(May 2017)
The Food Standards Code currently states that when a food or food ingredient has been irradiated, it must be labelled that it has been treated with ionising radiation. This requirement applies to packaged and unpackaged irradiated foods, when sold to consumers.
In 2011 an independent review of labelling recommended that the requirement for mandatory labelling of irradiated food be reviewed.
In their response to the recommendation, ministers responsible for food regulation stated that it was timely to review the need for the mandatory labelling of irradiated food, and assess whether there is a more effective approach to communicate the safety and benefits of irradiation to consumers. Ministers asked FSANZ to do this review.
FSANZ has investigated stakeholder understanding and views on food irradiation labelling, and identified economic and technical issues associated with the requirement. As part of the review FSANZ released a consultation paper for public comment (closed 29 March 2016).
In April 2017, Ministers considered FSANZ's review report and agreed that no further action was required.
See FSANZ's report: