous
exercise.
(3) In this section:
energy supplement means a formulated supplementary sports food for
which not more than 20% of the average energy content of the food is
derived from protein.

182 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 5—Food for special medical purposes
Section 2.136 Meaning of food for special medical purposes

Division 5—Food for special medical purposes

Subdivision A—Preliminary

2.136 Meaning of food for special medical purposes

(1) In this Code:
food for special medical purposes means a food that is:
(a) specially formulated for the dietary management of individuals:
(i) by way of exclusive or partial feeding, who have special
medically determined nutrient requirements or whose
capacity is limited or impaired to take, digest, absorb,
metabolise or excrete ordinary food or certain nutrients in
ordinary food; and
(ii) whose dietary management cannot be completely achieved
without the use of the food; and
(b) intended to be used under medical supervision; and
(c) represented as being:
(i) a food for special medical purposes; or
(ii) for the dietary management of a disease, disorder or
medical condition.
(2) Despite subsection (1), a food is not food for special medical
purposes if it is:
(a) formulated and represented as being for the dietary management
of obesity or overweight; or
(b) an infant formula product.

2.137 Definitions
(1) In this Division:
inner package, in relation to a food for special medical purposes,
means an individual package of the food that:
(a) is contained and sold within another package that is labelled in
accordance with section 2.144; and
(b) is not designed for individual sale, other than a sale by a
responsible institution to a patient or resident of the responsible
institution.
Example: An example of an inner package is an individual sachet (or sachets) of
a powdered food contained within a box that is fully labelled, being a
box available for retail sale.

responsible institution means a hospital, hospice, aged care facility,

disability facility, prison, boarding school or similar institution that is
responsible for the welfare of its patients or residents and provides
food to them.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 183

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 5—Food for special medical purposes
Section 2.138 Application of other Standards

(2) In this Division, a reference to a package does not include a reference

to a plate, cup, tray or other food container in or on which food for
special medical purposes is served by a responsible institution to a
patient or resident of the responsible institution, whether the plate,
cup, tray or food container is uncovered, or is covered in whole or in
part.

2.138 Application of other Standards

The following provisions do not apply to food for special medical
purposes:
(a) Division 7 of Part 3 of Chapter 1 (nutrition, health and related
claims) or Standard 1.1A.2 (transitional standard for health
claims);
(b) unless the contrary intention appears, Part 3 of Chapter 1
(labelling and other information requirements);
(c) Division 3 or Division 8 of Part 4 of Chapter 1 (vitamins and
minerals, novel foods);
(d) Division 2, Division 3 or Division 4 of Part 9 of Chapter 2 (food
for infants, formulated meal replacements and formulated
supplementary foods, formulated supplementary sports foods).

2.139 Claims must not be therapeutic in nature

A claim in relation to food for special medical purposes must not:
(a) refer to the prevention, diagnosis, cure or alleviation of a
disease, disorder or condition; or
(b) compare the food with a good that is:
(i) represented in any way to be for therapeutic use; or
(ii) likely to be taken to be for therapeutic use, whether
because of the way in which the good is presented or for
any other reason.

Subdivision B—Sale of food for special medical purposes

2.140 Restriction on the persons by whom, and the premises at which,

food for special medical purposes may be sold
(1) A food for special medical purposes must not be sold to a consumer,
other than from or by:
(a) a medical practitioner or dietitian; or
(b) a medical practice, pharmacy or responsible institution; or
(c) a majority seller of that food for special medical purposes.
(2) In this section:

184 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 5—Food for special medical purposes
Section 2.141 Permitted forms of particular substances

medical practitioner means a person registered or licensed as a

medical practitioner under legislation in Australia or New Zealand, as
the case requires, for the registration or licensing of medical
practitioners.
majority seller: a person is a majority seller of a food for special
medical purposes during any 24 month period if:
(a) during the period, the person sold that food for special medical
purposes to medical practitioners, dietitians, medical practices,
pharmacies or responsible institutions; and
(b) the sales mentioned in paragraph (a) represent more than one
half of the total quantity of that food for special medical
purposes sold by the person during the period.

