ACCC Busts ‘Aussie Beer’, Actually Made In China

Country of origin labelling is a hot topic in Australia right now, but the consumer regulator isn’t entirely without teeth in this area. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has fined one manufacturer $10,200 for selling ‘Aussie Beer’ in a green and gold box that was actually made in China.

Picture: ACCC

The Aussie beer label proclaims that it uses “Australia’s finest malt” and has the words “100% owned” over a map of Australia. You have to look for much smaller print on the box to discover it was manufactured in China. The ACCC deemed that to be a breach of the Australian Consumer Law and has fined Independent Liquor Group $10,200 via its infringement notice mechanism.

“Country of origin representations, particularly those designed to grab the eye of the consumer by using well known symbols, colours, or slogans, must be truthful,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims said in a statement announcing the fine. “Consumers are entitled to expect that prominent representations made on packaging are accurate without having to check for disclosures in the fine print.”

Sounds fair dinkum to us.

ACCC


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