New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries is concerned proposed labelling reforms in Australia will adversely affect the country’s producers.
New Zealand producers currently supply more than $2.46 billion in imports to Australia.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce has responded by saying that the changes would have “minimal” impact on its trading partners.
“[The reforms] in no way undermine our commitment to a close economic relationship with New Zealand,” a spokesperson for Joyce stated.
“Food imported from New Zealand is already required to make a true country-of-origin statement on labels.
“The amendments under the proposed reforms would require that this origin statement now be placed in a clearly defined box on the label.”
Other changes might also be needed to clarify whether goods used multiple or single-origin ingredients.
A New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries spokesman said concerns remained around the extra cost for producers to comply with the changes.
The proposed labelling reforms, which were revealed in July last year, are being considered by the World Trade Organisation.
Member nations have until 5 February to provide feedback on the plans.
Horticultural body AUSVEG supports Minister Joyce's defence of a stronger country of origin labelling system.
“His comments regarding the minimal level of impact that the proposed changes will have on our trading partners echoes AUSVEG’s belief that there is no excuse to prevent the development of a robust country of origin labelling system in Australia,” said AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy.
“It’s imperative that we move away from the confusing and ambiguous system of the past towards a solution that meets the needs of consumers, who have repeatedly indicated that they want a clearer indication of where the food they are buying comes from.”
Australia’s country of origin labelling system was called into question in early 2015 following a health scare involving hepatitis A linked to imported frozen berries. Hepatitis A was also linked to imported berries in New Zealand last year, sparking calls for reform to New Zealand’s own country of origin labelling rules which are currently only voluntary.
“While the proposed reforms are a good first step towards a meaningful country of origin labelling system, more work needs to be done to ensure that the information consumers receive on a package leaves no doubt in their minds of its origin,” Mulcahy said.
Countries such as the Czech Republic have already committed to unambiguous food labelling, after strengthening its laws on country of origin labelling for milk, wine and unprocessed foods.
“A genuine country of origin labelling system must apply equally to all countries, regardless of trading relationships, so that consumers get the information they sorely want and need,” he said.
“AUSVEG will continue to campaign for effective reform that eliminates ambiguous and deceptive labelling terminology to support consumers who want to make informed decisions about their food purchases.”
Australia’s proposed country of origin labelling reforms, revealed in July last year, are currently open for consultation for businesses and the public.
