Australian Made | The Checkout

Summary

In 2014, Australia revamped its food labeling laws to simplify country of origin labeling. The new rules introduced a kangaroo logo for products made or grown in Australia and a bar chart to indicate the percentage of Australian ingredients. Previously misleading labels like 'Made in Australia' for products with mixed local and imported ingredients are now restricted. Products packed or simply processed in Australia must use a specific label, not the kangaroo symbol, but can still use the bar chart for transparency. Imported foods must disclose their origin. The changes, effective from July 1, 2016, aim to provide clearer information to consumers about the origin of their food.

Takeaways

• 🇦🇺 New rules for country of origin food labeling in Australia were introduced in 2016.
• 🦘 The kangaroo logo indicates that a product was made or grown in Australia.
• 📊 A bar chart is used to show the percentage of Australian ingredients in a product.
• 🔍 Products labeled 'Made in Australia' must now be substantially transformed or have at least 50% of their production costs spent in Australia.
• 🚫 Products that are only packed or have simple processing in Australia must use a specific label and cannot use the kangaroo symbol.
• 📚 The bar chart can still be used to indicate the percentage of Australian ingredients for these products.
• 🌐 If a food is imported, the label must state the country of origin.
• 🚫 There is no requirement for non-Australian ingredients to state their origin, though some might choose to do so.
• 🔄 The new labeling rules started on July 1st, 2016, but phased in gradually.
• 🌱 If you see 'Growing in Australia' or 'Product of Australia' without a kangaroo symbol, the product is still 100% Australian.

Q & A

What was the issue with Australia's country of origin food labeling laws in 2014?

In 2014, Australia's country of origin food labeling laws were considered inadequate because they allowed products labeled 'Made in Australia' to be made from local and imported ingredients without substantial transformation or spending 50% of their production costs in Australia.

What did Christopher Pyne do to address the food labeling laws?

Christopher Pyne introduced new rules to simplify country of origin food labeling, which included a kangaroo logo and a bar chart to indicate the percentage of Australian ingredients.

What does the kangaroo logo in the new labeling system represent?

The kangaroo logo in the new labeling system indicates that the product was made or grown in Australia.

What does the bar chart in the new labeling system represent?

The bar chart in the new labeling system shows the percentage of ingredients that are Australian.

What was one of the problems with the old labeling system?

One of the problems with the old labeling system was that products labeled 'Made in Australia' could be made from a combination of local and imported ingredients without substantial transformation or spending 50% of their production costs in Australia.

What is the new requirement for products that have only been packed in Australia or had simple processing?

Products that have only been packed in Australia or had simple processing must use a label stating they are 'Packed in Australia' and cannot use the kangaroo symbols, but they can use the bar chart to indicate the percentage of Australian ingredients.

What must be stated on the label if the food is imported?

If the food is imported, the label must indicate the country it is from.

What is the significance of the kangaroo logo and the bar chart in the new labeling system?

The kangaroo logo signifies that the product was made or grown in Australia, while the bar chart shows what percentage of the ingredients are Australian, providing a clearer indication of the product's origin.

What is the new rule regarding the origin of non-Australian ingredients?

Under the new system, non-Australian ingredients do not have to state their origin, although some manufacturers might choose to do so.

When did the new food labeling rules start and how long will it take to be fully implemented?

The new food labeling rules started on July 1st, 2016, but they will take a while to be phased in.

What should consumers look for if they see 'Growing in Australia' or 'Product of Australia' labels without a kangaroo symbol?

If consumers see 'Growing in Australia' or 'Product of Australia' labels without a kangaroo symbol, they can still be assured that the product is 100% Australian.