Build labels that pass inspection and scale into retail without redesign. This guide explains Australian food labelling and allergen rules for microgreens, what FSANZ requires for packaged products, and what changes when you sell to cafés, retailers, or distributors.
Start With Classification: How Is the Food Sold?
In Australia, labelling obligations depend largely on whether food is packaged or unpackaged.
If microgreens are placed into a container before sale and that container encloses the product so it cannot be altered without opening it, the food is considered packaged. This includes pre-filled punnets, clamshells, and sealed bags prepared ahead of time.
Microgreens sold loose or cut and packed after a customer orders them may fall under unpackaged food rules. However, allergen obligations still apply.
Core Labelling Requirements Under the Food Standards Code
Food labelling in Australia is governed by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, set nationally by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and enforced by state, territory, and local authorities.
For most packaged microgreens, the following are required:
- Name of the food
- Lot or batch identification
- Name and physical address of the responsible business
- Storage instructions where required
- Ingredients list if more than one ingredient is present
- Allergen declarations where applicable
- Net quantity in metric units
Labels must be legible, in English, and not misleading.
Name of the Food
The product name must clearly describe the food. “Broccoli Microgreens” or “Pea Shoots” are suitable examples. Branding can appear, but it cannot replace a clear food description.
Ingredients List
An ingredients list is required when more than one ingredient is present. Ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight at the time of packing.
Single-ingredient microgreens generally do not require an ingredients list. The moment you sell:
- mixed microgreen blends
- salad-style packs
- products with added oils, dressings, or garnishes
an ingredients list becomes mandatory.
Net Quantity
Net weight must be declared in metric units, typically grams. This applies to sealed retail packs.
Storage Instructions and Durability
Where a product requires temperature control to remain safe or suitable, storage instructions are mandatory. For microgreens, this usually means clear refrigeration guidance.
A “best before” date is commonly used for fresh produce, but durability dates should be supported by shelf-life validation within your food safety program.
Name and Address of the Responsible Business
The label must show the name and physical address of the business responsible for the food. A PO Box alone is not sufficient. The address must be contactable.
Allergens Under Australian Law
Australia has a clearly defined mandatory allergen framework. The following must be declared when present:
- Cereals containing gluten (wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt)
- Crustacea
- Egg
- Fish
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Soy
- Sesame seeds
- Tree nuts
- Lupin
- Added sulphites above prescribed levels
What This Means for Microgreens
Most plain microgreens do not contain allergens.
Allergen declarations become mandatory when:
- blends include allergenic ingredients
- dressings, oils, or toppings are added
- processing aids contain allergens
Allergens must be declared using prescribed names and presented clearly. Australia has moved toward clearer, plain-English allergen labelling.
Who Enforces Labelling in Australia?
FSANZ writes and maintains the Food Standards Code but does not enforce it directly.
Enforcement typically occurs through:
- State and territory food authorities
- Departments of health or primary industries
- Local council Environmental Health Officers
Your local council is usually your first point of contact.
Practical Label Structure for Microgreens
A simple, compliant label often includes:
Main Display Panel
- Product name
- Net weight
Information Panel
- Storage instructions
- Best before date (if used)
- Business name and physical address
- Lot or batch code
- Ingredients list (if applicable)
- Allergen declarations (if applicable)
Common Labelling Mistakes
- Missing allergen declarations
- No physical business address
- Unclear or inconsistent product naming
- Assuming fresh produce is automatically exempt
- Not updating labels when blends change
Australian Compliance Checklist
- Is the product packaged or unpackaged?
- Is the product name clear and accurate?
- Is net weight declared in metric units?
- Are storage instructions appropriate?
- Is durability dating correct?
- Is the responsible business clearly identified?
- Are allergens declared using prescribed terms?
- Is batch traceability in place?
References and Official Guidance (Australia)
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand — Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- NSW Food Authority
- Queensland Health
- Victorian Department of Health
- Local council Environmental Health departments