[Greens-Media] FW: Christine Milne media release: Greens call for Australian-made honesty on food labels

[Hetherington, Alison (Sen C. Milne)]

Media Release

Thursday 16 May 2013

Greens call for Australian-made honesty on food labels

The days of puzzling over Australian-made claims in the aisles of the supermarket would be over if a bill introduced today by Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne is passed in the Senate.

The Greens' new Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Country of Origin Food Labelling) Bill extends country of origin labelling to all food for retail sale and simplifies labelling to just three allowable claims:

*         Product of or Grown in Australia;

*         Manufactured in Australia; and

*         Packaged in Australia.

"We know consumers want to support Australian farmers and producers but the current food labelling rules are just too confusing," Senator Milne said.

"The changes would mean consumers will be able to identify whether products are Australian grown or manufactured, and the misleading claims like "made from local and imported ingredients" would be prohibited.

"The changes would also encourage companies to highlight local ingredients in their labels.

"My labelling proposals are the result of extensive consultation with consumer groups, manufacturers and farmers. I particularly want to thank CHOICE for their input which is strongly reflected in the bill," Senator Milne said.

Media contact:  Georgie Klug 0438 376 082