Labelling Review

In October the Food Regulation Ministerial Council met in Brisbane. This Council is comprised of all the Government Ministers responsible for food related issues across Australia and New Zealand.

There were several issues on the agenda for this meeting, amongst them was a food labelling review. As a result of the meeting, Dr Neal Blewett AC has been appointed to head a panel to do a complete review of both food labelling law and policy.

“Dr Blewett was a pioneer of Australia’s universal Medicare health system and is a strong advocate for the rights of consumers. I am delighted that he has agreed to chair the Review Panel,” Mr Mark Butler, the Chair of the Council and Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Health, said. “The expert panel of prominent people that is currently being set up will bring together a wealth of expertise in public policy, public health, economics, law, consumer behaviour and business.”

“This extensive Review will play an important role both for consumers who are looking for clarity in labelling and industry who are looking for certainty about their roles and responsibilities,” Mr Butler said. The Review Panel which will also look at front of pack, Genetic Modification (GM) and organic food labelling. The current work being done on Nutritional Claims is included in this review.

The Council has set the Terms of Reference for the Review Panel, which can be found at www.foodstandards.gov.au.

Included in the Terms of Reference is a requirement to consider what government’s role should be, the principles that should guide decisions about regulatory intervention, the policies and mechanisms which are needed to ensure government plays its role, and the principles and approaches needed to ensure compliance.

Individuals and organisations have until 20 November 2009 to make any initial submissions to the Panel through www.foodstandards.gov.au