Senator calls for clearer vitamin labels

Victorian senator John Madigan says consumers in Australia and overseas should not be misled about whether products are Australian-made.

An independent senator is calling on the federal government to amend product labelling laws to make it easier to identify if a product is Australian made.

During question time on Thursday, Victorian John Madigan referred to CO-Enzyme Q10 sold by vitamin giant Swisse because it features a Melbourne address and Australian flag but nothing indicating "made in Australia".

Mr Madigan told AAP that clarity on the location of production is vital in guarding Australian manufacturing jobs and the nation's brand in overseas markets.

In particular, he said, Australian products in China are synonymous with "clean" and "green" and should not be passed off as Australian if they are not.

"We have to make sure that we do everything in our power to protect Australian property, branding, trademark and Australian markets," he said.

Although Swisse's website says its headquarters are in Australia, it is unclear where its products are made.

Mr Madigan said he did not wish to single out any one company, but highlight that labelling must be clearer so consumers are informed.

AAP has contacted Swisse for a response.


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Source: AAP



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