What the ACCC does

  • We enforce the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.
  • We enforce the Unit Pricing Code.

What the ACCC can't do

  • We don’t investigate every individual complaint about unit pricing.
  • We don’t resolve individual disputes between suppliers of groceries and signatories to the Food and Grocery Code.

The remade Food and Grocery Code of Conduct is in effect from 1 April 2025. It is now a mandatory code.

Find out more about the new food and grocery code.

ACCC inquiries into food and groceries

Supermarkets inquiry 2024-25

On 25 January 2024, the Australian Government announced that it will direct the ACCC to conduct an inquiry into Australia’s supermarket sector.

Grocery inquiry 2008

On 22 January 2008, the then Assistant Treasurer requested an ACCC price inquiry into the price of groceries.

Rules and advice for consumers and business

Unit prices for groceries

Unit pricing, such as the price per kilogram, per litre and per item, helps consumers compare prices for groceries and find the best value for money.

Country of origin food labelling

Businesses that sell or supply food for retail sale in stores, markets, online or from vending machines will likely need to comply with the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016 (Standard).

Industry codes

Food and Grocery Code of Conduct

The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct is a mandatory code to regulate the conduct of large grocery businesses towards their suppliers.

Unit Pricing Code

Businesses need to comply with the Unit Pricing Code if they sell certain food-based grocery items. Grocery retailers must display unit prices so that consumers can make informed choices.

ACCC action on food and groceries

See all media releases about food and groceries