FoodLegal

A summary of regulatory updates across Australia and internationally, for the month of March 2026.

The use of new or functional ingredients can give your product a unique selling point and market advantage. However, innovative ingredients may be subject to regulatory hurdles, maximum limits or marketing restrictions. This article explores how Australia and New Zealand’s food regulatory framework applies to new or functional ingredients using two case studies involving green tea extract and magnesium, as well as the key questions we ask to help you reduce risk and achieve compliance. The use of new or functional ingredients can give your product a unique selling point and market advantage. However, innovative ingredients may be subject to regulatory hurdles, maximum limits or marketing restrictions. This article explores how Australia and New Zealand’s food regulatory framework applies to new or functional ingredients using two case studies involving green tea extract and magnesium, as well as the key questions we ask to help you reduce risk and achieve compliance. FoodLegal is running a 60-minute webinar on 1 April 2026. Learn how to harness functional ingredients in your product formulations and marketing without exposing yourself to unnecessary risk. Book here. This article features many of the questions that you will need to prepare to be answered. This article features many of the questions that you will need to prepare to be answered.

Food products must confirm with compositional and labelling requirements under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Food Standards Code). The choice of food classification greatly impacts the go-to-market strategy for innovative product ideas and concepts, as different classifications have different compositional and labelling requirements. This article examines various aspects of product classification and identity and how it can impact product names and descriptors.

Australia’s horticulture industry is worth AUD$18.3b, produces almost 7 million tons of produce and consists predominantly of small businesses, even though these businesses only contribute approximately 18% of industry revenue. Yet, the first question the Australian government poses in its review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct is: “Is the Horticulture Code still required?” This article explores whether the Horticulture Code of Conduct has truly reached its expiry date, or whether there are more appropriate protections for Australia’s horticulture industry.