Country of origin labelling, Food Safety Glossary

Mandatory labelling that tells consumers where a food was grown, produced, made or packed, required under the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information…

Frequently asked questions

Is country of origin labelling mandatory?

Yes, for most food offered for retail sale in Australia it is mandatory under the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016, made under Australian Consumer Law.

Who administers and enforces it?

It is a Commonwealth consumer information standard administered by the Australian Government, with the ACCC responsible for enforcing compliance.

What is the difference between priority and non-priority foods?

Priority foods, most of what people buy to eat at home, generally need the standard mark with a bar chart of Australian content, while non-priority foods need only a text origin statement.

What does the kangaroo-in-a-triangle logo mean?

It indicates a food was grown, produced or made in Australia, and it appears on the standard mark for priority foods alongside a bar chart and text about Australian ingredient content.

Do restaurants and cafes have to label origin?

Ready-to-eat food served in food service is generally outside the mandatory scheme, though separate rules can apply to some foods such as pork, so businesses should check current guidance.

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