The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct is a non-legislated commitment introduced in 2015 under the Competition and Consumer Act, allowing grocery retailers and wholesalers to voluntarily sign up. Current signatories include ALDI, Coles Supermarkets Australia, Woolworths Limited, and Metcash Food and Grocery (owner of IGA). The code aims to improve business behavior standards in the food and grocery sector.Retailers become bound by the code upon written notice to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), with obligations detailing how supplier and retailer relationships should function. However, the code is voluntary, lacking penalties or enforcement under Australian Consumer Law.The code controls various aspects, emphasizing good faith dealings, reasonable payment timeframes, and rules for delisting products. Complaints can be raised by suppliers to an arbiter appointed by retailers and wholesalers, and the outcomes are published on retailers' websites.The government has initiated a review led by Craig Emerson to enhance the complaints process's independence and supplier accessibility. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese suggests the examination may consider transitioning from a voluntary industry-led scheme to stricter government oversight, addressing concerns about reduced supermarket costs not benefiting consumers.Notably, the code primarily focuses on supplier rights and does not directly impact prices for consumers. Shoppers have limited recourse regarding perceived high prices, with options mainly involving taking their business elsewhere. Consumer complaints related to pricing are typically directed to the ACCC, which lacks specific mechanisms under Australian Consumer Law to address pricing concerns.
