New food labelling bittersweet

IT IS a shame it took the infection of 28 people with hepatitis A from frozen berries for it to happen, but Australian consumers will soon have a better idea of how much of their food is truly local and whether it is actually made in this country.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce yesterday unveiled a new labelling system, featuring green and gold kangaroo labels.

Australian manufacturers will be required to show the labels from next year.

While there may be a small additional cost from the labelling, consumers will at least have peace of mind about where their food comes from. This is a welcomed, overdue initiative.