
Food label design is also important in how well a particular food product performs because food labels are the first interaction a customer has, and the more inviting and visually engaging the design, the more likely the customer will pick it off the shelf.
In This Article:
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
- ensure that food is safe and suitable for human consumption;
- prevent misleading conduct associated with the sale of food;
- provide adequate information to enable consumers to make an informed choice; and
- provide an effective regulatory framework within which the food industry can work efficiently.

The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, known as 'The Code', establishes legal requirements in Australia for food labeling, composition, safety, handling, primary production, and processing.
Food Labeling Laws Australia - What is legally required?
The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) guarantees consumer rights when buying goods and services. The food labeling requirements under the food standards code include:
Use by and best before dates
Ingredients
Allergens
Country of Origin
Nutrition Information Panel Details
Genetically Modified Food
Health Star Rating
Health Claims
Who must comply with food labeling laws?
- sold to the public for immediate consumption by a restaurant, canteen, school, caterer or self-catering institution, prison, hospital, or medical institution; or
- made and packaged on the premises where it is sold; or
- delivered, packaged, and ready for consumption at the express order of the purchaser (except for a vending machine) (e.g. home-delivered take-away); or
- sold at a fundraising event; or
- for special medical purposes
Importance of Proper Food Labeling
Health and Security
To ensure food safety throughout the food chain, the Australian Food Standards Code requires food businesses to correctly label their food packages.
Customers can also keep their health in mind by reading food labels, which include a description of the food. With proper food labeling, customers can see vitamin and mineral content and cholesterol and sugar percentages.
Allergy Warnings
Avoid making false health claims
When it comes to preventing food fraud, the Australian Food Standards Code is strict. False, misleading, or deceptive information about health claims or what is contained inside food packaging is a common food safety issue. It could lead to negative food health relationships for consumers.
Marketing Strategy
One of the most important things that great food label design can do is help your products stand out from the crowd. It is critical to distinguish your product and company from competitors in order to establish a distinct brand identity. Another reason to invest in a nice label or a great custom packaging is that it can influence a consumer’s purchasing decision when they go shopping.
Consequences of Incorrect Food Labeling
- ‘Substantiate’ any claim that has been made on food labels and in advertising by providing information/documentation (including test results) about the claims it has made.
- Undertake ongoing testing of its food products to ensure that the ingredient composition corresponds with the labels and advertising claims.
- Provide court enforceable undertakings that the supplier will refrain from engaging in conduct in breach of the Food Labeling Standard and the relevant provisions of the Australian Consumer Law.
- Refund money and/or destroy and dispose of food products that do not comply with the Food Labeling Standard and/or contravene the Australian Consumer Law;
- Establish a compliance program and complaints handling system.
Food Label Design
Food businesses and companies in the industry must consider not only general food labeling requirements but also how the label is designed. A well-designed label can mean the difference between your products collecting dust on the shelf and customers picking them up and buying them.
Here are some key points why food label design is vital:
Attention
Brand Image
Differentiation
Food Labeling with OF Packaging
With all of these rules and regulations when it comes to food labels, you need a partner for your packaging printing needs. With our custom packaging solutions and printing formats, you can create one-of-a-kind product packs.
Whether you need intricate packaging designs for small order volumes or require large runs of packaging, we can provide a solution; thanks to our breadth of cutting-edge printing technology options. Let’s work together to create the best possible look for your products.
