The introduction of Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL) requirements under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code has transformed how allergens are declared on food labels. PEAL makes allergens easier to identify for vulnerable consumers and those who care for them. The requirements can be found in Standard 1.2.3 and Schedule 9 of the Code.

The PEAL requirements were introduced by FSANZ in 2021 after wide-ranging consultation and review. These requirements seek to clearly identify the presence of prescribed allergens using simple, plain, standardised English terms.

Businesses were then given three years until 25 February 2024 to transition their food labels to comply with PEAL requirements. There was also an additional two-year, post transition (stock-in-trade) period from 26 February 2024 that allowed businesses to sell food products packaged and labelled before the end of the transition period.

The post-transition (stock-in-trade) period is ending on 26 February 2026, following which PEAL compliance is mandatory for all applicable food products.

PEAL is a mandatory requirement to clearly indicate the presence of allergens (in bold) in the statement of ingredients, plus there must also be a summary statement that begins with the words ‘contains’. This statement should be underneath or adjacent to the ingredient list, in bold font that is equal to or bigger than text in the ingredient list.

PEAL also establishes the terminology requirements, such as:

• Seafood must be declared as fish, crustacea, or mollusc

• Listing milk instead of technical terms such as casein, whey, or sodium caseinate

• Identify individual tree nuts e.g. contains almond, Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia, pecan, pine nut, pistachio, or walnut.

Frequently asked questions

What is the deadline for full compliance with PEAL requirements?

26 February 2026.

What food products are covered by PEAL requirements?

PEAL requirements apply to all foods and beverages required to bear a label and intended to be sold in Australia and New Zealand. This includes imported foods. For further information see Standard 1.2.3 and Schedule 9 (Food Standards Code).

What food products are exempt from PEAL requirements?

PEAL requirements don’t apply to all foods. Examples included food sold to caterers and food exempt from a statement of ingredients (such as small packages, single-ingredient foods, or individual portion packets).

Do I need to label for allergens in processing aids and food additives?

Allergens must be declared when present in an ingredient, or in a food additive or processing aid.

Is my business PEAL compliant?

Now is an opportune time to review your existing packaging (including an audit of your label supplier) and engage with compliance experts to ensure your PEAL is consistent with the requirements of the Standard.

Where can I get more information?

https://allergenbureau.net/

Australian Food and Grocery Council and the Allergen Bureau have developed the Food Industry Guide to Allergen Management and Labelling. This guide describes industry best practice for the management of allergens, allergen labelling, and allergen communication.