20 Mar Consultation on FSANZ energy labelling on alcohol
This submission to the consultation on Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s (FSANZ) proposal to provide energy labelling information on alcoholic beverages supports the implementation of standardised, mandated, evidence-informed energy labels on alcoholic products to help support Australians to make informed dietary decisions.
However, in the absence of any consumer testing, Alcohol Change Australia has concerns about the introduction of the proposed energy label. Our submission highlights that there is an urgent need for consumer testing to understand the potential impacts of energy labelling on a range of health behaviours, including alcohol use.
Alcohol Change Australia strongly encourages FSANZ to conduct consumer research to understand how Australians will interpret the energy information panel. Energy information presented in 100mL, container size, and standard drink across a range of products should be tested to identify any unintended consequences when it comes to alcohol use.