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.
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.
PEAL regulations have standardised how allergens must be declared on packaged food across Australia, with the goal of increasing label clarity.
Allergens must now:
The aim is simple - make allergen information easier to find, read and understand so consumers can make safer food choices.
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:
If non-compliant items remain on shelves, in storage or within your distribution chain after this date, they must be removed from sale.
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.
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:
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
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.
Strong systems depend on knowledgeable staff. Food allergen training helps your team understand how allergens enter products, how cross-contamination occurs and how labelling requirements apply in practice.
Training also builds confidence. Staff who understand food allergen management are more likely to identify risks early and ask the right questions when ingredients or packaging change.
If you are reviewing your food allergen compliance, it may be the right time to refresh your knowledge.
The Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) provides a comprehensive Food Allergen Management course that can be completed entirely online. Visit our Food Allergen Management course page today or contact us to learn more.
A. PEAL applies to foods required to comply with allergen declaration rules under the Food Standards Code. Check your specific product category if unsure.
There are a few ingredients that are exempt from PEAL legislation. Businesses should review Schedule 9 of the Food Standards Code for the complete list of allergens and exemptions.
A. Yes. PEAL requirements apply to all relevant food businesses in Australia.
A. No. After 25 February 2026, all food sold must comply with PEAL, regardless of when it was produced.