'Front of pack labelling'
'Front-of-pack labelling' update 4 June 2012
On 9 December 2011 the Forum on Food Regulation (the Forum) provided its response to Labelling Logic: Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy (2011), which includes an agreement to develop a single interpretive front-of-pack labelling system. Ministers have requested that an interpretive front-of-pack labelling system be developed by December 2012 through a coordinated approach.
The Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC) is responsible for leading the process for developing this system with industry, public health and consumer stakeholders. In March 2012, FRSC established a Steering Committee to manage the process. The Steering Committee comprises all FRSC members and a representative from the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC).
A Project Committee has also been established to develop the system. It comprises cross members from the Steering Committee – representatives from State and Territory Governments, and representatives from:
- Australian Beverages Council;
- Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance;
- Australian Food and Grocery Council;
- Australian Industry Group;
- Australian Medical Association;
- Australian National Retail Association;
- CHOICE;
- Obesity Policy Coalition; and
- Public Health Association of Australia.
The Project Committee has commissioned two working groups to report on technical design, and on implementation, evaluation and education.
The Project Committee has endorsed objectives and principles to guide work of the Committee and working groups.
Stakeholders in the front-of-pack labelling work have been identified from across multi-national corporations, national peak bodies and associations, as well as individuals.
