Keith Pitt welcomes information on new country of origin labels for consumers

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has welcomed the Federal Government’s country of origin labelling for food campaign.

The campaign will appear on TV, radio, in newspapers, digitally and on social media over the coming five weeks.

“It’s great that the government is getting out there and letting people know what the new labels mean,” Mr Pitt said.

“The new food labelling system will provide Australian consumers with the clarity they deserve, without imposing an excessive burden on businesses,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing more of these labels on supermarket shelves”.

The broader country of origin labelling reforms came into effect from 1 July 2016 and a two-year transition period is now in place.

Since the introduction of the reforms, many foods found on Australian retail shelves have started to include the familiar kangaroo in a triangle logo to show that the food is made, produced or grown in Australia.

Imported foods that only undergo minor processing or packaging here cannot claim to be made here or carry the logo.

The new labels also include a bar chart indicating the proportion of Australian ingredients.

For more information go to foodlabels.industry.gov.au or search ‘clearer food labels’.

Further information for businesses can be found at business.gov.au/foodlabels