The iconic green and yellow Australian made logo is there to help us recognise which products are locally manufactured. Although many my think a product branded with this special logo is entirely produced on our shores, they could be wrong.
To what extent should we go when branding a product ‘Australian made’? Independent Senator Nick Xenophon is currently challenging labelling laws in parliament, claiming that this famous logo can be “misleading”. Mr. Xenophon is challenging the house to make it illegal for products to receive the tick of approval if they contain foreign produce.
In response to the Senator’s proposal, many have argued that some products simply cannot be produced without overseas goods. Some additives, raw materials, complex preservatives and flavourings can only be found off shore.
Although some elements must come from overseas, some products are able to get away with a lot more. Xenophon spoke of an orange juice bottle branded with the green and yellow kangaroo containing half Australian half imported juices. With so many discrepancies, it’s hard to see where to draw the line!
If a Cadbury chocolate is made in Australia, but sources it’s coco from off shore can it truly display the Australian made logo?
Could stricter laws on labelling make it harder for the Australian food industry?
Please share your thoughts below. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with any further news on the matter.
By Joel
I am also aware of this current problem when it comes to food. I believe many consumers are being mislead by companies claiming they are 100% Australian owned and made. However i think there are very few companies that can wholeheartedly claim they produce products and services that do not use any outside resources.
ReplyDeleteThere has been this large debate in the wood manufacturing industry where many consumers are being mislead by companies who bend the truth when they claim their products are sources from Australian forests and that there products are completely manufactured in Australian when this is just not the case. You could call it 'clever' marketing or 'breaking the law'.
I say its a combination of the two.