The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association has been a loud advocate of consumers being entitled to know as much as possible about their food provenance: where it comes from and, in particular, whether it is Australian.
We know that people are unhappy with current labelling, because it really doesn’t tell them what they want to know.
For years consumers have demanded changes so that origin claims on food labels are clear and unambiguous. What we all want to know is where a product is made and packaged. Most importantly, whether the ingredients were grown in Australia.
The Australian Government, at last, has made a move in the right direction after consulting with the state and territory governments (which have to agree to any changes in labelling). Its proposed country of origin labels have new standard phrases and a kangaroo and bar-chart graphic as shown below.
There is only so much information you can put on a label so the Government says it will work with industry groups to ensure that consumers will also have access to online information and smart phone apps.
The first part of the label shows whether the food was grown or made in Australia. The second shows the percentage of the product that was made or grown in Australia.
If a product is packed or wrapped in a country but the food originated in another, the label has to show that, even if it says “Packed in Australia from imported ingredients”.
There will be a staggered phase-in period of between three and 24 months once all governments have legislated for the new labelling regime. That is expected by mid-2016.
The TFGA believes the new labelling will enable consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions and will encourage them to look for Australian products first and foremost, which will promote domestic agriculture.
That should reinforce the reputation of the Australian brand, one built on high quality, safe and sustainable food.
THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN THE TAS COUNTRY ON 31ST JULY 2015.
TFGA president Wayne Johnston
