Country of origin food labelling consumer brochure

A consumer brochure on country of origin labelling of food would help consumers to understand the new labelling requirements for unpackaged fresh and processed fruit, vegetables, nuts and seafood that begin from today, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne, said.

He was launching the brochure Country of Origin Food Labelling advice for consumers, developed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

"All unpackaged fresh and processed fruit, vegetables, nuts and seafood must say which country they come from, including Australia," Pyne said.

"From December this year unpackaged fresh and processed pork products must also be labelled with their country of origin, and the changes to packaged foods must be completed by December 2007.

"The new country of origin labelling standard was agreed to by the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council in October 2005. Time has been allowed for food manufacturers and retailers to bring in the new labelling. In March 2006 I launched a guide to the new labelling standard to help business and enforcement agencies understand the requirements. The new consumer brochure adds to the package of measures to help consumers make informed choices.

"If consumers have a complaint about country of origin labelling, I suggest that they raise the issue directly with the retailer or manufacturer of the food in question. Consumers can also contact their local, state, or territory health authority if they think there is a problem with a specific food or a complaint about a breach of a food standard or food safety issue," Pyne said.

The changes will only apply to Australia.

The brochure Country of Origin Food Labelling advice for consumers is available on the FSANZ website