The Australian Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard (2016) is a mandatory requirement as of the 30th of June 2018, where most food suitable for retail sale in Australia must have the new country of origin standards present on the packaging.
The Country of Origin information may take the form of a text statement (statements may need to be in a defined box) or a text and graphic label known as a standard mark.
Labelling requirements for individual food items vary depending on whether the food:
- is a ‘priority’ or ‘non-priority’ food
- was grown, produced, made or packed in Australia or another country.
While the Standard applies to food that is imported into Australia for retail sale, it does not require country of origin labelling on food exported for sale outside Australia. However, labels permitted by the Standard may be used on exports, subject to the labelling laws in the importing country.
The Standard has a two-year transition period, during which businesses must either:
- continue to label their products according to the existing requirements around country of origin labelling set out in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Food Code), or
- adopt the new labelling requirements of the Standard.
From 1 July 2018, food to be sold in Australia must be labelled according to the requirements of the Standard. However, food products that are packaged and labelled according to the Food Code on or before 30 June 2018 can still be sold without the new labels after that date.
The full guidelines can be found here.
If your business needs assistance with understanding and implementing the Country of Origin standards, contact Quality Associates today for a consultation on your regulatory needs 1300 73 71 93 or info@qualityassociates.com.au