Subdivision C—Composition

2.141 Permitted forms of particular substances

(1) The following substances may be added to food for special medical
purposes:
(a) a substance that is listed in column 1 of the table to
section S30.19 in Schedule 30 and that is in a corresponding
form listed in column 2 of that table;
(b) a substance that is listed in column 1 of the table to
section S30.06 in Schedule 30 and that is in a corresponding
form listed in column 2 of that table;
(c) any other substance, regardless of its form, that is permitted
under this Code to be added to a food, if that substance is added
in accordance with any applicable requirement of this Code.
(2) If a provision of this Code limits the amount of a substance referred to
in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) that may be added to a food, that limit does
not apply in relation to food for special medical purposes.

2.142 Compositional requirements for food represented as being

suitable for use as sole source of nutrition
(1) If food for special medical purposes is represented as being suitable
for use as a sole source of nutrition, the food must contain:
(a) not less than the minimum amount, as prescribed in column 2 of
the table to section S30.20 in Schedule 30, of each vitamin,
mineral and electrolyte contained in column 1 of that table; and
(b) if applicable, not more than the maximum amount, as specified
in column 3 of that table, of each vitamin and mineral contained
in column 1.
(2) However, the food is not required to comply with subsection (1) to the
extent that:

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 185

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 5—Food for special medical purposes
Section 2.143 Labelling and related requirements

(a) a variation from a maximum or minimum amount is required for

a particular medical purpose; and
(b) the labelling complies with subparagraph 2.145(1)(g)(ii).

Subdivision D—Labelling

2.143 Labelling and related requirements

(1) If a food product consisting of food for special medical purposes is not
in a package:
(a) the food product must either bear a label, or have labelling that
is displayed in connection with its sale, with the information
relating to irradiated foods (see section 1.167); and
(b) there is no other labelling requirement under this Code.
(2) If the food product is in a package, it is required to bear a label that
complies with section 2.144.
(3) If the food product is in an inner package:
(a) the inner package is required to bear a label that complies with
section 2.151; and
(b) there is no labelling requirement under this Code for any other
packaging associated with the food product.
(4) If the food product is in a transportation outer:
(a) the transportation outer or package containing the food product
is required to bear a label that complies with section 2.152; and
(b) there is no labelling requirement under this Code for any other
packaging associated with the food product.

2.144 Mandatory labelling information

(1) Subject to this section, the label that is required for food for special
medical purposes must state the following information in accordance
with the provision indicated:
(a) a name or description sufficient to indicate the true nature of the
food;
(b) lot identification;
(c) if the sale of the food product is one to which Subdivision B or
Subdivision C of Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1 applies—
information relating to irradiated food (see section 1.167);
(d) any required advisory, warning and other statements (see
section 2.145);
(e) information relating to ingredients (see section 2.146);
(f) date marking information (see section 2.147);

186 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 5—Food for special medical purposes
Section 2.145 Advisory and warning statements—food for special medical purposes

(g) directions for the use or the storage of the food, if the food is of
such a nature to require such directions for health or safety
reasons;
(h) nutrition information (see section 2.148);
(i) if appropriate, the information required by subsection 2.149(4)
or 2.150(5).
(2) The label must comply with Subdivision F of Division 1 of Part 3 of
Chapter 1.

