Campaign on Country of Origin labelling kicks off
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.
New controls for Aussie-made
IMPORTING ingredients and simply slicing them here will no longer qualify as Australian-made.The Liberal National Government has approved a new system for Country of Origin labelling, which should start to appear on supermarket shelves later this year.These changes are good news for Australian jobs and Australian farmers because shoppers will have better information at their fingertips.Consumers will be able to make a quick comparison of products on the shelves and digital options are also being developed so consumers who want more detailed information can get it.
Have your say on country of origin labelling
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.