The rules around labelling of imported food have changed to make it easier for consumers to see where their food comes from. Imported food is classified as food not grown, produced, made or packed in Australia. This change means many foods sold in Australian supermarkets and retail outlets must carry a new label that clearly identifies the country that the food comes from.
Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016 (the Information Standard)
The Information Standard applies to:
– food for retail sale in Australia (e.g. food sold to the public in stores or markets, or from vending machines)
– packaged foods sold by wholesalers
– many unpackaged foods.
What has changed?
The main change is that most imported, packaged foods are now required to have the country of origin statement placed in a clearly defined box on the label.
The Information Standard started on 1 July 2016 and has a two year transition period. During the transition period businesses (including importers) can either:
– continue to label their products according to the existing labelling requirements set out in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Food Standards Code) or
– adopt the new labelling requirements of the Information Standard.
When the transition period ends on 1 July 2018, food entering Australia must be labelled according to the requirements of the Information Standard or penalties will apply. However, stock in trade (food products that are packaged and labelled according to the Food Standards Code on or before 30 June 2018) can still be sold without the new labels.
Source reference: https://www.business.gov.au/info/run/goods-and-services/selling-goods-and-services/selling-goods/country-of-origin-food-labelling/labelling-for-imported-food