2.145 Advisory and warning statements—food for special medical

purposes
(1) For paragraph 2.144(1)(d), the following statements are required:
(a) a statement to the effect that the food must be used under
medical supervision;
(b) a statement indicating, if applicable, any precautions and
contraindications associated with consumption of the food;
(c) a statement indicating the medical purpose of the food, which
may include a disease, disorder or medical condition for which
the food has been formulated;
(d) a statement describing the properties or characteristics which
make the food appropriate for the medical purpose indicated in
paragraph (c);
(e) if the food has been formulated for a specific age group—a
statement to the effect that the food is intended for persons
within the specified age group;
(f) a statement indicating whether or not the food is suitable for use
as a sole source of nutrition;
(g) if the food is represented as being suitable for use as a sole
source of nutrition:
(i) a statement to the effect that the food is not for parenteral
use; and
(ii) if the food has been modified to vary from the
compositional requirements of section 2.142 such that the
content of one or more nutrients falls short of the
prescribed minimum, or exceeds the prescribed maximum
(if applicable):
(A) a statement indicating the nutrient or nutrients which
have been modified; and
(B) unless provided in other documentation about the
food—a statement indicating whether each modified
nutrient has been increased, decreased, or eliminated
from the food, as appropriate.
(2) For paragraph 2.144(1)(d), the required advisory and other statements
are any that are required by:

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 187

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 5—Food for special medical purposes
Section 2.146 Information relating to ingredients—food for special medical purposes

(a) items 1, 5, 7 or 11 of the table in Schedule 9; or

(b) subsection 1.55(2); or
(c) section 1.57.
(3) For paragraph 2.144(1)(d), the warning statement referred to in
section 1.56, if applicable, is required.

2.146 Information relating to ingredients—food for special medical

purposes
For paragraph 2.144(1)(e), the information relating to ingredients is:
(a) a statement of ingredients; or
(b) information that complies with Article 6, Directive 2000/13/EC
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 March
2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of
foodstuffs; or
(c) information that complies with 21 CFR § 101.4.

2.147 Date marking information—food for special medical purposes

(1) For paragraph 2.144(1)(f), the required date marking information is
date marking information in accordance with Division 5 or Part 3 of
Chapter 1.
(2) Despite subsection (1), for subparagraph 1.68(2)(a)(ii), the words
‘Expiry Date’, or similar words, may be used on the label.

2.148 Nutrition information—food for special medical purposes

For paragraph 2.144(1)(h), the nutrition information is the following,
expressed per given quantity of the food:
(a) the minimum or average energy content; and
(b) the minimum or average quantity of:
(i) protein, fat and carbohydrate; and
(ii) any vitamin, mineral or electrolyte that has been used as a
nutritive substance in the food; and
(iii) any substance listed in the table to section S30.19 in
Schedule 30 that has been used as a nutritive substance in
the food; and
(iv) subject to paragraph 2.144(1)(i), any other substance in
respect of which a nutrition content claim has been made.

2.149 Claims in relation to lactose content

(1) A claim to the effect that a food for special medical purposes is
lactose free may be made if the food product contains no detectable
lactose.

188 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 5—Food for special medical purposes
Section 2.150 Claims in relation to gluten content

(2) A claim to the effect that a food for special medical purposes is low
lactose may be made if the food contains not more than 0.3 g of
lactose per 100 g of the food.
(3) A claim to the effect that a food for special medical purposes is
lactose reduced must be accompanied by a declaration of the
proportion by which the lactose content of the food has been reduced.
(4) If a claim in relation to the lactose content of a food for special
medical purposes is made, the information required is the average
quantity of the lactose and galactose in the food, expressed per given
quantity of the food.
Note: See paragraph 2.144(1)(i).

2.150 Claims in relation to gluten content

(1) A claim in relation to the gluten content of a food for special medical
purposes is prohibited unless expressly permitted by this section.
(2) A claim to the effect that a food for special medical purposes is gluten
free may be made if the food contains:
(a) no detectable gluten; and
(b) no oats or oat products; and
(c) no cereals containing gluten that have been malted, or products
of such cereals.
(3) A claim to the effect that a food for special medical purposes has a
low gluten content may be made if the food contains no more than
20 mg gluten per 100 g of the food.
(4) A claim to the effect that a food for special medical purposes contains
gluten or is high in gluten may be made.
(5) If a claim is made in relation to the gluten content of a food for special
medical purposes, the information required is the average quantity of
the gluten in the food, expressed per given quantity of the food.
Note: See paragraph 2.144(1)(i).

