Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) requirements for individual food items vary depending on whether the food is a ‘priority’ or ‘non-priority’ food, and whether it was grown, produced, made or packed in Australia (or another country), as defined in the legislation. For more information about classifying priority foods, refer to ACCC: Country of Origin food labelling (March 2021).
Classifying priority and non-priority foods
Priority foods
Priority foods require the CoOL standard mark to be displayed on the food label. The CoOL standard mark includes a kangaroo logo and bar chart and a text label indicating the percentage of the food that is Australian (if any). Examples of priority foods include:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Meat
- Seafood
- Bread
- Milk
- Nuts
- Honey
- Cereal
Example of a priority food standard mark:
Non-priority foods
Non-priority foods do not require the standard mark but they do require a CoOL text statement to be displayed on the food label. Examples of non-priority foods include:
- Seasonings (herbs, spices or pastes)
- Confectionary (chocolate, ice cream or lollies)
- Snack foods (biscuits, chips or crackers)
- Sugar sweetened beverages (soft drink or sports drinks)
- Alcohol
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
Example of a non-priority food text statement:
Disclaimer
Note that this article does not advise you on how to comply with the Australian legislative requirements for CoOL. It assumes that you understand the relevant legislative requirements for labelling your products, including (but not restricted to):
- The Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016 (under s.134 of the Australian Consumer Law - Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010).
- The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. To meet these requirements, you need to use your own expertise and, where necessary, seek legal advice.
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