For wellness businesses producing supplements and supplemented foods, understanding packaging regulations is essential to avoid costly mistakes and legal issues. Understanding and meeting packaging regulations not only safeguards your business but also builds trust with your customers, showing them that you care about their wellbeing and the integrity of your products.
Below is a guide to common packaging regulations for supplements and supplemented foods.
General Labelling Requirements
- Ingredient transparency: List all ingredients in descending order by weight, and ensure allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts are clearly identified. For supplements, include the precise quantity of active ingredients and their recommended daily intake.
- Nutritional information: For supplemented foods, a full nutritional information panel (NIP), including calories, fats, sugars, and proteins per 100g/mL to help consumers make informed dietary choices.
- Date marking: Expiry dates, use-by dates, or best-before dates. Some manufacturers prefer a white box added to the label to print the lot/expiry, whereas others just prefer a clear space, depending on the application machinery.
- Traceability: Lot or batch numbers are also vital for food safety and product recalls.
- Country of origin: Disclosure of the country where the product was grown, manufactured, or processed.
- Health claims and warnings: Supplements and food packaging must not make unapproved health claims (e.g. claiming a product cures or prevents disease). Clear warnings regarding dosage and potential side effects must also be included.
All food sold in Australia and New Zealand must comply with the Food Standards Code administered by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
When producing supplements for a New Zealand market it’s necessary to check Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985. For instance, it’s commonly known that mothers to be, need at least 700 mcg of folate daily, yet it’s hard to find this amount in one product on the shelves in New Zealand. Most prenatals come with no more than 300 mcg and you need to buy a separate folate supplement to make up your daily requirement. To comply with the New Zealand Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985, products cannot exceed 300 mcg of folate unless approved by the Director-General of Health.
Material Safety & Durability
Packaging materials must be safe for use in direct contact with food and supplements. Regulations specify that packaging materials do not leach harmful chemicals into the products. For example, BPA-free plastic or food-grade glass is often a legal requirement for food and supplement packaging. Packaging also is durable and protects the product during transport and storage.
Products like supplements also require tamper-evident seals to ensure consumer safety and prevent contamination. Failing to use approved materials can lead to product recalls, damage your brand reputation, and harm consumers
Barcoding
If you’re selling online, barcodes might not be essential. However, if you’re planning to hit the shelves in physical stores, compliance with GS1 standards ensures your products are shelf-ready and easy to scan for inventory management. USA uses EAN-8 barcodes whereas NZ and AUS both use EAN-13, barcodes which cannot be smaller than 29.83mm wide and cannot be truncated more than 12mm high.
Country-Specific Guidelines
Packaging regulations vary widely across markets. For instance, in New Zealand, health and nutrition claims must pass the Therapeutic Advertising Pre-Vetting Service (TAPS). In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) emphasises evidence-based ingredient transparency, and accepted health claims may differ. Meanwhile, in the USA, the FDA regulates dietary supplements and supplemented food products under yet another set of guidelines.
These differing regulations can affect what you can say, including the name of your product, the layout of information on the packaging and even the ingredients and quantities you can use. Businesses should ensure they are familiar with the specific regulations in the markets they serve, especially if they intend to go global in the future.
Speaking of regulations affecting your product name, make sure you check your product name isn’t already registered on the Trademark Registry locally and internationally to avoid name changes down the line.
Third-Party Testing
Banned Substances Control Group (BSCG) is the gold standard in third-party certification and testing for banned substances and our seals represent superior brands and quality. For brands targeting athletes, obtaining a BSCG Certified Drug Free seal ensures credibility and consumer trust.
Sustainability Standards
As consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging rises, many countries are tightening regulations around packaging waste. Businesses in the FMCG sector, particularly in supplements and supplemented foods, must ensure that their packaging complies with environmental guidelines:
- Recyclability and Reduced Plastic Use: Many countries are now requiring that packaging be recyclable or made from recycled materials. Businesses should consider sustainable options like glass bottles or compostable materials. Materials, particularly plastics, should ideally carry identification codes to support recycling initiatives.
- Eco-Certifications: Recyclable materials and eco-certifications like FSC ensure compliance with environmental standards while resonating with the growing demand for sustainability. Participating in programmes like New Zealand’s Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme can also enhance your brand’s green credentials.
Choosing recyclable or compostable materials not only meets regulatory requirements but also aligns with growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products.
Steps to Ensure Compliance
Navigating packaging regulations can be complex, but with the right approach, your business can avoid costly errors and maintain compliance. Here are some key steps to ensure your packaging is regulation-ready:
- Stay updated on regulations: Packaging laws and standards are constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to keep abreast of the latest requirements. Subscribing to industry publications or joining trade associations can help keep you informed. For instance The Food Standards Code, managed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ),
- Collaborate with expert suppliers: Work closely with suppliers who are well-versed in the regulations specific to the supplement and supplemented food industries. They can help ensure that your materials meet both safety standards and environmental requirements.
- Audit your packaging regularly: Conduct regular audits of your packaging to ensure it aligns with current regulations. If you’re launching a new product or entering a new market, be sure to have your packaging checked for compliance before production begins.
- Consult legal experts: If you’re unsure whether your packaging meets all regulatory requirements, consulting with a legal expert or regulatory consultant can help you avoid pitfalls and ensure your business is protected.
Packaging regulation compliance is crucial for those in the supplements and supplemented food space. By ensuring that your packaging meets safety, sustainability, and transparency standards, you not only avoid legal risks and product recalls but also build a loyal customer base that trusts your brand.
Ready to Flourish? Navigating packaging regulations doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Wildflower Design Studio, I’ll work closely with you to create packaging that not only meets all regulations but also reflects your passion and values. Together, we’ll create designs that captivate your audience and sets your wellness brand apart.