2.151 Labelling requirement—food for special medical purposes in

inner package
(1) The label on an inner package that contains food for special medical
purposes must state the following information in accordance with the
provision indicated:
(a) a name or description sufficient to indicate the true nature of the
food;
(b) lot identification;

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 189

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 5—Food for special medical purposes
Section 2.152 Labelling requirement—food for special medical purposes in transportation outer

(c) any declaration that is required by section 1.57;

(d) date marking information (see section 2.147).
(2) The label must comply with Subdivision F of Division 1 of Part 3 of
Chapter 1.
(3) To avoid doubt, this section continues to apply to the label on the
inner package if a responsible institution subsequently supplies the
inner package to a patient or resident of the responsible institution.

2.152 Labelling requirement—food for special medical purposes in

transportation outer
(1) If packages of food for special medical purposes are contained in a
transportation outer, the information specified in subsection (2) must
be:
(a) contained in a label on the transportation outer; or
(b) contained in a label on a package of the food product, and
clearly discernable through the transportation outer.
(2) For subsection (1), the information is:
(a) a name or description sufficient to indicate the true nature of the
food; and
(b) lot identification; and
(c) unless it is provided in accompanying documentation—the name
and address of supplier (see section 1.54).

190 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 6—Transitional standard for special purpose foods (including amino acid modified foods)
Section 2.153 Meaning of amino acid modified food and special purpose food

Division 6—Transitional standard for special purpose foods

(including amino acid modified foods)
Note: This Standard incorporates the provisions of regulations 237 and 239A of the former New
Zealand Food Regulations (1984), in so far as they relate to special purpose foods and
amino acid modified foods. It is anticipated that this Division will be repealed upon the
development of standards regulating medical foods and food type dietary supplements. This
Division operates solely in relation to food sold or imported into New Zealand.

2.153 Meaning of amino acid modified food and special purpose food
(1) In this Division:
amino acid modified food means a special purpose food if, in the
preparation of the food:
(a) there is a restriction in the use of ingredients containing one or
more particular amino acids; or
(b) there is a reduction of the content of one or more particular
amino acids in any of the ingredients of the food.
special purpose food means a food specially processed or formulated
to satisfy particular dietary requirements that exist because of:
(a) a particular physical or physiological condition; or
(b) a specific disease or disorder; or
(c) both such a condition and a disease or disorder;
and are presented as such.
(2) Other than in Subdivision B of Division 3 of Part 9 of Chapter 2
(Formulated meal replacements), a reference in this Code to a special
purpose food is taken to be a reference to formulated meal
replacement.
Note The effect of subsection (2) is that additives permitted in formulated meal
replacements are permitted in special purpose foods. Subsection (2)
exempts special purpose foods from the requirements for minimum levels
for protein, kJ; and the minimum and maximum levels for vitamins and
minerals. The definition of formulated meal replacements is not intended
to be taken literally in relation to special purpose foods. i.e. special
purpose foods are not necessarily intended as a meal replacement.

2.154 Application
(1) This Division applies in relation to food produced in, or imported into,
New Zealand.
(2) Despite subsection (1), this Division does not apply to food produced
in, or imported into, Australia.
(3) This Division ceases to have effect 2 years after the commencement of
any alternative applicable provisions elsewhere in this Code.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 191

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 9—Special purpose foods
Division 6—Transitional standard for special purpose foods (including amino acid modified foods)
Section 2.155 Composition

2.155 Composition
A special purpose food may contain any of the vitamins and minerals
specified in column 1 of the table to section S30.11 or S30.12 of
Schedule 30.

