COAG INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF FOOD LABELLING LAW AND POLICY
MEDIA RELEASE/MEDIA ALERT
FOOD LABELLING REVIEW CONSULTATIONS NEARING CLOSE
Public consultations by the independent review panel on food labelling in Australia and New Zealand
are drawing to a close and both consumers and industry should take the opportunity now to express
their opinions on this important health and community issue.
The Chair of the Independent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy, Dr Neal Blewett AC, is
encouraging all people interested in this important health and nutrition issue to put their views to the
Members of the Review Panel have already held public meetings in Perth, Wellington, Christchurch,
Sydney, Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide and by teleconference with Darwin. A public consultation
meeting is planned for Melbourne tomorrow (29th April) and in Brisbane on 7th May. People are
asked to register for these public meetings for accommodation and catering purposes at
The Review Panel has released an Issues Paper based on more than 6000 submissions sent to the
Panel on what issues should be covered by the Review and now it is seeking detailed submissions on
what people want from food labelling including useful information on packaged, canned, processed
and fresh foods.
"Clearly consumers are very concerned about what is in the foods and drinks they consume and the
food, beverage and alcohol industries have their views on what information is appropriate for
packaging labels," Dr Blewett said today.
"The Review Panel is impressed by both the depth and breadth of interest in this Review. We
welcome all options and ideas as to what information should be contained on food labels and how it
should be presented."
Stakeholders are encouraged to make submissions in response to the questions raised in the Issues
Paper and provide appropriate evidence for their views. The closing date for the written and online
submissions is 14th May 2010.
ALERT – MEDIA CONFERENCE
The Review Panel will hold a media conference in Melbourne tomorrow when
Dr Blewett will give an update on consultations so far. Media will have the
opportunity to film some of the public meeting.
WHEN:
Thursday, 29th April 2010
WHERE:
Telstra Corporate Centre
Conference Rooms 1 and 2, Level 1
1/242 Exhibition St Melbourne (Corner of Exhibition and
Lonsdale Streets)
TIME:
1 pm
Media contact: Media Unit 02 6289 7400 mobile: 0412 132 585
NEWS 
