Energy Labelling on Wine

A further challenge for the sector currently concerns energy labelling. In response to a request from food ministers, FSANZ has been exploring energy labelling of alcoholic beverages. In June 2021, FSANZ completed an evidence assessment, including a literature review on consumer value, understanding and behaviour relating to energy labelling of alcoholic beverages, which concluded that labelling is an appropriate approach, identifying that they provide information about energy content to enable consumers to make informed choices in line with dietary guidelines.

In December 2021, FSANZ completed a preliminary analysis of regulatory and non-regulatory options for energy labelling of packaged alcoholic beverages to identify a preferred approach. This included targeted consultation with industry, public health, consumer and jurisdictional stakeholders. The key outcomes were:

• on-label energy content information is the best option to address the problem and is generally supported by stakeholders as the preferred option
• a shortened nutrition information panel (NIP), containing average energy content only, appears to be the most appropriate format for labelling of alcoholic beverages and was preferred by most stakeholders, and  
• a mandatory approach would provide greater coverage and consistency for consumers and provide regulatory certainty and a level playing field for the alcohol industry.

 
Based on the findings of this work, FSANZ is preparing a proposal to consider changing the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code to include energy labelling of alcoholic beverages. Work on the proposal is expected to commence in early 2022.​