Government moves to strengthen plant-based food labelling

The Federal Government will strengthen existing voluntary arrangements for plant-based food labelling to support clearer consumer choice.

Research by Food Standards Australia New Zealand shows most consumers can already identify plant-based products, but industry groups have called for greater consistency.

A new voluntary Industry Code of Practice will be developed, led by the Alternative Proteins Council, to provide clearer guidance to producers.

The code will discourage the use of animal imagery, limit meat-specific terminology, and require clearer plant-based qualifiers on packaging.

It will also establish a transparent complaints mechanism across the sector.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins says the measures will ensure consumers can clearly identify both traditional and alternative protein products.