A CoOL Policy

FIRST Union has congratulated Labour MP, Damien O’Connor, for introducing an amendment to the Food Bill that would see New Zealand introducing Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) for all food sold in New Zealand.

“This marks a further departure of Labour from the extreme free trade positions that it has held for some time,” said Robert Reid, General Secretary of FIRST Union.

“For many years unions, consumer and many other organisations have lobbied both National and Labour Governments to introduce Country of Origin Labelling on food and other products.

“We believe that New Zealanders have a right to know where the food they eat is produced.

“Unfortunately until now this has fallen on deaf ears from both major parties.

“It is encouraging to see the current Labour Party adopt a much more sane policy on trade issues.  We hope this continues with a more sceptical approach to the current Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement  (TPPA) negotiations,” Robert Reid said.

Country of Origin Labelling on food is required in Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia.  There is already an Australia New Zealand food labelling standard that Australia follows but New Zealand has opted out of.

“I am sure that former Green MP, Sue Kedgley, who has advocated this policy for many years will also be delighted that it has finally been adopted by Labour,” Robert Reid said.

Note: Damien O’Connor’s Supplementary Order Paper is here.

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