The Australian Government has opened an online Country of Origin Labelling survey as part of its national consultation process.
The online survey was opened at 8am today (9 June) and will help design the Australian Government’s new labelling system.
The Australian Government has been consulting with industry – including growers, processors and retailers – to implement a clearer, more direct system for food labelling that will give consumers the information they want in a way that is easy to read and understand.
“We have completed a two month industry consultation process, and we are now asking for consumer feedback from the very shoppers who will be in the supermarket making use of the new labels,” said Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane.
“Consumers have told us loud and clear that they want more useful food labelling, and now we want to hear from them about which options they prefer.
“Based on our consultation sessions in major capital and regional cities, we have valuable industry information on how we can implement a system that is fair and transparent for consumers without adding extra costs to business.”
Macfarlane said the community survey and the Government’s market research data are crucial in defining the new framework, and this is the next step in finding a balance for industry and the consumer.
Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce said the work to improve country of origin food labelling was to make sure Australians had clear and concise information about the food they buy.
“Many consumers and food producers feel strongly about the need for clearer country of origin labelling.” Joyce said.
“It’s important that people can make informed choices about the food they buy at their local supermarket. We want Australians to have confidence in knowing where their food is coming from.
“Australians have asked for simpler food labelling and the Government has listened; now is the chance for people to have their say on simpler and more logical ways to present the information.”
Out of the six ideas for the new labelling system, only one of them features the green-and-gold kangaroo.
The Australian Made Campaign, the not-for-profit organisation that administers and promotes the kangaroo logo, is calling on consumers to 'remember the roo'.
“We have been lobbying for clarity and consistency in food labelling for years now, and worked with the Government on the current proposal,” Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, said.
“We strongly support action on food labelling and welcome the opportunity for consumers to have their say on the best system moving forward."
