News

Crack down on labels

Fruit and vegetable retailers have come under close scrutiny from the public and authorities alike after new rules from the NSW Food Authority.
The introduction of country of origin labelling which describes the country or countries where food was grown, manufactured or packaged marks a major development in the food industry, in particular in the wake of recent reports this year that both Coles and Woolworths in Sydney were fined for misleading fruit labels.
Sydney Markets takes the Country of Origin labelling law very seriously and urges vendors and sellers to familiarise themselves with the rules below.

What is required?

The labelling requirements for fruits and vegetables means that unpackaged and packaged fresh whole or cut fruit and vegetables displayed for retail sale must have a label on it or in connection with the display of the food that identifies the country or countries of origin of the food.
For mixed fruit or vegetables, the label must state each country in which the food was produced, or make a qualified claim. For example, a display of oranges containing oranges from both Australia and the USA mixed together can be labelled with the statement 'Product of Australia and Product of USA' or 'Mix of local and imported'.

Speak the same language

Statements must be in English, visible, legible to the average consumer and distinct from the background. A label in connection with the display of unpackaged food must be in type size of at least 9 mm. Where food is in an assisted service, refrigerated display cabinet, the size of the type on the label must be at least 5 mm.
Usually, the retailer will find country of origin information on the invoice, carton or package the product was supplied in. If this information cannot be located, the supplier should be asked to provide it. Suppliers are obliged to provide country of origin information.

Pay the price

There are major penalties for noncompliance, with on-the-spot fines ranging from $440 to $880, while fines for false and misleading claims range from $770 to $1540.
The Food Act 2003 provides penalties of up to $55,000 for individuals and $275,000 for corporations where serious breaches are prosecuted in a court of law.
In New South Wales, it is an offence to label or advertise foods in a misleading or deceptive manner to customers. False or misleading representations about the country of origin of foods are also regulated under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

Want to know more?

For more information and factsheets on labelling requirements, phone the helpline on 1300 552 406 or visit the following websites:

www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/industry/food-business-issues/labelling/
www.foodstandards.gov.au

References and Archived Information

Handling Of Mail & Packages

It is appropriate that people handling mail remain vigilant and cautious at this time but it should be remembered that most reports of suspicious packages are false alarms.
All people handling mail items in a work or business situation should be aware of the emergency procedures for responding to and reporting a suspicious article.
Where possible, the sort and processing of mail and packages should be conducted in an area that is separated from the main organisation and which can be easily contained.
If you receive a package or letter that you believe is suspicious, follow the procedures outlined below.

What To Do If You Recieve A Suspicious Package Or Mail Item

If you suspect that you have received a package that may contain hazardous material and

Have Not Opened It

Place item in a plastic bag and seal it.
Place all times in a second plastic bag and seal that bag.
Stay in your office or immediate work area. This also applies to co-workers in the same room. Prevent others from entering the area and becoming contaminated. Remember you are not in immediate danger.
Call for help. This may be your supervisor or to 000 to ask for Fire HAZMAT depending on your situation. Advise:

Exact location of incident - street address, building floor
Number of people potentially exposed
Description of the package/device
Action taken e.g. package covered with black coat, area isolated.

Keep your hands away from your face to avoid contaminating your eyes, nose and mouth.
If possible (without leaving your work area) wash your hands.
Wait for help to arrive.

If you suspect that you have received a package that may contain hazardous material and

Have Opened It

Do not disturb the item any further. Do not pass it around. If any material has spilt from the item, do not try to clean it up, or brush it from your clothing.
If possible place an object over the package without disturbing it such as a large waste bin.
Stay in you office or immediate work area. This also applies to co-workers in the same room. Prevent others from entering the are and becoming contaminated. Remember you are not in immediate danger.
Call for help. This may be your supervisor or to 000 to ask for Fire HAZMAT depending on your situation. Advise:

Exact location of incident - street address, building floor
Number of people potentially exposed
Description of the package/device
Action taken e.g. package covered with black coat, area isolated.

Keep your hands away from your face to avoid contaminating your eyes, nose and mouth.
If possible (without leaving your work area) wash your hands.
If possible, have the building ventilation system shut down and turn off any fans or equipment that is circulating air around your workplace.
Wait for help to arrive.

If you suspect the mail item may contain an explosive device

Follow your normal emergency procedures
Ring 000 and report the package
Evacuate the area