5 Mar 2010 --- A Committee conducting the Independent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy has released the Issues Consultation Paper via the website (www.foodlabellingreview.gov.au).

This Review, chaired by Dr Neal Blewett AC, is being conducted at the request of the Council of Australian Governments and the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, representing Australian and New Zealand Governments.

The Consultation Paper summarises the issues that have been raised in the first round of submissions to the Review, as well as issues in the literature and media in recent years.  The Paper also elaborates on the Review’s Terms of Reference and has been prepared to stimulate thinking and debate. 

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.  All Stakeholders are encouraged to take this opportunity to make a written submission. Submissions can be made online via the website (www.foodlabellingreview.gov.au).

Submissions that meet the submission guidelines will be made publicly available on the website.  The closing date for the written and online submissions is 14 May 2010. 

Members of the public are also encouraged to attend one of the public meetings that will be held across Australia and New Zealand.  As part of the consultation, the Review Committee will be holding public forums in Australia and New Zealand from 17 March – 7 May 2010. Stakeholders are invited to register on the website (www.foodlabellingreview.gov.au) to attend a public forum.

The review panel will be required to:
1. Examine the policy drivers impacting on demands for food labelling.

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

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

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

5. 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.

6. Make recommendations to improve food labelling law and policy