Member Matters

Update on the review of the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines

19 March 2025

The Australian Dietary Guidelines serve as an essential resource, providing evidence-based advice on dietary intake to foster health, mitigate the risk of chronic diseases, and ensure adequate nutrient intake.  

Jointly produced by the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, these guidelines are currently under review, with the aim of releasing updated recommendations by the end of 2026. Given that the guidelines were last updated in 2013, the upcoming revisions are highly anticipated and present an exciting opportunity for enhancing public health. 

Funding

To support this important review, the Australian Government initially allocated $2.5 million to the NHMRC. In 2023, an additional $1.75 million was granted to develop dietary guidance specifically for Australians aged 65 and older (or 50 and older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples). While the review of the Infant Feeding Guidelines (2012) is not included in this process, the resources dedicated to this review underscore the commitment to improving dietary guidance for various demographics. 

Evidence

The NHMRC is actively engaging in the review process by utilising available existing evidence and commissioning new reviews to fill crucial gaps. To date, there have been three public calls for evidence (journal articles) issued in 2023, 2024, and this year. This most recent request – last month – has a focus on ultra-processed foods to support scoping and systematic reviews that the NHMRC are commissioning.

Systematic reviews play a vital role in answering research questions by synthesising information from existing studies (primary studies). A clear framework regarding the research question and methodologies will ensure a focused approach, allowing for reliable and bias-minimised findings.  

Scoping reviews, on the other hand, explore broader questions and help identify the available evidence, organise it effectively, and spotlight areas that require further investigation. Should a scoping review yield no studies, it can offer valuable insights into where future research efforts may be most productive. 

There is significant interest in ultra-processed foods, highlighted by the NHMRC 2021 stakeholder survey, where food processing was the most requested topic. The Expert Committee has identified the review of ultra-processed foods and their health impacts as a top priority, given the substantial amount of new research available since the 2013 Guidelines. Other areas being explored include the relationship between diet and mental health (such as anxiety and depression), as well as the sustainability of dietary choices in economic, social, and environmental contexts. 

During a recent NRMRC stakeholder webinar this month, it was reassuring to hear that industry-funded studies will be evaluated based on their quality and relevance. This inclusive approach enhances the robustness of the evidence appraisal process.  

Transparency and conflicts of interest

To promote transparency throughout the revision process, the NHMRC has taken proactive steps to share information with stakeholders and reduce potential biases. Notably, while the food industry is not represented on the Expert Committee, individuals with industry ties have been able to participate in the Sustainability Working Group, allowing for informed and balanced perspectives. 

Communication

NHMRC maintains a log of all external meetings, correspondence, and phone calls related to the revision of the 2013 Guidelines. This provides insight into key discussions, topics, and outcomes, often directing stakeholders to specific sections of the website for further information. Additionally, a communiqué is released after each meeting of the NHMRC’s Dietary Guidelines Expert Committee, ensuring that stakeholders stay informed. 

AFGC Working Group

The AFGC has convened a working group dedicated to actively responding to public calls for evidence and facilitating consultations when the draft guidelines are available for public comment in early to mid-2026. This collaborative effort emphasises the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in the development of the guidelines and ensures that the dietary recommendations meet the needs of all Australians effectively. 

For more information see Review of the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines | NHMRC or contact Anne-Marie.Mackintosh@afgc.org.au.