Organic Sector Wants a CoOL World Food Day

16 Oct 2009

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is using UN World Food Day today to call for mandatory country of origin labeling (CoOL) on fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.

"On UN World Food Day, the organic sector is calling for meaningful, mandatory country of origin labeling, so people can make more informed choices about their food", said Dr Jon Tanner, OANZ Chief Executive Officer.

"I have written to the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Hon Heather Roy, asking for labeling of fresh and single-component foods, such as fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.

Dr Tanner will also attend a public forum from midday until 2pm today, at Grey Lynn Community Centre, Auckland.

"Organic and conventional producers and consumers are coming together for a discussion about country of origin labeling - and why New Zealand needs it.

"Country of origin labeling gives families the opportunity to make a more informed choice about where their food is coming from.

"Not all food is created equal.  Knowing the country of origin lets people research what's really behind their food - the labour conditions, animal welfare and environmental regimes they're supporting at the supermarket.

"Labeling isn't about telling people what to buy, it's about giving families the information to make their own decisions.

"New Zealand's major trading partners - including Australia, the United States and China - already have mandatory country of origin labeling requirements.

"If country of origin labeling is good enough for our Aussie cousins, why should New Zealanders be denied the same information?" Dr Tanner asked.

ENDS