The former Green MP who introduced the country of origin labelling bill is disappointed with its watered-down state.

The Consumers' Right to Know Bill has returned from select committee with some changes.

The law change was initially designed to cover all single ingredient foods. But the committee now says it will only cover single types of fruit, vegetables, meat, fish or seafood which have been minimally processed.

Steffan Browning, who retired before it could pass, told Kate Hawkesby it was a bare-bones bill anyway.

"Very, very easy for them to improve the bill, and I think it must be improved before it goes back to the house."

Critics say the bill has been weakened into pointlessness.

The revised bill excludes cured meats like bacon - which Pork New Zealand says will leave customers unsure about whether their meat is coming from a country with solid animal welfare standards.

Spokesperson Ian Carter says the bill as it stands will hardly make a difference.

"I note they've removed any fines. In the original bill, there was fines for non-compliance. That really has been watered down to the extent it's not worth the effort."

LISTEN TO STEFFAN BROWNING TALK WITH KATE HAWKESBY ABOVE