FoodLegal

A summary of food regulatory developments in Australia and internationally, for the month of October 2025.

In August 2025, the Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC) published a policy paper on the regulation of online food sales in Australia. After years of talk by food regulators, does this signal the introduction of specific information requirements for online sales of food? This article examines how the paper could change future regulation of online food sales, and the likely implications for e-commerce platforms, retailers and food brands that sell products online.

Several sunscreen products have been pulled from the Australian market following a 2025 investigation by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in relation to claims about product sun protection factor (SPF). According to the TGA, many of these products may not meet the claimed SPF, despite many manufacturers utilising laboratory testing. This article explores the question of how any FMCG businesses (such as a food company) can reduce non-compliance risks when relying on product analytical testing to substantiating claims, including factors to consider in the choice of laboratory and choice of test.

This article explores the latest science and the key features of postbiotics. We consider what sets postbiotics apart from prebiotics, various practical applications for postbiotics in food product development, and issues that businesses need to be aware of when making relevant marketing claims. Postbiotics have gained prominence due to their health benefits and versatility in applications across the food and supplement industries.