Code of Practice for Food Labelling & Promotion

The Code of Practice for Food Labelling and Promotion (the Code) sets out provisions that guide the way the food industry communicates with consumers through labels on food packages, through labels associated with unpackaged foods, and in advertising, promotional and point-of-sale material. The Code has been developed as a mechanism for the food industry to aid consumers in their decision-making through the provision of consistent and accurate information about food products.

This industry code reflects and supports existing Commonwealth, state and territory legislation, such as the Trade Practices Act (TPA) and Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSC), and should be used in conjunction with these.

copThe food labelling and promotion aspects
covered by the Code are:

  1. Daily Intake Guide (DIG) labelling scheme
  2. Date marking
  3. Allergen labelling

Other components may be added over time.

Download the Code of Practice for Food Labelling and Promotion:

Code of Practice for Food Labelling and Promotion - Jan11

The Code is supported by a management structure, which includes compliance monitoring, a complaints handling system and on-going review and performance reporting.

AFGC intends that the Code be suitable for all food suppliers in Australia, including manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, packers and retailers. AFGC encourages all member and non-member companies to consider complying with the Code’s provisions. Companies can formally commit to the Code by becoming signatories.

The Code outlines ‘Principles of Good Labelling Practice’, which are:

  1. Labels and advertisements comply with all current legislation.
  2. When the Daily Intake Guide labelling scheme is used it is in accordance with the provisions in the Code.
  3. Date marking practices are undertaken in accordance with the provisions in the Code.
  4. Allergen labelling practices are undertaken in accordance with the provisions in the Code.

Further information on the Code is provided in the list of FAQs.

Download the Code of Practice Webinar slides:

Code of Practice Food Labelling Promotion - Webinar - JanFeb11


Signatories

The Code of Practice for Food Labelling and Promotion came into effect on 1 January 2011 and the following companies have signed up as signatories:

  • Bulla Dairy Foods
  • Capilano Honey Limited
  • Laucke Flour Mills P/L
  • Queen Fine Foods P/L
  • Go Natural Australia Pty Ltd
  • George Weston Foods
  • Kraft Foods Limited
  • Mars Chocolate Australia
  • Nestle Australia Ltd
  • The Smiths Snackfood Co. (PepsiCo Australia)
  • Sugar Australia
  • Unilever Australia Ltd


Become a Signatory

AFGC members and non-members become a signatory through a formal letter to the Code Administration Manager (Code Manager), outlining their commitment to the Code.

Company names will be included in a publicly available signatory list that will also be placed on the AFGC website.

For further information on the Code of Practice, please contact the Code Manager: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 02 6273 1466.

Download application:

Code of Practice - Signatory Application


Become a supporter

Industry associations and companies not directly responsible for the labelling and promotion of food are welcome as ‘supporters’ of the Code.  An association can become a supporter by submitting a formal letter to the Code Manager indicating their support for the intent of the Code.  Supporters are also encouraged to communicate the benefits of the Code and encourage applicable food businesses to become signatories.

Download application here:

Code of Practice - Supporter Application