Energy labelling is now approved to be mandated for all packaged alcoholic beverages under the Food Standards Code by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Board.
Energy labelling is intended to encourage consumers better manage energy intake from alcohol in line with their dietary guidelines.
The energy statement includes information based on controlled testing in Australia and New Zealand. Research by the FSANZ found that energy statements improve consumer understanding of energy content without negative consequences. These statements include:
- Energy content per serving.
- Energy content per 100 mL.
- Number of servings per package.
- Number of standard drinks per serving.
Backed by scientific evidence, peer-reviewed consumer research and stakeholder input, the FSANZ Board approved a change to the Food Standards Code: nutrition content claims about sugar can now be made on food containing more than 1.15 per cent alcohol by volume. The modification strengthens regulation standards across the industry and benefits consumer health.
Once approved by food ministers, the new standard will require businesses to include energy content information on alcohol labels.
Food ministers have 60 days to approve the change. If no reviews are requested, the alcohol industry will be given three years to comply, with exemptions for stock-in-trade.