Food labels contain lots of information to help you make an informed food choice for you and your family. At Heinz, the accuracy of the information we provide on our product labels is something that we take seriously.
All Heinz products comply with the regulatory requirements of the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code for food labelling, composition and safety. All labels are also reviewed for compliance with the Australian Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Some of the most useful things to look out for on any Heinz product label:
- The order of ingredients in the Ingredients List are in descending order, from most to least present (by weight). So, the first ingredient listed is what’s in the product in the greatest amount (e.g. navy beans in Heinz Baked Beanz®), and the last ingredient listed is what’s in the product in the smallest amount, such as herbs and spices.
- The allergens that require mandatory declaration on a label are milk, egg, soy, fish, crustacea, mollusc, peanut, tree nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia, pecan, pine nut, pistachio, walnut), sesame, lupin, wheat, cereals containing gluten, and sulphites added at 10mg/kg or more. If an allergen is present in a food, it is displayed in the ingredient list regardless of the amount or how it is added. Always carefully check food labels each time you purchase a product as labels can be updated without notice.
- The Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) displays the average amount of Energy, Protein, Total Fat, Saturated Fat, Carbohydrate, Sugars and Sodium per 100g/100mL and in a recommended serving size of the food. Other nutrients may also be shown in the NIP when applicable, for example if a nutrition claim is made.
- Nutrition content, health and product claims are voluntary statements made on some Heinz labels used to highlight some of a product’s attributes, for example “99% Fat Free”, “No Artificial Colours or Flavours” or “Made with Free Range Eggs”.
- All Heinz food labels will have a Country of Origin statement indicating where the food is packed, made, or produced. If it is packed, made or produced in Australia, it will also indicate the percentage of Australian ingredient that it has been made with.
- Date Marking such as “Best Before” or “Use by" dates. Perishable foods such as milk or chilled dips are foods that must not be consumed or sold after the Use By date due to health and safety reasons. Best Before dates are shown on packaged foods that are at their best if consumed within a specific timeframe, although you may not find one on foods that have a long shelf life of greater than 2 years (such as most canned foods).
- The label will also contain any storage instructions and directions for use, the lot identification number which helps us trace exactly where and when the food was made, plus the manufacturer’s contact details so you can make contact if you have any queries regarding your product.
For more information about the labelling of food labels, visit the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) website here
For more information or questions about Heinz foods please contact our Consumer Support Team on 1800 037 058.
