Australia to introduce country-of-origin labeling after hepatitis A outbreak

By Colin Packham SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott backed plans on Thursday to introduce country-of-origin labeling in the wake of a hepatitis A outbreak, potentially risking contravention of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. With 18 confirmed cases of hepatitis A linked to consumption of berries sold by Patties Foods Ltd, Abbott said he had asked members of his Cabinet to draft legislation by the end of March to provide greater transparency to consumers. Australia was among plaintiffs against the United States after it introduced its own stronger country-of-origin labeling laws for beef products last year. The WTO ruled against the United States in October, arguing that country-of-origin labeling provided an incentive to favor domestic livestock.



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