New Zealand has spoken out against plans to change how baby formula is labelled at the meeting of Australian and New Zealand federal and state ministers in Adelaide.
The packaging modifications would prevent manufacturers from promoting points of distinction on the label.
“We remain of the view that restricting ingredients from the infant formula label will create unnecessary confusion for parents who rely on these products,” said INC CEO Jonathan Chew.
“We note that Australia will now be out of alignment not just with New Zealand, but with the European Union, the US, and other jurisdictions in seeking to impose these restrictions on the label.”
According to Sky News Australia, the trans-Tasman agency that governs the dairy industry, powdered milk producers are concerned that proposed labelling standards for infant formula aimed to eliminate false claims may wipe out global sales.
The proposed rules have raised concerns that they will result in the loss of hundreds of jobs and over a billion dollars in New Zealand exports.
“FSANZ has not been able to describe how informed choice would be improved by removing information currently available to parents,” Chew added.
The dairy business generates billions of dollars for New Zealand’s economy, and according to Statista, the country is the world’s largest exporter of whole milk powder (WMP), with more than 95 per cent of the milk produced in the country processed for export.
