Aust-NZ examination of food labelling laws

Ministers responsible for food issues in Australia and New Zealand will set up a panel to undertake a comprehensive, year-long examination of food labelling law and policy, which could include GM foods.

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has agreed that the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council (the Ministerial Council) undertake a comprehensive review of food labelling law and policy using an evidence based approach and without compromising public health and safety.

Matters for Review

The review panel will be required to:

Examine the policy drivers impacting on demands for food labelling.

Consider what should be the role for government in the regulation of food labelling.   What principles should guide decisions about government regulatory intervention?

Consider what policies and mechanisms are needed to ensure that government plays its optimum role.

Consider principles and approaches to achieve compliance with labelling requirements, and appropriate and consistent enforcement.

Evaluate current policies, standards and laws relevant to food labelling and existing work on health claims and front of pack labelling against terms of reference 1-4 above.

Make recommendations to improve food labelling law and policy.

More information and terms of reference at FSANZ