STRONGER food labelling laws are now in force and it’s important for Australian food producers to review and update their product packaging and marketing materials to ensure they’re compliant.
On July 1 the Country of Origin (COO) Food Labelling Information Standard 2016 commenced. The standard aims to provide Australian consumers with clearer, consistent and more informative labels regarding the extent to which a product was made, produced, grown or packed in Australia.
For years, the governance of COO food labelling in Australia has sparked confusion and debate. The issue made headlines in 2015 following a nationwide recall of frozen berries, where the berries’ packaging included ‘Made in Australia’ and ‘Made in Australia from local and imported ingredients’ claims, but the berries were in fact imported from China and Chile. While the recall was triggered by food safety concerns and would have occurred even if labelling had been clearer, the public response to the recall made clear two things. First, that consumers’ perceptions of food safety are linked to COO claims. Second, that consumers were dissatisfied with the existing COO labelling regime.
The new standard is designed to help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions.
Although the standard will not become mandatory until 1 July 2018, the two-year transition period should not be wasted. Rolling out the new COO labels will come at a cost and some businesses may need to consider significant redesigns or even complete rebranding of certain packaging to ensure compliance when the time comes. For businesses that supply food to Australian consumers, now is the time to get across the changes.
The law applies to all packaged food offered for retail sale in Australia (in-store, online or through vending machines) packaged wholesale foods and various unpackaged fresh foods such as fish, certain meats, fruit or vegetables, nuts, spices, fungi, and seeds.
The precise form of COO label required on a product will depend on whether it was grown, produced, made or packed in Australia. Understanding these terms is critical to ensuring the right label is applied and COO claims are accurate.
Don’t be caught out – the ACCC will be responsible for taking action against businesses that fail to comply with the new regime.
- Hayley Upton is an associate at DibbsBarker. This article contains general commentary only. It is not legal advice and must not be relied upon as such. Readers should obtain specific advice relating to their particular circumstances.
