Spicy on the inside: day one of the Food Regulations and Labelling Standards Conference

One thing’s for certain: the topics of food regulations and labelling standards get people talking. 

Speakers at day one of the 14th Annual Food Regulations and Labelling Standards Conference didn’t waste any time voicing their opinions on the topics. Delayed flights forced a reshuffle of the day’s proceedings, meaning that Greens leader Christine Milne and Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) CEO Gary Dawson were the first show of the day - both with strong opinions on the topic of country of origin labelling (neatly shortened to CoOL). 

As with any debate, there were differences of opinion. The Greens want CoOL in Australia overhauled, but are prepared to negotiate with industry. The AFGC doesn’t want CoOL changes if it drives business offshore because industry has to pay for it. Jock Laurie, President of the National Farmers’ Federation, said farmers want less regulation. Organic Federation of Australia Director Kim Norton said the organic sector wants more regulation. The NSW Food Authority just wants food producers to do the right thing - but will make sure the punishment fits the crime. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) wants health claims backed up with good, solid science - but is permitting three years of double standards until food processors get the hang of the new system. The Office of the Chief Scientist for Australia wants consumers to be more scientifically literate so they can interpret food labelling. Consumer watchdog Choice wants a system that consumers can understand. And the Global Harmonization Initiative just wants everyone in the world to get along, calling for harmonised food policies across the planet.

Simple, really.

The AFGC’s Gary Dawson aptly summarised the food labelling situation, likening it most appropriately to a piece of food that looks dry on the outside, but is hot and spicy when you bite into it. 

Stay tuned - seconds are being served tomorrow. On the menu is Coles on adapting to changing consumer demands, CropLife Australia on biotechnology in agriculture, Robert Forbes on the food-medicine interface and GS1 Australia on extended food labelling.