Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL)
Compliance with Australian Food Labelling Requirements for Plain English Allergen Labelling
Get Your PEAL Right
Food labelling regulations are complex. We unpack all the Plain English Allergen Labelling requirements for you.

Industry best practice
There are no prerequisites.
$180.00
7 Lessons
0.5 Hours
Course Curriculum
$180.00
7 Lessons
0.5 Hours
Welcome & Live Session
- Welcome to the QATraining Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL) course!
- Disclaimer - Food Labelling Legislation is continuously being updated. To ensure that you use up to date information, please access the relevant regulatory texts directly when working with labels.
Food Labelling Modules
- Regulatory Background of PEAL Implementation
- Food Standards Code Requirements for Plain English Allergen Labelling
Assessment
- Course Assessment
- Download Your Certificate!
- Self-paced vs In-house vs Public
Public Training
Public training is ideal for individuals or small teams who want a live trainer. Sessions are held virtually, so you can join from anywhere, and we mail out physical training materials before the course. You get structured, industry-focused learning with the chance to ask questions in real time.
Self-paced Training
Perfect for individuals or pairs who need flexibility. Start instantly, progress in your own time and revisit the content whenever you need. This option works well for new starters, refreshers or anyone who prefers learning independently.
In-house Training
Ideal for teams of three or more. Our trainer delivers the session privately, either online or on-site, and tailors the content to your products, processes and part of the food industry. This format builds consistency across your team and allows for focused discussion on your real scenarios.
Instructor
Andreas Klieber
Managing Director | Technical Lead | Head Trainer
Andreas is the Managing Director and technical lead of Quality Associates, setting the direction for the company’s food safety, quality, and training services. With a PhD in Food Science and Technology and deep experience across retail, manufacturing, and regulation, he brings strong scientific rigour and commercial realism to every course.
Andreas is known for delivering clear, confident training that turns complex requirements into practical, defensible systems. His focus is on building capability, reducing risk, and helping businesses make sound technical decisions with confidence.
Instructor
Chris Mihalakos
Quality Consultant | Auditor | Trainer
Chris combines strong technical expertise with extensive retail and supplier audit experience. Having worked closely with major retailers and manufacturers, she brings a clear understanding of real-world compliance expectations.
Her training is practical and engaging, covering HACCP, HARPS, allergen management, food labelling, foreign object control, and statistical process control, with a strong focus on application, not theory.
Instructor
John Chadderton
Senior Consultant | Trainer
John brings extensive experience across food manufacturing, professional training, and food safety regulation. His background includes senior roles in industry and government, giving him unique insight into both compliance expectations and enforcement decision-making.
John’s training style is clear, structured, and practical, helping businesses strengthen systems, anticipate regulatory scrutiny, and manage risk effectively.
Instructor
Raymond Lee
Quality Consultant | Auditor | Trainer
Raymond brings nearly 30 years of experience across food manufacturing and quality systems, including international operations. His background in high-risk product categories and large-scale quality frameworks allows him to deliver training that is grounded in real operational challenges.
His sessions focus on practical implementation, system effectiveness, and audit readiness, helping teams understand how requirements translate into day-to-day control.
This is for you if...
- You are responsible for allergen statements and food labels
- You work in QA, Technical, Regulatory, or Brand roles
- You need to apply Plain English Allergen Labelling requirements
- You support label updates, reviews, or compliance checks
- You want confidence producing clear, compliant allergen declarations


In-House Group Training
In-house Training for Your Team
In-house training is the most effective way to build capability across your team, especially when three or more people need the same course. We deliver the session privately for your business, either online or on-site, and tailor the content to your products, processes and part of the food industry. This gives your team the chance to ask focused questions and work through real examples that matter to your operations.
We can train groups of up to 20 people however slightly smaller is ideal for discussion, engagement and hands-on learning.
- Submit the form below
Tell us about your business, the course you are interested in and the number of people you would like trained. - We review your needs
Our team looks at your products, workflows and any specific challenges you want covered. This helps us tailor the session, so it is practical and relevant. - Receive a tailored quote
Once we understand your requirements, we send you a clear quote outlining the delivery options, timing and any customisation you may want. - Training delivered your way
Your session is delivered by an experienced Quality Associates trainer who understands your section of the industry and brings real-world examples to the room. - Ongoing support
After the training, we are available to clarify any questions or next steps, so your team can apply the learning with confidence.
Why choose in-house training?
- Tailored to your products and processes
- Consistent understanding across your entire team
- Focused discussion on your real scenarios
- Efficient and cost-effective for groups of three or more
- Engaging delivery that builds capability quickly
Once you complete the form below, we will come back to you with a tailored quote and recommended approach for your team.
For All Training Enquiries
- ABN: 43 686 877 167
- Training ABN: 43 606 932 165
- RTO Number 41341
FAQs about the course
What is PEAL?
Plain English Allergen Labelling is a method of writing food labels so consumers can easily identify allergens. It uses clear, simple language rather than complex terms or codes. This helps prevent allergic reactions and ensures compliance.
Why is clear allergen labelling important?
Clear labelling protects consumers with allergies and dietary restrictions. It reduces the risk of serious health incidents and supports brand trust. Accurate labels also help businesses avoid recalls and regulatory penalties.
What is the difference between “contains” and “may contain”?
“Contains” indicates an allergen is deliberately used in the product and is a mandatory statement in Australia and New Zealand. “May contain” signals a potential cross-contact risk during production and is a voluntary statement in Australia and New Zealand. Using clear, plain English prevents consumer confusion and reduces risk.
How should allergens be highlighted on a label?
In Australia and New Zealand, allergens must be clearly listed in bold in the ingredient list. In addition, a mandatory summary statement is required in bold and next to the ingredient statement. This makes it easy for consumers to spot allergen information quickly.
Can allergen labelling be misleading?
Yes, vague terms or technical names can confuse consumers. Labels must clearly reflect actual ingredients. Misleading allergen claims (eg dairy free) can risk consumer safety, brand reputation, and regulatory action.
Who is responsible for allergen labelling compliance?
Food manufacturers, packagers, importers and retailers are responsible for accurate labelling. Clear internal processes prevent mistakes before products reach the market. Auditors should also verify compliance.
How often should allergen labelling be reviewed?
Labels should be reviewed whenever recipes, suppliers, or regulations change. Routine reviews, at least annually, ensure ongoing compliance. This reduces the risk of allergen-related incidents.
Can PEAL help with audits?
Yes, using clear, standardised allergen statements shows auditors that your business takes allergen safety seriously. It demonstrates compliance with regulations and best practices. This can simplify audit outcomes.
What is the first step to implementing PEAL?
Start by identifying all allergens in your products and suppliers. Then update ingredient lists using clear, simple language. Finally, train staff to maintain consistent, accurate labelling across all products.
Training Schedule
Events


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