2.156 Labelling of special purpose foods

For the labelling provisions, the required information for special
purpose foods is a statement of the special purpose of the food.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

2.157 Labelling of amino acid modified foods

For the labelling provisions, the required information for amino acid
modified foods is:
(a) one or more of the following:
(i) the words ‘amino acid modified food’;
(ii) the name of the amino acid or amino acids that have been
restricted;
(iii) the name of the disease, or a name describing the
condition of the group of people, for which the product is
intended;
(iv) the words ‘low protein’, where applicable; and
(b) in the nutrition information panel, a statement of each of the
following:
(i) the quantity of carbohydrate, protein, and fat in the food,
expressed in g;
(ii) the energy content of the food, expressed in kJ;
(iii) the quantity of sodium, and of potassium, in the food,
expressed in mg;
(iv) the quantity of the particular amino acid or protein present
in the food, or both, as appropriate for the intended use of
the food; and
(c) in the principal display panel, in 3 mm lettering, the words
‘Take only on medical advice’.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

192 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 10—Standards for other foods
Division 1—Vinegar and related products
Section 2.158 Compositional requirement for vinegar and imitation vinegar

Part 10—Standards for other foods

Division 1—Vinegar and related products

2.158 Compositional requirement for vinegar and imitation vinegar

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘imitation
vinegar’ or ‘vinegar’ must:
(a) consist of imitation vinegar or vinegar, as appropriate; and
(b) contain no less than 40 g/kg of acetic acid.
(2) In this section:
imitation vinegar means the product prepared by mixing water and
acetic acid.
vinegar means the sour liquid prepared by acetous fermentation, with
or without alcoholic fermentation, of any suitable foodstuff, and
includes blends and mixtures of vinegar.
Note: Under section 1.06, imitation vinegar and vinegar are defined for the rest
of this Code as a food that may be sold as imitation vinegar or vinegar
under this section.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 193

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 10—Standards for other foods
Division 2—Salt and salt products
Section 2.159 Compositional requirement for salt

Division 2—Salt and salt products

Subdivision A—Compositional requirements

2.159 Compositional requirement for salt

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘salt’ must:
(a) consist of salt; and
(b) contain no less than 970 g/kg sodium chloride on a dry basis,
exclusive of permitted additives; and
(c) contain not more than:
(i) 0.5 mg/kg of arsenic; and
(ii) 2 mg/kg of lead; and
(iii) 0.5 mg/kg of cadmium; and
(iv) 0.1 mg/kg of mercury.
(2) In this section:
salt means the crystalline product consisting predominantly of sodium
chloride, that is obtained from the sea, underground rock salt deposits
or from natural brine.
Note: Under section 1.06, salt is defined for the rest of this Code as a food that
may be sold as salt under this section.

2.160 Compositional requirement for reduced sodium salt mixture

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is a ‘reduced
sodium salt mixture’ must:
(a) consist of a reduced sodium salt mixture; and
(b) contain no more than:
(i) 200 g/kg of sodium; and
(ii) 400 g/kg of potassium.
(2) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is an iodised
reduced sodium salt mixture must contain potassium iodide or iodate,
or sodium iodide or iodate equivalent to:
(a) no less than 25 mg/kg of iodine; and
(b) no more than 65 mg/kg of iodine.
(3) In this section:
reduced sodium salt mixture means a product prepared from a
mixture of sodium chloride and potassium chloride.
Note: Under section 1.06, reduced sodium salt mixture is defined for the rest of
this Code as a food that may be sold as reduced sodium salt mixture under
this section.

194 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 10—Standards for other foods
Division 2—Salt and salt products
Section 2.161 Compositional requirement for salt substitute

2.161 Compositional requirement for salt substitute

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is a ‘salt
substitute’ must:
(a) consist of salt substitute; and
(b) contain no more than 1.2 g/kg of sodium.
(2) In this section:
salt substitute means a food made as a substitute for salt consisting of
substances that may be used as food additives in relation to salt
substitute in accordance with this Code (see item 13 of the table to
Schedule 15).
Note: Under section 1.06, salt substitute is defined for the rest of this Code as a
food that may be sold as salt substitute under this section.

