Beers
14 Mar 2024
FSANZ calls for comments on label colour changes
Editor’s note: FSANZ has officially opened its consultation on a submission to change the requirements for pregnancy warning labels on packaging.
Brewers have faced technical difficulties in their efforts to implement the red, black and white label on outer packaging, and the proposal suggests that the requirement for this colour scheme be changed.
It is the latest consideration by FSANZ, which has been introducing a series of labelling requirements. Proposals for nutrition panels and sugar and carbohydrate and content claims on alcohol products will also under consultation in the coming months.
Content published under the media release byline is promotional content produced by the business(es) named in the media release and remains unedited by Brews News
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to permit pregnancy warning marks on corrugated cardboard packaging to be in a single colour on a contrasting background.
The applicant is seeking the changes to address a technical printing issue which results in misalignment of the three-colour pregnancy warning mark on corrugated cardboard packaging, making it difficult to read and reducing effectiveness. Corrugated cardboard is typically used to package multiple cans or bottles of alcoholic beverages.
The proposed changes would allow an alternative larger pregnancy warning mark to be printed on corrugated cardboard outer packaging when a post-print (flexographic) process is used. The current three-colour mark will remain a requirement for all other packaging and single units of alcohol.
Pregnancy warning labels are an important part of increasing awareness of the risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant. Currently, warning labels on all packaged alcoholic beverages will be required from 1 August 2023.
The period for comment closes at 6pm (Canberra time) on 16 November 2022.
What happens with my feedback?
We will publish all submissions to our website as soon as possible at the end of the public comment period.
All feedback will be considered by FSANZ before making a decision on whether to approve the application/proposal.
Our decision will be notified to ministers responsible for food regulation who can ask for a review or agree to include the amendment in the Code.
More information:
