ICCC looks at new ban on food labels

THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission says there are recommendations to impose a new interim ban on food products labelled in non-English.
Commissioner Paulus Ain said that the interim ban on non-English labelled products expired in September 2017.
The ICCC had progressed with an intention to ban notice (G14/18) declaring these products unsafe for the purposes of the ICCC Act 2002 and other enabling legislations.
“A new interim ban on the same product after the initial interim ban notice has expired is in progress,” Ain said.
“The intention to ban notice allows for a conference with any supplier of that good of that kind to notify the ICCC within 10 days, whether the supplier wishes to hold a conference.
“Due to prevailing non-compliance by traders or shops, the ICCC has considered allowing ample time for suppliers to come forward for a conference before we consider imposing a new interim ban.
“We continue to note the influx of new items offered by some retailers, so we will continue to monitor the market.
“There have been instances where a few non-English labelled products have been confused with parallel imports.
“The ICCC is aware that there are no laws restricting parallel import, however, work is being done by the Department of Commerce and Industry and other stakeholders to address this through a national trade policy.
“Parallel imports are source of competition, provided they comply with other laws and requirements of PNG such as those regarding labelling.”