New Country of Origin Labelling rules recognise importance of Australian jobs

Gary Dawson CEO Australian Food and Grocery Council

“New country of origin labelling rules announced by the Prime Minister today are a recognition of the importance of Australian jobs in the food production and processing sector.”

“The retention of the term “Made in Australia” and wider use of the well-known ‘Australian Made’ logo underlines the value of the more than 300,000 jobs in Australia’s food and grocery processing sector, with almost half of those jobs in rural and regional areas.”

“It will be important for the Government, during the implementation phase, to understand the cost, complexity and additional red tape that these changes will impose, with the burden falling hardest on small business and those companies affected by seasonal variations in their sourcing.”

“A flexible and practical approach, focused on the information that is most valued by consumers, will be essential during the transitional phase.”

“Mandatory labelling requirements are only a small part of the information provided by companies to consumers through multiple channels including online, smartphone apps, social media, promotions and front of pack. Recognising that consumers increasingly seek information via their digital devices is an important part of meeting consumer demand for information and most consumer goods companies are responding to this demand.”

 

-ENDS-

AFGC Media Contact: James Mathews 0407 416 002