The controversial new laws, introduced to the NSW Parliament by local MP Richard Torbay, will ensure labels show the age of the animal the meat was sourced from.

Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan said any claims relating to production or processing systems must now be required to be accurate and substantiated.

“A consumer education campaign is now being developed to ensure there is no question mark for consumers when it comes to choosing the type of beef best suited to their needs.

“For the first six months there will be an introduction period where the NSW Food Authority will be working with businesses to ensure their understanding and compliance with the new system with a moratorium on penalties,” he said.

The campaign is expected to be rolled out next year.

The new descriptions that come into effect from August 31, include: yearling - 18 months or less; young - 18 months to 2.5 years; intermediate - 2.5 to 3 years; mature - 3 to 3.5 years; and economy 3.5 years or more.

When the Bill was passed last year, a spokesman for Meat and Livestock Australia said the law would “set the industry back 20 years” and said it hasn’t received widespread support from red meat industry stakeholders, except from the Australian Beef Association and Bindaree Beef in Inverell.

Mr Whan said he would continue to seek the involvement of all states to ensure consistency of the scheme.

“We need the support of rest of the country and will actively call for the other states to get on board and bring the benefit to producers and consumers across Australia.”