BATHURST’S Simplot Australia plant – home of Australian icon the Chiko roll – is leading the way as part of a nationwide switch to new Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) laws to come into effect next year.
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Simplot has been revealed as one ofa growing number of local companies rolling out new labelling early, designed to make it easier for consumers to support local farmers and businesses.
Nationals MP Luke Hartsuyker joined his Calare colleague Andrew Gee on a tour of the Bathurst plant on Wednesday to see the labelling changes in action well ahead of the June 30, 2018 deadline.
Mr Hartsuyker said it was wonderful to see Simplot Australia taking ownership of the changes well before the deadline when the new labels become mandatory and setting an example for other businesses.
“Australians want to know where their food is made or packed, and how much is sourced from Australian farmers,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
“The CoOL system does just that and makes it easier for those shoppers keen to support local Australian businesses.
“For most food made, grown or produced in Australia, labels will feature the kangaroo in a triangle symbol and a bar chart indicating the percentage of Australian ingredients.
“It’s exciting to see a family-owned company like Simplot leading the way, rolling out CoOL on all their Edgell and Chiko products—such iconic Australian brands.”
Mr Gee encouraged other businesses to get on board with the new reforms.
“We are already seeing the new labels on Simplot products such as Edgell canned vegetables and everyone’s favourite savoury snack the Chiko Roll, as well as other Chiko products,” Mr Gee said.
“It’s a system that’s good for Australian consumers and for Australian farmers—a win-win.
“We want to help businesses with the process, with a range of assistance available including an online tool to help them identify appropriate labelling for their products.”
The tool and other support for business can be found at business.gov.au/foodlabels or by calling the contact centre on 13 28 46.
More information for consumers can be found at foodlabels.industry.gov.au.
