FSANZ has approved a variation to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to permit an alternative pregnancy warning label on a specific type of packaging.
The variation to Standard 2.7.1 permits the alternative label on corrugated cardboard outer packaging containing more than one individual unit of an alcoholic beverage, when a post-print printing process is used.
The label must be printed in black on the same background colour as the corrugated cardboard outside liner, and in a larger size than the current three-colour (red, black and white) warning label used for other outer packaging.
The change addresses a technical printing issue that can result in misalignment of the three-colour label when printed on corrugated cardboard using a post-print process. The requirements for the alternative pregnancy warning label will ensure labelling effectiveness is maintained and industry can consistently comply with the Code.
Businesses have until 1 February 2024 to ensure post-printed corrugated carboard outer packaging, containing more than one individual unit of an alcoholic beverage, displays either the alternative or existing pregnancy warning label.
The requirements for pregnancy warning labels on all other packaging, and individual alcoholic beverage containers, have not changed. The end of the transition period for pregnancy warning labels for all other packaging, and individual containers, remains at 31 July 2023.
For information on the new labelling requirements, see the FSANZ website:
• A1256 - Colour of pregnancy warning labels for corrugated cardboard packaging
• Pregnancy warning labelling requirements