2.162 Compositional requirement for iodised salt

(1) A food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘iodised
salt’ must:
(a) consist of iodised salt; and
(b) contain potassium iodide or iodate, or sodium iodine or iodate
equivalent to:
(i) no less than 25 mg/kg of iodine; and
(ii) no more than 65 mg/kg of iodine.
(2) In this section:
iodised salt means a mixture of salt and:
(a) potassium iodide or potassium iodate; or
(b) sodium iodide or sodium iodate.
Note: Under section 1.06, iodised salt is defined for the rest of this Code as a
food that may be sold as iodised salt under this section.

Subdivision B—Labelling requirements

2.163 Labelling requirement for reduced sodium salt mixtures and salt
substitutes
(1) For the labelling provisions, the required information is a declaration
of the sodium and potassium content, expressed per 100 g.
(2) The label may include a declaration of the percentage reduction of
sodium in the food, relative to salt.
(3) Such a declaration is not a nutrition content claim or a health claim.
Note: The labelling provisions are set out in Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 1.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 195

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 10—Standards for other foods
Division 3—Chewing gum
Section 2.164 Meaning of releasable calcium

Division 3—Chewing gum

2.164 Meaning of releasable calcium

In this Division:
releasable calcium, CaR, means the amount of calcium, in mg/g of
chewing gum, released into the mouth during 20 minutes of chewing
that is calculated using the following formula:

(CaO  WO )  (CaC  WC )
Ca R 
WO

where:
CaO is the original calcium concentration in the chewing gum in mg/g
of chewing gum.
WO is the weight of the original chewing gum in g.
CaC is the residual calcium in the gum after it has been chewed for 20
minutes in mg/g of chewing gum.
WC is the weight of the chewed gum in g.

2.165 Addition of calcium to chewing gum

Calcium may be added to chewing gum only if:
(a) the chewing gum contains no more than 0.2% residual sugars;
and
(b) the calcium is in a permitted form specified in section S17.02 of
Schedule 17.

2.166 Claims about the presence of calcium in chewing gum

(1) Despite subsection 1.81(1), a claim to the effect that chewing gum is a
good source of releasable calcium must not be made.
Note: Subsection 1.81(1) and the table to section S4.01 of Schedule 4 regulate
when nutrition content claims may be made, including nutrition content
claims about a food being a good source of vitamins or minerals.

(2) A claim about the presence of releasable calcium in chewing gum may
be made only if:
(a) the chewing gum contains no more than 0.2% residual sugars;
and
(b) the chewing gum contains no less than 80 mg (10% of the RDI)
of releasable calcium per serve; and
(c) the maximum quantity claimed is no more than 200 mg (25% of
the RDI) of releasable calcium per serve; and

196 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 10—Standards for other foods
Division 3—Chewing gum
Section 2.167 Labelling requirements

(d) the supplier who makes the claim or includes it on a label or in

an advertisement:
(i) has records that substantiate the matters listed in
paragraphs (b) and (c); and
(ii) makes the records available to the relevant authority upon
request.

2.167 Labelling requirements

(1) If a claim is made in accordance with section 2.166, the nutrition
information panel must include:
(a) for chewing gum in a small package:
(i) the average quantity of releasable calcium per serve; and
(ii) the serving size; and
(b) for chewing gum other than in a small package—the average
quantity of releasable calcium per serve and per 100 g; and
(c) in any case:
(i) the proportion of the RDI (for calcium) of releasable
calcium per serve; and
(ii) a statement to the effect that the average quantity of
calcium is released during 20 minutes of chewing.
(2) For chewing gum in a small package:
(a) the nutrition information need not be set out in a nutrition
information panel; and
(b) to avoid doubt, paragraph 1.109(1)(b) does not apply in relation
to a claim made in accordance with section 2.166.
(3) For chewing gum other than in a small package, the nutrition
information panel may be set out in the form specified in
section S12.06 in Schedule 12.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 197

Chapter 2—Food standards
Part 10—Standards for other foods
Division 4—Miscellaneous standards for other foods
Section 2.168 Compositional requirements for tea and coffee

Division 4—Miscellaneous standards for other foods

2.168 Compositional requirements for tea and coffee

Food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is a product
listed in column 1 of the table to this section must satisfy the
corresponding compositional requirement in column 2:

