The Committee conducting the Independent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy has today released the Issues Consultation Paper via the website (www.foodlabellingreview.gov.au).

This Review, chaired by Dr Neal Blewett AC, is being conducted at the request of the Council of Australian Governments and the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, representing Australian and New Zealand Governments.

The Consultation Paper summarises the issues that have been raised in the first round of submissions to the Review, as well as issues in the literature and media in recent years. The Paper also elaborates on the Review's Terms of Reference and has been prepared to stimulate thinking and debate.

This extensive Review will play an important role both for consumers who are looking for clarity in labelling and industry who are looking for certainty about their roles and responsibilities. All Stakeholders are encouraged to take this opportunity to make a written submission. Submissions can be made online via the website (www.foodlabellingreview.gov.au).

Submissions that meet the submission guidelines will be made publicly available on the website. The closing date for the written and online submissions is 14 May 2010.

Members of the public are also encouraged to attend one of the public meetings that will be held across Australia and New Zealand. As part of the consultation, the Review Committee will be holding public forums in Australia and New Zealand from 17 March - 7 May 2010. Stakeholders are invited to register on the website (www.foodlabellingreview.gov.au) to attend a public forum. The schedule is as follows:

Perth 17th and 18th March 2010

Wellington 25th March 2010

Christchurch 26th March 2010

Sydney 29th March 2010

Hobart 9th April 2010

Canberra 12th April 2010

Darwin 16th April 2010

Adelaide 23rd April 2010

Melbourne 29th April 2010

Brisbane 7th May 2010

If you require a hard copy of the Issues Consultation Paper, assistance or further information please contact the Food Labelling Review Secretariat via email FoodLabellingReview@health.gov.au