What is the difference between food labelled "Product of Australia" and that described as "Made in Australia"? Potentially, it is huge, but shoppers could be forgiven for some confusion.
Food labelling laws are again under review, with packaged-food manufacturers and consumer groups facing off over just how much people are entitled to know about what they are eating.
At issue in the independent review, being conducted under the auspices of the Council of Australian Governments, are not only the country-of-origin labelling laws but also whether customers will be informed when a product contains genetically modified food.
Other matters to be examined include: animal welfare concerns such as Free Range claims for eggs and meat; aspects of food processing including the use of nanotechnology and irradiation; and the permissibility of making certain health claims on packaging.
(Source: The Sydney Morning Herald Online)