Labelling Review Recommendations Disappointing

Labelling Review Recommendations Disappointing

28 January 2011

The New Zealand Food and Grocery Council (FGC) welcomes today's release of the Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy, commissioned by the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, but is disappointed by some suggestions made in the Report, says chief executive Katherine Rich.

Mrs Rich says that the final report does not appear to sufficiently reflect the initial Terms of Reference given to the Panel, which said it was important to develop food labelling laws that:

1. are evidence based and effective at achieving their policy purpose;
2. do not impose unjustifiable regulatory burdens on business; and
3. are capable of being enforced in an effective, proportionate and consistent manner.

“The report does makes some good suggestions, however, and we hope these won't be overshadowed by some of the impractical, costly and evidence-light recommendations.”

“FGC will take time over the next week to discuss the report's implications with our members and we will raise these issues constructively with the New Zealand Food Safety Authority.” Mrs Rich said.

ends

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