Consumer input sought on country-of-origin food labelling

An online survey has been released to enable consumers to have their say on country-of-origin food labelling.

The Australian Government aims to implement a clearer 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.”

Minister 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,” Minister 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.”

The country-of-origin food labelling community survey is available at www.industry.gov.au/cool.