Imported food labels must show the name of the country of Origin …

Independent Senator for Tasmania Jacqui Lambie has met with the CEO of AUSVEG Richard Mulcahy and called for the Federal Government to listen to Australian farmers and introduce food labelling laws – which guarantee that consumers know exactly which country imported food products come from.

(Click below to see Senator Lambie’s interview with AUSVEG C.E.O. Richard Mulcahy)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ebfi-v5ZJQ

“Australian consumers need to know exactly where their food is coming from. The current system – made from local and imported ingredients – is vague and the Federal government’s latest proposal is confusing. One green and gold logo containing the kangaroo would reassure consumers they are getting an Australian made, Australian grown product”, Senator Lambie said.

AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy supported Senator Lambie in her call for the Country of Origin Label Australians know and trust, that is easy to identify when choosing products at a supermarket.

“What we know is shoppers want to pick up a product and know it’s from Australia – if they want to buy something from Taiwan or China, that’s their call – but they want to know where the product is coming from and you can’t do that under current laws,’’ Mr Mulcahy said.

“It’s really important for farmers and shoppers to be able to identify where food is coming from.’’

The Federal government has delayed its Country of Origin Labelling proposals until the end of the year to consult with consumers and key stakeholders.

“We have been given a second chance to impress on the Liberal government what it is consumers and farmers need,’’ Senator Lambie said.
Rob Messenger