Have your say on country of origin labelling

JUNE 10, 2015: YOU can have your say on clearer country of origin food labelling by taking part in an online survey which will help inform the design of the Australian Government’s new labelling system.People have been telling me loud and clear that they want more useful food labelling.There are calls for the precise percentage and origin to be stipulated and I know that is an issue being grappled with.The government is also looking to use electronic platforms to provide more comprehensive product information to consumers as only a limited amount of information can fit on food labels.The problem a lot of manufacturers have is the variation in percentage of locally-sourced produce. Orange juice, for example, varies greatly at different times of the season. Many other products have variations because supply is inconsistent but demand is consistent.I think everyone agrees the ideal for customers would be everything 100% local. But at the moment, we have manufacturers saying something is a product of Australia simply because it was packaged here so there definitely needs to be tighter labelling laws.The Government has been consulting with industry – including growers, processors and retailers to implement a clearer, more direct system for food labelling.We also need to hear from consumers.If you've got something to say on this issue jump online and fill out a country of origin food labelling community survey at www.industry.gov.au/cool or request a hardcopy by calling 13 28 46.