Food Labelling Requirements in NSW: A Complete Guide
Food labelling in NSW is governed by Chapter 1 of the Food Standards Code. Whether you're a small-batch producer, market vendor, or food manufacturer, understanding your labelling obligations is essential for legal compliance and consumer protection.
Who must comply?
Any person who sells packaged food in NSW — whether at retail, wholesale, or through markets and online channels — must comply with the food labelling standards. Home-based food businesses are not exempt.
Mandatory label information for packaged food
- Name or description: The name of the food as it is commonly known, or a description that accurately describes it
- Ingredient list: All ingredients in descending order by weight, including compound ingredients and additives
- Allergen declarations: All 9 priority allergens must be declared in bold, even when present in small quantities
- Net quantity: Weight or volume (e.g. "500g" or "750mL")
- Date mark: Use-by date (for microbiologically unsafe foods after the date) or best-before date
- Name and address of supplier: Australian business name and address
- Country of origin: Required for most packaged foods under the Country of Origin Labelling framework
- Nutrition information panel (NIP): Required for most packaged foods (some small-producer exemptions apply)
- Storage instructions: If specific conditions are needed to maintain safety or quality
- Directions for use: If required for safe or correct use
Common labelling errors to avoid
- Missing or incorrect allergen declarations (one of the most common causes of food recalls in Australia)
- Compound ingredients not fully declared (e.g. "soy sauce" without declaring wheat and soybeans)
- Incorrect use-by vs. best-before dates
- Missing country of origin statement
- Nutrition information panel errors (incorrect serving sizes, missing nutrients)