Column 1 Column 2
If food is sold on the basis that it is the food must consist of
‘coffee’ coffee
‘decaffeinated coffee’ decaffeinated coffee
‘decaffeinated instant coffee’ or instant coffee that contains no more
‘decaffeinated soluble coffee’ than 3 g/kg of anhydrous caffeine on a
dry basis.
‘decaffeinated instant tea’ instant tea that contains no more than
‘decaffeinated soluble tea’ 3 g/kg of anhydrous caffeine on a dry
basis.
‘decaffeinated tea’ decaffeinated tea
‘instant coffee’ or ‘soluble coffee’ instant coffee
‘instant tea’ or ‘soluble tea’ instant tea
‘tea’ tea
Note: The terms coffee, decaffeinated coffee, decaffeinated tea, instant coffee,
instant tea and tea are defined in section 1.06.

2.169 Compositional requirement for peanut butter

Food that is sold on the basis of a representation that it is ‘peanut
butter’ must:
(a) consist of a peanut-based spread; and
(b) contain not less than 850 g/kg of peanuts.

2.170 Miscellaneous compositional requirements

A food that is sold on the basis that it is a product listed in column 1
of the table to this section must consist of the substance listed in the
corresponding row of column 2:

Column 1 Column 2
‘chocolate’ chocolate
‘cocoa’ cocoa
‘gelatine’ gelatine

Note: The terms cocoa, chocolate and gelatine are defined in section 1.06.

198 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 2—Food standards

Section 2.170 Miscellaneous compositional requirements

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 199

0Chapter 3—Food safety standards (Australia only)

Section 0

Chapter 3—Food safety standards (Australia

only)
3.01 Incorporation by reference of other Standards
The following standards are taken to be part of this Code:
(a) Standard 3.1.1—Interpretation and Application;
(b) Standard 3.2.1—Food Safety Programs;
(c) Standard 3.2.2—Food Safety Practices and General
Requirements;
(d) Standard 3.2.3—Food Premises and Equipment;
(e) Standard 3.3.1—Food Safety Programs for Food Service to
Vulnerable Persons.

200 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 4—Primary production standards (Australia only)

Section 4.01 Incorporation by reference of other Standards

Chapter 4—Primary production standards

(Australia only)
4.01 Incorporation by reference of other Standards
The following standards are taken to be part of this Code:
(a) Standard 4.1.1—Primary Production and Processing Standards –
Preliminary Provisions;
(b) Standard 4.2.1—Primary Production and Processing Standard
for Seafood;
(c) Standard 4.2.2—Primary Production and Processing Standard
for Poultry Meat;
(d) Standard 4.2.3—Primary Production and Processing Standard
for Meat;
(e) Standard 4.2.4—Primary Production and Processing Standard
for Dairy Products;
(f) Standard 4.2.4A—Primary Production and Processing Standard
for Specific Cheeses;
(g) Standard 4.2.5—Primary Production and Processing Standard
for Eggs and Egg Product;
(h) Standard 4.2.6—Production and Processing Standard for Seed
Sprouts;
(i) Standard 4.5.1—Wine Production Requirements.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 201

