COAG INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF FOOD LABELLING LAW AND POLICY
MEDIA RELEASE
5 November 2010
FINALISATION OF FOOD LABELLING REVIEW
Following two rounds of public consultation, the Independent Review of Food
Labelling Law and Policy is now in the final stages of writing its report.
The Panel, chaired by Dr Neal Blewett AC, met recently for its 13th meeting and
reported good progress in its thorough evaluation of information gathered during the
review process, including the views and ideas submitted by stakeholders, to ensure
that it formulates robust recommendations that will withstand scrutiny and address
the Terms of Reference for the Review.
In March this year, the Review Panel embarked on its second phase of stakeholder
consultation, which included public meetings held in all capital cities in Australia and
New Zealand and an invitation to the public to provide written submissions in
response to the Panel’s Issues Consultation Paper.
“The public’s response to our second round of consultation was very pleasing. More
than 550 people attended the public consultation forums, and we received almost
600 written submissions from stakeholders in response to our Issues Consultation
Paper,” Review Panel Chair, Dr Blewett, said.
“The Panel appreciates the time taken by so many stakeholders and members of the
general public to contribute to the Review process. We know a lot of people –
consumers, interest groups, industry and governments - are looking to the outcomes
of this Review to satisfy their concerns and to motivate change and I and the other
panel members are very conscious of the responsibility we have to meet people’s
expectations.”
Dr Blewett said a range of issues generated considerable debate during the
consultation. Examples of these include the role of food labelling in addressing
population health priorities, and the extent to which information about food
ingredients, production processes, manufacturing technologies, and the presence of
additives and allergens should be declared on food labels.
“There were diverse views about the current requirements and further justification for
country of origin labelling and extensive discussion about the degree to which
endorsements and health claims should be standardised and regulated,” Dr Blewett
said.
“Another key issue raised by stakeholders was enforcement and the need for an
adequate and effective means of ensuring the truthfulness and accuracy of the
information provided on food labels.
“The Panel is directly approaching individuals and organisations if we require any
information to further refine our recommendations.”
The Review Panel will make a presentation to the Food Standards Ministerial Council
at its meeting on 3 December 2010. COAG will decide on the public release of the
report after it receives the final Report in early 2011.
More information, including public submissions (unless confidentiality was requested)
Media contact: Media Unit 02 6289 7400
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