What Does the 25 February 2026 PEAL Deadline Mean for Your Business?

Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL) became law on 25 February 2021, with a built-in transition period. That transition period ends on 25 February 2026. After this date, all food sold in Australia must comply - including existing stock. Robust food allergen management during the final stages of the transition is essential to avoid non-compliant products and protect consumers.

Timeline for PEAL regulations

PEAL regulations were first introduced as part of the Food Standards Code in February 2021. A three-year implementation period gave food businesses until 25 February 2024 to update their labels on new products.

From 25 February 2024, all newly produced and labelled food had to comply with the PEAL requirements.

A further two-year “stock-in-trade” period was included to allow businesses to continue selling products that were produced and labelled before 25 February 2024. This transition ends on 25 February 2026.

After 25 February 2026, every food product sold in Australia must fully comply with PEAL regulations - including existing stock.

What changed with the introduction of PEAL regulations?

PEAL regulations have standardised how allergens must be declared on packaged food across Australia, with the goal of increasing label clarity.

Allergens must now:

• Be declared using prescribed plain English terms
• Be clearly identified in the ingredient list
• Appear in a consistent summary statement format (where required)

The aim is simple - make allergen information easier to find, read and understand so consumers can make safer food choices.

How will the 25 February 2026 deadline impact food businesses?

The final transition period for PEAL ends on 25 February 2026. After this date, all food available for sale in Australia must meet PEAL requirements, regardless of when it was manufactured or labelled. Products with old-format allergen declarations can no longer be sold.

In practical terms:

• 25 February 2021 - PEAL requirements came into effect and the transition period began
• 25 February 2024 - new products had to comply
• 25 February 2026 - all products in stock must comply

If non-compliant items remain on shelves, in storage or within your distribution chain after this date, they must be removed from sale.

What does PEAL mean for your food allergen management system?

Food allergen management is not just about updating packaging artwork. It involves reviewing how allergens are identified, controlled and communicated across your entire operation.

The 25 February 2026 deadline is a checkpoint. By then, regulators will expect full compliance across the market. That means your ingredient specifications, supplier documentation, packaging proofs and product change procedures should all align with current food allergen labelling requirements.

Even small inconsistencies in allergen wording can result in non-compliance. PEAL is prescriptive about terminology and formatting.

Beyond regulatory risk, clear allergen information protects people with food allergies. For some consumers, incorrect labelling can have serious health consequences.

What practical steps should you take now?

If you have not recently reviewed your processes, now is the time. A structured approach to food allergen management can help you avoid last-minute issues.

Consider these five steps:

1. Audit all current product labels against PEAL requirements
2. Confirm allergen declarations with suppliers and review specifications
3. Check that packaging artwork uses prescribed plain English terms
4. Plan stock rotation carefully to prevent leftover non-compliant inventory
5. Document your review process as part of your food safety system

For more guidance on how to comply with PEAL regulations in Australia, review our dedicated blog - Food Allergen Labelling: How to Comply With PEAL Regulations

What is the role of a Food Safety Supervisor in allergen management?

Food Safety Supervisors have a direct responsibility for overseeing food allergen management in their workplace. This includes checking that allergen controls are followed, staff understand risks and food allergen labelling meets current legal requirements.

With PEAL regulations now fully in effect, Food Safety Supervisors must be equipped to ensure allergen declarations are accurate and consistent. This is not limited to packaged food - it also includes reviewing ingredient changes, preventing cross-contamination and responding appropriately to customer allergy enquiries.

Enrolling the relevant staff in a nationally recognised Food Safety Supervisor course is an important step towards ensuring your business is not only compliant but also a safe place for customers with food allergies.