Issues consultation paper: Food Labelling Law and Policy Review

• Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy

08 March 2010Various reviews of the food regulation system suggest that food labelling has been an ongoing issue of concern for the food industry, consumers and government. This paper summarises issues raised in the current review of labelling.

In recent years industry, consumers and government agencies have raiused concerns over:

• difficulties consumers have in understanding and using information on labels;
• the cost to business and consumers of meeting labelling standards;
• a lack of or inconsistent enforcement of labelling laws across jurisdictions; and
• the accuracy and truthfulness of labelling.  
 
In response, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has agreed that the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council undertake a comprehensive Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy using an evidence-based approach and without compromising public health and safety. This Issues consultation paper summarises the issues that have been raised in the first round of submissions to the Review, as well as issues in the literature and media in recent years. This paper elaborates on the Review’s Terms of Reference and has been prepared to stimulate thinking and debate.

The consultation process will involve submissions and public meetings which will be held in all capital cities in Australia and in New Zealand from 17 March to 7 May 2010. The schedule for consultation meetings and registration is now available on the following website: www.foodlabellingreview.gov.au. Submissions and further research will be used to shape the final report that is due to the Ministerial Council and COAG in late 2010 and early 2011 respectively.