Under the new system, packaging for food products will include a label indicating the proportion of Australian ingredients by weight, displayed in a statement and a bar graph to ensure quick and easy comprehension by consumers.

The new laws apply from 1 July 2016, with the labels becoming mandatory on all food products sold in retail stores from 1 July 2018. Businesses now have a two-year transitional period in which to design new packaging and apply the labels.

“The reformed system which commences today is a real win for Australian consumers, and is a definitive affirmation of the right of shoppers to make informed decisions about the food they buy,” said AUSVEG spokesperson, Jordan Brooke-Barnett. “After years of campaigning for meaningful country of origin labelling reform, AUSVEG is very pleased to see these new laws take effect. This new labelling system is an encouraging step forward in efforts to provide consumers with more transparent, informative food labelling.”

“We’re proud to have been part of the process which has led to these reforms, and we will continue work to ensure that Australia’s country of origin labelling system meets all the information needs of Australian consumers.”

AUSVEG has previously called for extensive reform to Australia’s Country of Origin Labelling system, including a requirement that labels list the specific country of origin of a food product’s key ingredients. 

“The successful introduction of today’s reforms show that all levels of government recognise the importance of implementing a clear and unambiguous country of origin labelling system – one which gives consumers the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions,” Brooke-Barnett said.

“AUSVEG looks forward to working with Government into the future to continue reforming and improving Australia’s food labelling system, including information on the specific countries of origin of key ingredients, so that consumers can be absolutely certain about where their food comes from.”