The Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 makes it mandatory for food businesses to display the kilojoule content of their food and drinks at point of sale.
The new laws apply to fast-food chains, bakery chains, café chains and supermarkets with at least 20 outlets in Queensland or 50 outlets nationwide.
The amendments mean kilojoule counts must be displayed on instore menus and labels, drive through menus, online ordering sites, mobile applications and printed menus distributed to households.
Food businesses will have 12 months to comply with the scheme.
QLD Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Cameron Dick, said the new laws ensure display of kilojoule information is implemented consistently statewide.
“The reality is many of us rely on ready to eat meals and snacks from fast food outlets, cafes and grocery stores, to the point where one third of all Queensland adults are eating takeaway food at least once a week,” Mr Dick said.
“These new laws will provide Queenslanders with the nutrition information they need to make informed, healthier food choices.”
“This scheme will provide consumers with easy to understand nutrition information at the point of sale, whether that’s in a queue or ordering over the phone, internet or a mobile app,” Mr Dick said.
