Food sold in Australia must now display consistent allergen information following the end of the transition to Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL) this month.
The PEAL requirements were introduced by FSANZ in 2021 after consultation and review. These requirements seek to clearly identify the presence of prescribed allergens using simple, plain, standardised English terms. Allergens must appear in bold in the ingredient list, where one is required, and be included in a separate allergen summary statement.
Businesses were then given three years until 25 February 2024 to transition their food labels to comply with PEAL requirements. There was also an additional two-year, post transition period from 26 February 2024 that allowed businesses to sell food products packaged and labelled before the end of the transition period.
For food sold without a label, such as in self serve settings, cafes and restaurants, businesses must either display allergen information with the food or provide it on request.
Before the introduction of Plain English Allergen Labelling, regulations did not prescribe how or where allergen information had to appear on labels. Manufacturers could use chemical or scientific names instead of common terms, and formatting varied between products.
Businesses were required to comply with the new labelling requirements for food made after 25 February 2024. Products packaged before that date could remain on shelves until 25 February 2026.