FTAA Newsletter January 2026 |
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Welcome to the January edition of the FTAA newsletter and our first quarterly issue for 2026. FTAA will now bring you this update every quarter, keeping members informed of the most important regulatory, policy and technical developments across the food industry – as well as opportunities to connect with fellow members.
As the year gets underway, this issue is designed to help you reset, refocus and prepare for a period of significant change. From new laws affecting cash payments, packaging and pricing, to the latest FSANZ consultations, fee updates and active recalls, we highlight what’s already in motion – and what’s coming next. We also draw attention to critical compliance deadlines, including the final PEAL transition in February, alongside updated technical guidance from the Allergen Bureau.
You’ll also find details of upcoming FTAA annual Golf / Sport days events in March and April, as well as a forward look at key industry events across 2026, including AIFST26 and FoodPro. |
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Register today for our upcoming Golf and sports days, and we would love to see you in-person at our Hot Topics seminar on Sweeteners in Melbourne. |
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Regulatory & Industry Policy Updates
Mandatory Cash Payments: Starting January 1, 2026, major fuel and grocery retailers (e.g., Coles, Woolworths, Ampol) must accept cash for essential purchases under $500. Small businesses with turnover under $10M are exempt. Source: TimeOut Australia
New Packaging Laws: The federal government is consulting on mandatory packaging regulations for 2026, aiming to replace voluntary targets with minimum recycled content requirements and bans on specific toxic chemicals. Source: Sydney Morning Herald
Price Gouging Ban: New laws targeting excessive grocery pricing will take effect on July 1, 2026, specifically impacting very large retailers' margins relative to supply costs. Source: Mirage News
Domestic Gas Reservation: The AFGC is actively consulting with the government in 2026 on a gas reservation scheme to secure affordable energy for high-heat food manufacturing processes. Source: AFGC |
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FSANZ Regulatory & Standards News
Current Public Consultations: FSANZ is inviting submissions on Application A1304, concerning a new processing aid (Endo-1,4-beta-xylanase) from Bacillus licheniformis. Submissions close January 29, 2026.
Cost Recovery Fee Increase: Starting
October 2025 and into the 2026 fiscal year, FSANZ has increased fees
for standard-change applications by an average of 4.5%.
Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) Review: FSANZ is expected to deliver final recommendations to food ministers in early 2026 regarding potential regulatory changes to the NIP to improve consumer understanding.
Active Food Recalls (Jan 2026): Recent alerts include:
Loophole Brewing Co (Secondary fermentation) - Jan 8, 2026.
Metcash Community Co Beetroot (Rust inside cans) - Jan 8, 2026.
Nestlé Alfamino Infant Formula (Cereulide toxin contamination) - Jan 7, 2026. |
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Critical Allergen Compliance Deadlines
Final PEAL Transition (Feb 25, 2026): The two-year "stock-in-trade" period for Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL) concludes on February 25, 2026.
After this date, all food products—including those packaged before
February 2024—must strictly comply with the new format, including:
Mandatory bolding of allergens in the ingredients list.
A separate "Contains" summary statement.
Specific required terms (e.g., using "wheat" instead of "gluten" or "cereal").
Industry Guidance: Refer to the Allergen Bureau PEAL Resources for detailed transition checklists. |
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Allergen Bureau Technical Resources
VITAL 4.0 Standard: The Allergen Bureau has released Version 4.0 of the Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labelling (VITAL) program, adopting updated reference doses (RfDs) based on the latest FAO/WHO expert recommendations.
2024 Industry Guide: The Food Industry Guide to Allergen Management and Labelling (updated late 2024/2025) remains the primary resource for interpreting new cross-contact and PEAL requirements. See link on the left.
Unexpected Allergen Guide: An updated guide for 2026 is available to help food business operators (FBOs) identify "hidden" allergens in raw materials and supply chains. |
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UPCOMING FOOD INDUSTRY EVENTS
- Food
and Grocery Australia (FGA) 2026: The premier summit for FMCG
senior leaders.
- The
Hive Awards 2026: Celebrating innovation in Australian F&B
manufacturing.
- ARBS
2026: Essential for refrigeration and climate control
professionals in food processing.
- Foodpro
2026 (Exhibition):
- Dates: July
26–29, 2026
- Details: A
triennial trade event for food processing, packaging, and innovation.
- Link: https://foodproexpo.com/
- AIFST26
(Annual Convention):
- Dates: July
27–28, 2026 (held concurrently with foodpro)
- Details: Focused
on food science, technology, and industry-wide collaboration.
- Link: AIFST 2026 event page
Other Key 2026 Events
- 2026
Food Microbiology Conference:
- Fine
Food Australia 2026:
- Date: August
31 – September 3, 2026
- Location: Melbourne
Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
- Link: Fine Food Australia
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