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.
Ends.