Labelling requirements for foods for special dietary use
Meal replacements

Nutrient content statement - meal replacements

Meal replacements to which milk, partially skim milk or skim milk is to be added, must carry a statement that the nutrient content of the food has been determined taking into consideration the milk, partially skim milk or skim milk that is to be added according to the directions for use [B.24.202(b), FDR].

Nutrient content declaration - meal replacements

The label of meal replacements must have a statement indicating per serving of stated size and per stated quantity of food, when prepared according to the directions for use:

• the energy value in Calories and kilojoules [B.24.202(a)(i), FDR];
• the content of protein, fat, linoleic acid, n-3 linolenic acid, saturated fatty acid and carbohydrate, in grams [B.24.202(a)(ii), FDR];
• the amount of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, thiamin or vitamin B₁, riboflavin or vitamin B₂, niacin, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, folate and pantothenic acid or pantothenate, expressed as a percentage of the daily value specified in Part 2 of the Table of Daily Values [B.24.202(a)(iii)(A), FDR],
• the amount of calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodide, magnesium and zinc, expressed as a percentage of the daily value specified in Part 2 of the Table of Daily Values [B.24.202(a)(iv)(A), FDR],
• the amount of copper, potassium, sodium and manganese, expressed in milligrams [B.24.202(a)(v), FDR], and
• the amount of biotin, selenium, chromium and molybdenum, expressed in micrograms [B.24.202(a)(vi), FDR].

When used in a weight reduction diet

Additional labelling requirements must be met when a meal replacement is sold or advertised for use in a weight reduction diet.

Refer to Required Weight Reduction Statement and Direction for use - Prepackaged Meal for Use in Weight-Reduction Diet as the same requirements apply.

When used as a replacement for all daily meals

When a meal replacement is represented as a replacement for all daily meals, the maximum amount of energy from fat is reduced to 30 percent, of which no more than 10 percent may be from saturated fat [B.24.200(2), FDR]. For complete compositional requirements, refer to B.24.200 of the FDR.

Meal replacements sold or advertised as a replacement for all daily meals in a weight reduction diet must also provide on the label directions for use that would result in a daily energy intake of at least 900 Calories (3780 kJ) [B.24.202(c), FDR].

Instant breakfast

Instant breakfast may not be promoted as a replacement for other meals, such as lunch or dinner, nor as snacks, nor as a part of a diet plan. Requirements for "instant breakfast", a breakfast replacement, are set out in section B.01.053 of the FDR.

Voluntary claims and statements - meal replacements

The criteria for making nutrient content claims and health claims on these foods is based on the serving of stated size for meal replacements when in the ready-to-consume form, or on the stated quantity of food when prepared according to directions for use, if the meal replacement requires preparation [item X.1 in the Table of Reference Amounts for Food].