These changes are part of the Turnbull Government's campaign to help consumers and shoppers to much more easily identify where their food comes from, and what percentage of ingredients are source locally, or from overseas.
According to the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Arthur Sinodinos, the campaign was designed to make people aware of the new labelling laws and how they are being used on food products.
"Many people will have already noticed the new labels starting to appear on products in stores. Now is the perfect time to let people know what they're all about," Senator Sinodinos said.
"Over the next five weeks, advertising showing what the new labels mean and where people can find more information will run on television and radio, in newspapers, online and in shopping centres."
In addition to advertising campaign, demonstrations will be held throughout this May in selected supermarkets around the country. Shoppers will be able to take home information explaining the new labels.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce said the new labels were appearing on food products in Australia as a result of regulatory reforms around country of origin labelling.
“Until now, country of origin labelling information for food has been inconsistent and confusing. These reforms change that, and the Australian public will now be able to see how much of a product comes from Australia,” Minister Joyce said.
The new rules on country of origin labelling are designed to show consumers at a glance where a food product was grown, produced, made or packed. The labels will also indicate the percentage of ingredients from Australia.
The reforms commenced on 1 July 2016. There is a two-year transition period before the new rules become mandatory on 1 July 2018.
For example, an imported product can’t claim it was ‘Made in Australia’ if it has only undergone minor processing, such as slicing, canning, crumbing, reconstitution or repackaging in Australia.
Australia's food labels are getting clearer
Most food produced, grown or made in Australia will have the kangaroo logo. The percentage of Australian ingredients is indicated through text and a bar chart.
For imported foods, the label will clearly show the country of origin.
Food that was packed in Australia will only feature a bar chart that indicates the percentage of Australian ingredients.
'Grown in' For food where all of the ingredients are Australian grown
'Product of' For food where all of the ingredients are Australian and all major processing has been done here.
'Made in' For food where the ingredients come from Australia or overseas and major processing has been done here.
'Packed in' Features only a bar chart which shows the percentage of Australian ingredients.
All imported food produced, made, grown or packed outside Australia must have their country of origin on the label.
(Australian Government) Source: Australian Government
(Australian Government) Source: Australian Government
(Australian Government) Source: Australian Government
(Australian Government) Source: Australian Government
(Australian Government) Source: Australian Government
Food that won’t have the labels
The new labels will apply to a range of food offered for retail sale in Australia, with the exception of food sold in restaurants, cafes, take-away shops or schools.
Some retail foods won’t be required to use the kangaroo logo or show the percentage of Australian ingredients. These foods are:
- seasonings
- confectionery
- biscuits and snack food
- bottled water
- soft drinks and sports drinks
- tea and coffee
- alcoholic beverages.
These foods will still have to state where they were grown, produced, made or packed. They can also use the new labels voluntarily.
Businesses will update their labels
Food businesses will use the most appropriate label for each of their products, ensuring that you can make an informed decision about the food you buy.
Businesses will be provided with information and guidance to help ensure that the label accurately describes the food.
Do you sell food in Australia?
Find out what the new country of origin labels mean for your business at: business.gov.au/foodlabels
