logos

Country of origin labelling for food

Changes to country of origin food labelling starting soon

On 1 July 2018, businesses must meet the Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016, made under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

The new standard applies to food offered for retail sale in Australia, including:

  • in stores or markets
  • online
  • from vending machine.

The law does not apply to food sold in places such as restaurants, cafes, take-away shops and schools, or to food provided by caterers.

Under the new system, most foods produced, grown or made in Australia must display a label with:

  • the kangaroo in a triangle system to help consumers easily and quickly identify the food’s Australian origin
  • a text statement indicating that the food was grown, produced, or made in Australia
  • a bar chart showing the minimum proportion of Australian ingredients by ingoing weight, shown as a percentage amount.

Imported food

Imported food is grown, produced, made or packaged in a country other than Australia. The label should specify the country of origin in a clearly defined box.

For more information, visit the Australian Government’s food labelling website.

Related information

Last updated: 02 Aug 2023

This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.