The new food labelling system, the National Food labelling Information Standard for countries of Origin, (Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard), came into effect today, allowing consumers to get more information about where food is grown and where it is produced, according to the Australian news agency.
As of July 1, manufacturers will be required to comply with new food labelling standards, and food labels must contain more details about the source of the raw materials.
Manufacturers are required to comply with new food labelling standards from July 1
The new labels fall into four categories: planting, production, manufacture and packing. The label should have a simple text description, or a kangaroo logo, additional text, and a gold chart showing the Australian raw material percentage.
Food packaged and tagged on or before June 30 can still be sold without a new label after the new food labelling system takes effect.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Council, (ACCC), has warned that it will inspect 10, 000 foods to ensure companies comply with the law.
"We have arranged for staff to conduct field surveys, starting with fresh food sold in supermarkets or foods with a very short shelf life, regardless of size," the committee`s vice-chairman, (Mick Keogh), said in a statement.
"We will pay more attention to those companies that we see as having problems with labelling of origin," he said. As usual, we can seek further action in cases where there is a need to step up action. "
Under the new law, food for sale in stores, markets, online and vending machines must be labeled, but unpackaged food is exempt from food sold in restaurants and exported food.
