AUSVEG calls for stronger policing of country of origin labelling laws

Following the revelation that not a single Victorian business has received fines for breaching country of origin (CoOL) laws, AUSVEG and the Victorian Farmers Federation have levelled criticism at the perceived inaction by authorities.

“As stated previously, AUSVEG is concerned by the flagrant disregard by some fresh food retailers in Victoria with relation to implementation of country of origin labelling laws,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Michael Bodnarcuk.

“These laws were introduced to protect consumers and their ability to decide on the origin of the product that they will consume.

“Studies have shown that the majority of Australians would prefer to buy locally grown fruit and vegetables and we believe that consumers are being robbed of this ability through improper labelling practices,” said Bodnarcuk.

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9000 vegetable and potato growers.

The industry is calling for refined CoOL laws to allow consumers to be sure about the quality and origin of the food that they are eating.

“AUSVEG believes in a strong regulatory framework and proper policing of relevant laws as vital to ensuring consumers know where their food is coming from,” said Bodnarcuk.

“The enforcement of country of origin labelling laws needs to be strong enough to prevent produce of dubious origin being brought in to Australia with ambiguous labelling,” said Bodnarcuk.

AUSVEG has urged authorities to implement more stringent policing of CoOL laws at smaller retailers and fresh food stores.