Campaign on Country of Origin labelling kicks off

APRIL 24, 2017: The Federal Government’s country of origin labelling for food campaign, which was announced yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator the Hon Arthur Sinodinos, is a welcome move.This new food labelling system which came into effect last year supports Aussie producers and Aussie jobs, and it’s what the Australian consumer wanted.It’s important now for the government to get out there and let people know what the new labels mean.The campaign will appear on TV, radio, in newspapers, digitally and on social media over the coming five weeks.The new food labelling system will provide Australian consumers with the clarity they deserve, without imposing an excessive burden on businesses.I look forward to seeing more of these labels on supermarket shelves.The broader country of origin labelling reforms came into effect from 1 July 2016 and a two-year transition period is now in place.Since the introduction of the reforms, many foods found on Australian retail shelves have started to include the familiar kangaroo in a triangle logo to show that the food is made, produced or grown in Australia. Imported foods that only undergo minor processing or packaging here cannot claim to be made here or carry the logo.The new labels also include a bar chart indicating the proportion of Australian ingredients.For more information go to foodlabels.industry.gov.au or search ‘clearer food labels’.More information for businesses can be found at business.gov.au/foodlabels