The next phase of the Turnbull Government's campaign to
help consumers understand new country of origin labels
on food products has commenced last week.
The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Arthur
Sinodinos said the campaign was designed to make people
aware of the new labelling laws and how they are being
used on food products.
‘Many people will have already noticed the new labels
starting to appear on products in stores. Now is a
perfect time to let people know what they’re all about,"
Senator Sinodinos said.
"Over the next five weeks, advertising showing what the
new labels mean and where people can find more
information will run on television and radio, in
newspapers, online and in shopping centres."
Complementing the advertising campaign, demonstrations
will be held throughout May in selected supermarkets
around the country. Shoppers will be able to take home
information explaining the new labels.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and
Water Resources Barnaby Joyce said the new labels were
appearing on food products in Australia as a result of
regulatory reforms around country of origin labelling.
"Until now, country of origin labelling information for
food has been inconsistent and confusing. These reforms
change that, and the Australian public will now be able
to see how much of a product comes from Australia,"
Minister Joyce said.
"We’re continuing to work with food producers, growers
and manufacturers to ensure they understand the new
labelling requirements and how to apply them to their
products.
"It’s great to see these labels appearing on shelves
already, giving shoppers clear and meaningful
information about where their food comes from."
The new country of origin labelling reforms are designed
to show consumers at a glance where a food product was
grown, produced, made or packed. The labels will also
indicate the percentage of ingredients from Australia.
Most food produced, grown or made in Australia will have
the kangaroo logo. The percentage of Australian
ingredients is indicated through text and a bar chart.
For imported foods, the label will clearly show the
country of origin.
Food that was packed in Australia will only feature a
bar chart that indicates the percentage of Australian
ingredients.
The reforms commenced on 1 July 2016. There is a
two-year transition period before the new rules become
mandatory on 1 July 2018.
Further information for consumers is available at
foodlabels.industry.gov.au. Businesses needing
assistance with labelling can visit
business.gov.au/foodlabels