Labeling requirements for "Australian" Products

Industries Unite for Better Food Labelling

Agricultural industries vegetables, pork, prawns, honey bees, apples and pears united today to make sure current inadequate Country of Origin labelling laws on foods are enforced and strengthened.

"The words 'imported' on a tiny label, in illegible print on the back of a packet of food does not give the consumer enough information to make an informed decision," Mike Badcock, AUSVEG chairman said.

Current labelling requirements state that a label on a package containing food shall include a statement that identifies the country in which food was made or produced or a statement indicating that it is imported.

"Unfortunately the current labelling system enables the distortion of information from the producer to the consumer. We are calling on the State and Federal governments to enforce current labelling laws and to make them a lot stronger for the future," Mike Badcock said.

Mr Scott Walter CEO Australian Prawn Farmers Association said, "A food label should be in a prominent position on the packet or in association with the product on display, state clearly what percentage is imported, what country it is from and be large enough for consumers to absorb the information at a glance."

Mr. Stuart Swaddling Chairman of the Horticulture Australia Council said that the current confusion regarding the labelling requirements clearly show that the current regulations are ambiguous and unworkable and he called on the Foods Standards Ministerial Council to vote for reform of the regulation as soon as possible.

Mr Stephen Fewster, Chairman - Australian Honey Bee Industry Council reaffirmed the wider industry position, stating "Australian producers consistently offer a superior product for sale to consumers, only to be ambushed by imported products at the supermarket. Current labelling requirements are obviously inadequate and we look forward to positive Government action to address this problem."

Source : AHBIC