Far North Queensland shoppers will soon find it easier to buy Aussie food with new Country of Origin labelling standards set to become compulsory.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said FNQ shoppers can now easily choose clean, green Aussie produce and support Australian farmers.
“Aussies want to choose fair dinkum Aussie produce and our Country of Origin labelling changes will help them,” Mr Entsch said.
“Far North Queenslanders want to support Aussie farmers – all we’ve got to do is give them the information.
“Our new labelling changes require a bar graph showing how much of the product is Australian.”
Federal Agriculture and Water Resources Minister David Littleproud said the Country of Origin labelling system had been voluntary since it was introduced in mid-2016, but from 1 July this year it would become compulsory.
“For business yet to include the Country of Origin standards on its labels, four months might seem like a long time but it will be on us sooner than you think,” Mr Littleproud said.
“It can take time to redesign food packaging.
“We are supporting business to make the changes, including through an online tool.”
Fast Facts:
• Most Australian foods will need to include a bar chart and statement indicating the minimum percentage of Australian content.
• These foods will also carry the ‘Australian made’ kangaroo logo if it has been made, produced or grown here.
• All food labels will need to continue to include a statement about where the food has been made, grown or produce
Information for businesses, including an online tool, can be found at business.gov.au/foodlabels or by calling the contact centre on 13 28 46.