Policy Guideline: Food Sold Online – Public Consultation
Lead Agency - Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – Chronic Disease & Food Policy Branch
Status: Open - Submissions close 12 December 2025
About the Consultation
The Department of Health and Aged Care is consulting on a proposed Policy Guideline on Information Requirements for Prepackaged Food Sold Online. The guideline aims to ensure that consumers have access to the essential information they need to make safe and informed choices when purchasing food online.
It focuses on:
Making mandatory label information available online (excluding batch/date)
Ensuring information is legible, accessible and free
Supporting consumer safety and informed decision-making
Aligning with Codex Alimentarius CXG 104–2024
Why This Matters for Industry
As online food sales grow, suppliers and retailers must ensure that product information presented digitally is accurate, consistent and up-to-date. Consumers rely on online details to make decisions about allergens, nutrition, suitability and storage. Ensuring alignment between the physical label, product images and online text reduces errors, builds trust and supports efficient digital retail operations across the supply chain.
Issues for Consideration When Preparing a Submission
To assist with your review of the guideline, please consider the following
Consistency between label, product image and online text
Use of established trade item identifiers (e.g., GTIN) already used by industry
Managing formulation changes using GTIN Allocation Rules and variant identifiers (e.g., CPV)
Importance of clear and accurate product images (supported by GS1 image standards)
Handling concurrent product versions in market
The emerging role of 2D barcodes and enhanced data carriers
Appropriate use of disclaimers alongside accurate data
Alignment with international online food information frameworks (Codex, EU 1169)
Industry capability across suppliers, retailers and platforms
Recognition of existing industry standards to avoid unnecessary cost or duplication
For more on these points, refer to the attached summary along with supporting documents and links below
How to Have Your Say
Participants are encouraged to:
Review the draft policy guideline
Complete the online survey
Provide evidence and examples
Suggest improvements that support accuracy and consistency across digital food environments
Useful Documents and Links
GS1 Reference Resources
GS1 Australia Submission – Key Messages
To be added upon lodgement
Contact
GS1 Australia Retail and Public Policy Team
Peter Venter - Director – Industry Development Retail Industry Engagement
Andrew Steele - Director – Account Development
Peter Carter - General Manager - Public Policy and Government Engagement