Community consultation begins on COO labelling changes

Changes to country of origin labelling for Australian food have moved a step closer, with the community and businesses invited to comment on the government’s proposed reforms.

Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne said that government was keen to talk to businesses about their role in delivering these improvements to consumers.

“We have come a long way in addressing an issue that many governments of both sides before us have failed to resolve. The next step is to gather the right information to ensure our final decision meets everyone’s needs.”

A proposed new label includes a kangaroo in a triangle icon and a bar chart with accompanying text showing what proportion of ingredients are from Australia.

The process of consultation includes an opportunity to comment on a draft information standard that sets out the rules around food products, as well as the proposed new labelling requirements.

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce said the work was being undertaken jointly with state and territory governments, reflecting shared responsibility for Australia’s origin labelling system.

“Concerns about country of origin labelling have been going on for too long. The changes we have flagged will finally address those concerns so that Australian shoppers can have confidence about the origins of the food that they buy.”

Ministers are interested in hearing from non-food businesses, as well as food importers, retailers, wholesalers, farmers and Australia’s trading partners.

A Consultation Regulation Impact Statement has been released which outlines issues to consider in implementing the reform agenda. For further information, and to comment on the Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement, visit https://consult.industry.gov.au/cool-taskforce/cool.