Far North Queensland consumers will now have more clarity and less confusion about the food products they buy.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the new labels offer Far North Queensland consumers the information they need to make educated choices about the food on their tables.
He said the new food labelling reforms started this week after consumers made it known they wanted clearer and more meaningful food labelling.
“The new labels provide consumers in Far North Queensland with accurate information and real choice,” Mr Entsch said.
“This is all about allowing people to make informed choices about the food they buy.
“Consumers will now be able to look to the familiar kangaroo symbol for clear and accurate information on if the food was made, grown, produced or packed in Australia, or in another country, with the new country of origin labelling requirements for food now mandatory.
“Consumers will now find it easier to choose products that match their preferences.”
Federal Science, Jobs and Innovation Assistant Minister Zed Seselja said the Australian Government had successfully delivered on community expectations that food labelling should provide a true statement about the product’s origin.
“Australian consumers were rightfully concerned about unclear and confusing food labels,” Mr Seselja said.
“The government addressed those concerns by implementing significant reforms to food labelling.
“Australian farmers and producers will see the benefits with consumers able to identify and choose to buy Australian products.
“I commend the many businesses that adopted the new labelling before the end of the transition period.
“This shows their willingness to provide consumers with more meaningful information about product origin.”
Businesses were given two years to transition to the new arrangements.
The transition period ended on 1 July 2018.
Most food products sold in Australia must now meet the new labelling requirements. Stock in trade provisions minimise the need to relabel products labelled before 1 July 2018.
Further information can be found on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website www.accc.gov.au