The food and drink manufacturing industry in both Ireland and the UK is experiencing a shift in regulations. With public health, sustainability, and digital transparency driving these changes, businesses in this space are navigating a new, more complex compliance landscape in 2026.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key compliance requirements that food and drink manufacturers need to be aware of, and how Target Integration can help businesses stay ahead of these evolving regulations.
Food Safety and Traceability: Foundations of Compliance
One of the most important compliance requirements for food and drink manufacturers remains food safety and traceability. In 2026, the emphasis is on systems that ensure food products are safe, traceable, and produced according to the highest standards.
The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system continues to be the cornerstone of food safety regulations. This means manufacturers must have:
- Thorough records to track the origin, batch, and movement of food products
- Clean premises and trained staff in all aspects of food safety
- A robust approach to food traceability, enabling manufacturers to track every ingredient in real time
The need for Food Standards Officer (FSO) labels is also essential, especially in regions like Wales and Northern Ireland, where public transparency is a legal requirement.
New Advertising and Marketing Restrictions for HFSS Products
In January 2026, new advertising and marketing restrictions were introduced for High Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS) products. These regulations are part of the UK and Ireland’s public health agenda to curb unhealthy consumption.
Key changes include:
- HFSS product advertising cannot occur on TV before 9 PM or in paid online ads
- Volume promotions like “Buy one, get one free” and prominent in-store placements for HFSS products are now banned
These changes force manufacturers to rethink their marketing strategies and product formulations, particularly in light of the increasing demand for healthier food options.
Sustainability and Packaging Regulations
Sustainability remains a key focus for the food and drink sector. In 2026, there are stricter regulations around packaging and the materials used in food production. For example:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is now prohibited in food contact materials such as reusable plastic bottles and can coatings, with businesses required to transition to safer, eco-friendly alternatives.
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging are being phased out, with compliance deadlines approaching in mid-2026.
These changes represent a significant shift in how food manufacturers approach product packaging and sustainability. Companies must now invest in sustainable packaging solutions, reformulate products, and overhaul supply chains to avoid penalties and ensure continued market access.
Digital Record-Keeping for Traceability and Compliance
A major shift in compliance in 2026 is the requirement for digital record-keeping. Regulators now expect businesses to maintain real-time access to origin, batch, and audit trail data for all food products.
Here’s where digital transformation becomes essential for food manufacturers:
- Real-time traceability: Regulators want immediate access to product data, so businesses need systems that can provide accurate, up-to-date information at any moment.
- Integrated compliance platforms: Many businesses will need to integrate their systems to connect inventory management with compliance reporting tools, automating the process of creating reports and ensuring they meet regulatory standards.
- Instant reporting: Companies that use digital systems can generate reports instantly, ensuring compliance without manual tracking or delays.
How Target Integration Can Help
At Target Integration, we understand the regulatory landscape and the unique challenges faced by food and drink manufacturers. That’s why we offer tailored solutions to help businesses in the food sector stay compliant and streamline their operations.
Here’s how we can help:
- ERP Solutions (Odoo): We implement Odoo ERP, which can be customised to ensure your systems are integrated and compliant with Irish and UK food safety regulations.
- Digital Compliance Tools: We offer solutions that help automate traceability and audit reporting, ensuring real-time access to product data and reducing the risk of human error.
- Sustainability Solutions: Our team can help you transition to eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing through better supply chain visibility and process optimisation.
- Custom Development: Need specific compliance features? We can develop custom software solutions to meet your unique business requirements.
Get Ready for 2026 Compliance
2026 is a pivotal year for food and drink manufacturers in terms of compliance. With evolving regulations around food safety, advertising, and sustainability, businesses need to act now to ensure they meet these requirements without disruption.
At Target Integration, we’re here to help you navigate these changes smoothly and ensure that your systems are ready for the year ahead.
Ready to Get Started?
Want to ensure your business is compliant with the latest food and drink regulations? Let Target Integration help you stay ahead with our digital transformation solutions.
📩 Contact us today to discuss how we can support your journey to 2026 compliance and beyond.