Chapter 5—Revocation, transitionals etc

Section 5.01 Revocation of standards

Chapter 5—Revocation, transitionals etc

Part 1—Revocation
5.01 Revocation of standards
The following standards are revoked:
(a) Standard 1.1.1—Preliminary Provisions - Application,
Interpretation and General Prohibitions;
(b) Standard 1.1.2—Supplementary Definitions for Foods;
(c) Standard 1.1A.6—Transitional Standard for Special purposes
Foods (including Amino Acid Modified Foods) (New Zealand
Only);
(d) Standard 1.2.1—Application of Labelling and Other Information
Requirements;
(e) Standard 1.2.2—Food Identification Requirements;
(f) Standard 1.2.3—Mandatory Warning and Advisory Statements
and Declarations;
(g) Standard 1.2.4—Labelling of Ingredients;
(h) Standard 1.2.5—Date Marking of Packaged Food;
(i) Standard 1.2.6—Directions for Use and Storage;
(j) Standard 1.2.7—Nutrition and Health Claims;
(k) Standard 1.2.8—Nutrition Information Requirements;
(l) Standard 1.2.9—Legibility Requirements;
(m) Standard 1.2.10—Characterising Ingredients and Components of
Food;
(n) Standard 1.2.11—Country of Origin Requirements;
(o) Standard 1.3.1—Food Additives;
(p) Standard 1.3.2—Vitamins and Minerals;
(q) Standard 1.3.3—Processing Aids;
(r) Standard 1.3.4—Identity and Purity;
(s) Standard 1.4.1—Contaminants and Natural Toxicants;
(t) Standard 1.4.2—Maximum Residue Limits (Australia Only);
(u) Standard 1.4.3—Articles and Materials in Contact with Food;
(v) Standard 1.4.4—Prohibited and Restricted Plants and Fungi;
(w) Standard 1.5.1—Novel Foods;
(x) Standard 1.5.2—Food Produced Using Gene Technology;
(y) Standard 1.5.3—Irradiation of Food;
(z) Standard 1.6.1—Microbiological Limits for Food;
(aa) Standard 1.6.2—Processing Requirements (Australia Only);
(bb) Standard 2.1.1—Cereals and Cereal Products;
(cc) Standard 2.2.1—Meat and Meat Products;

202 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

 Chapter 5—Revocation, transitionals etc

Section 5.01 Revocation of standards

(dd) Standard 2.2.2—Egg and Egg Products;

(ee) Standard 2.2.3—Fish and Fish Products;
(ff) Standard 2.3.1—Fruit and Vegetables;
(gg) Standard 2.3.2—Jam;
(hh) Standard 2.4.1—Edible Oils;
(ii) Standard 2.4.2—Edible Oils Spreads;
(jj) Standard 2.5.1—Milk;
(kk) Standard 2.5.2—Cream;
(ll) Standard 2.5.3—Fermented Milk Products;
(mm) Standard 2.5.4—Cheese;
(nn) Standard 2.5.5—Butter;
(oo) Standard 2.5.6—Ice Cream;
(pp) Standard 2.5.7—Dried Milks, Evaporated Milks and Condensed
Milks;
(qq) Standard 2.6.1—Fruit Juice and Vegetable Juice;
(rr) Standard 2.6.2—Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Brewed Soft
Drinks;
(ss) Standard 2.6.3—Kava;
(tt) Standard 2.6.4—Formulated Caffeinated Beverages;
(uu) Standard 2.7.1—Labelling of Alcoholic Beverages and Food
Containing Alcohol;
(vv) Standard 2.7.2—Beer;
(ww) Standard 2.7.3—Fruit Wine and Vegetable Wine;
(xx) Standard 2.7.4—Wine and Wine Product;
(yy) Standard 2.7.5—Spirits;
(zz) Standard 2.8.1—Sugars;
(aaa) Standard 2.8.2—Honey;
(bbb) Standard 2.9.1—Infant Formula Products;
(ccc) Standard 2.9.2—Foods for Infants;
(ddd) Standard 2.9.3—Formulated Meal Replacements and
Formulated Supplementary Foods;
(eee) Standard 2.9.4—Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods:
(fff) Standard 2.9.5—Food for Special Medical Purposes;
(ggg) Standard 2.10.1—Vinegar and Related Products;
(hhh) Standard 2.10.2—Salt and Salt Products;
(iii) Standard 2.10.3—Chewing Gum.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code 203

Chapter 5—Revocation, transitionals etc

Section 5.02 Transitional provisions for repeal of Standard 1.1A.2—Transitional Standard for
Health Claims

Part 2—Transitional provisions

5.02 Transitional provisions for repeal of Standard 1.1A.2—
Transitional Standard for Health Claims

[general transitional provision to be included, possibly based on s 1.15, including

transitionals for Health Claims standard]

204 Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code