New CoOL announced – effective 2016

The new Country of Origin Labelling has just been announced. There are actually three levels of labelling which manufacturers will now be required to use as of 2016. The first two levels contain the Green and Gold Kangaroo symbol.

The first level is to show the amount of a food is made from Australian ingredients. This will be done on a label showing a bar which is shaded to identify the amount of Australian ingredients.

The second level is about food grown in this country and it will have contain the words “Grown in Australia”.

The third level of labelling is for those foods which are grown in another country and then packed in Australia.The label doesn’t contain the Kangaroo and shows the statement “Packed in Australia Grown in _______________”

Although these labels will be mandatory for foods depending upon their content and the claims by the companies, the Government is encouraging more information to help consumers make their purchasing decisions. In general the new labels have been well received but it will only be after they have been use for some time that it will be clear if they have helped address the cry by the public for information about Country of Origin, particularly since the recent Hepatitis outbreak

For more information go tohttp://ausfoodnews.com.au/2015/07/22/pm-announces-final-version-of-australias-country-of-origin-law.html .

Rachelle Williams, The Green Food Safety Coach.