The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) notes the action recently announced by the ACCC and comments by the national food standards agency, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) on allegations around food labelling.  

Australia has a strong, world-leading food safety system, with responsibilities shared between food businesses, the Australian Government and state and territory regulators.

This is underpinned by robust consultation and extensive regulatory frameworks. 

Consumers in Australia have, for decades, trusted our food products are what the label say they are.

“Australia’s food, beverage and grocery manufacturing sector relies on high-quality agricultural produce and is rightly proud of its commitment to Aussie grown inputs,” said CEO of the AFGC, Colm Maguire. “Not only does this mean Australian consumers get access to high-quality products at the supermarket, but the many rural and regional communities hosting farms and factories benefit greatly from the local economic activity.”

Food, beverage and grocery manufacturers take their responsibilities seriously and invest heavily in supplier verification, traceability, quality assurance, testing and auditing. These systems operate across complex domestic and international supply chains and are designed to identify risks before products reach consumers.

“The global supply chains underpinning the range of products on supermarket shelves are not only complex, but fragile as we continue to observe,” said Mr Maguire. “Australian food, beverage and grocery manufacturers are unwavering in their commitment to local supply chains, quality products and sovereign capability.”

“Australians can be proud of the food supply system we have in this country, and equally so of the regulatory frameworks that have long upheld its safety and quality,” he said.