The Hon Christopher Pyne MP
Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister for Health and Ageing
25 October 2005
Country of Origin Labelling
“The Australian Government intends to support the standard on country of origin labelling referred to the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council at its upcoming meeting on 28 October,” the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne, said today.
“The Australian Government supports the draft standard as a step forward and will not be seeking a review,” Mr Pyne said.
“It is a significant step in achieving informative country of origin labelling for Australian consumers.”
The issue of country of origin labelling of whole foods when mixed together in packaging continues to be widely debated by governments, industry and consumers.
In light of this ongoing debate, the Australian Government will be seeking further consideration through Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) of the merits of extending country of origin labelling to packaged products with two or less ‘whole food’ ingredients (for example, mixed peas and corn).
“As the Australian Government Lead Minister for Food, I propose to direct FSANZ, under the powers available to me under Section 11 of theFood Standard Australia New Zealand Act 1991,to consider the feasibility of extending country of origin labelling to products with two or less ‘whole food’ ingredients, including a regulatory impact statement, cost benefit analysis and consultation with stakeholders, with a report to the Ministerial Council by the end of March 2006,” Mr Pyne said.
“This thorough analysis and fulsome consultation with all stakeholders will provide governments with comprehensive information to give this proposal proper consideration.
“The direction for further examination will prevent delays in the commencement of the current standard. It will also provide the opportunity for full and proper consultation with stakeholders on this issue.
“I have written to Ministers on the Food Regulation Ministerial Council in regard to my intentions and will be seeking their views at the upcoming Ministerial Council meeting,” Mr Pyne said.
Media contact: Adam Howard 0400 414 833