Overview
The Food Ministers’ Meeting met on 25 July via video conference to consider food regulation and policy matters.
The Hon Rebecca White MP chaired the meeting. The members of the meeting are the Australian and New Zealand ministers responsible for food.
Observers: Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Key outcomes
The key outcomes were about:
- the role of the Food Regulation System in addressing overweight and obesity
- permitting small dogs and cats in aircraft cabins
- carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages
- energy labelling on alcoholic beverages
- definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques
- information for food sold online
- Health Star Rating system and nutrition labelling
The role of the Food Regulation System in addressing overweight and obesity
Ministers discussed how the food regulation system aligns with the commitments made by the Australian Government and state and territory governments under the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032 and National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030 which aim to reduce the rising rates of obesity and diet related disease.
Ministers discussed future opportunities to support obesity prevention through food regulation, and agreed to a governance structure to guide implementation and reporting between the food regulation system and agencies involved in implementing these national strategies.
Permitting small dogs and cats in aircraft cabins
Ministers agreed not to request a review of Application A1314 - Permitting small dogs and cats in aircraft cabins.
The decision before Ministers was limited to whether food could be served in the presence of pets in aircraft cabins.
This variation to the Food Standards Code (Code) permits food to be served to customers when companion (pet) cats and dogs are present in aircraft cabins under controlled conditions.
This variation to the Code is Australia only.
Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages
Ministers agreed not to request a review of Proposal P1049 -Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages.
This proposal was prepared in response to requests from food ministers and state and territory food regulatory agencies to clarify permissions in the Code in relation to sugar claims on alcoholic beverages. The proposal sought to ensure consumers are not being misled and provide certainty for enforcement purposes.
Carbohydrate claims on alcohol products have been allowed for many years. The decision before Ministers today was whether or not this included claims about ‘sugar’, which is a form of carbohydrate.
The variation to the Code clarifies that nutrition content claims about sugar can be made on alcoholic beverages. However, claims about individually named sugars and components of carbohydrate are prohibited.
Ministers discussed concerns regarding the use of sugar content claims in the marketing and promotion of alcoholic beverages, and noted the divergent stakeholder views on the topic. Ministers also noted that both the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Eating and Activity Guidelines for New Zealand Adults advise that alcohol should be consumed in moderation, if at all, due to its associated health risks.
While they acknowledged that some marketing and promotional practices fall outside the scope of the food regulation system, ministers recognised the potential implications for public health and agreed to monitor emerging evidence and stakeholder feedback five years after gazettal. If indicated by future evidence, ministers may consider whether further action is needed.
The FSANZ Board will undertake a review in 5 years as part of the evaluation framework, noting some concern remains about consumers coming to incorrect conclusions about the healthfulness of alcohol because of claims about its carbohydrate and sugar content.
Energy labelling on alcoholic beverages
Ministers agreed not to request a review of Proposal P1059 - Energy labelling on alcoholic beverages.
This variation to the Code will mandate energy statements on packaged alcoholic beverages. This includes energy content per serving, energy content per 100 mL, number of servings per package and number of standard drinks. Ministers noted that the introduction of energy labelling, in combination with education and awareness initiatives, can support consumers to better manage their energy intake from alcohol and make informed choices in line with dietary guidelines.
Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques
Ministers agreed not to request a review of Proposal P1055 - Definitions for gene technology and new breeding techniques (NBTs).
The changes introduce new risk-based definitions in the Code for ‘genetically modified food’ and ‘novel DNA’. The new definitions do not alter the overall regulatory approach to GM food, including how it is labelled. Foods that are GM foods under the new definitions will continue to require an application to FSANZ for pre-market safety assessment and will continue to be subject to mandatory GM labelling requirements.
Information for food sold online
Ministers considered a policy paper prepared by the Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC) about information for food sold online when consumers do not have access to the physical label. Ministers supported further work to be progressed by FRSC.
The policy paper will be published on the Food Regulation website shortly.
Health Star Rating system and nutrition labelling
Ministers considered a report on consumer research which found while most people were aware of the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, many misunderstand how it works - particularly that it should only be used to compare similar products. This highlights a need for more education. The consumer research report will be published at www.healthstarrating.gov.au.
Ministers noted FSANZ’s progress in reviewing the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) to support consumers make informed food choices. Key focus areas include nutrient declarations, serving sizes, percentage daily intake and label readability.
They also received an update on FSANZ’s work to assess the potential for mandating the HSR in the Code, including its use with the NIP in online food sales.
Next meeting
The food ministers will next meet in November 2025. Until then, find out more about food regulation activities.
Contact
If you have any queries, please contact the Food Regulation Secretariat.