[Greens-Media] Greens call for action on deceptive food labelling laws

[John Kaye]

Greens call for action on deceptive food labelling laws

Media Release: 12 October 2008

Consumer health is being put at risk by food labelling laws that allow manufacturers to hide the country of origin of ingredients, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Commenting on a story on page 13 of today's Sun-Herald ('Greens decry food label laws'), Dr Kaye said:  "The label 'Made in Australia' on food products is highly deceptive. 

"It has no real meaning for consumers seeking safety and rigorous standards for the quality and purity of all ingredients and processing.

"Food products that contain ingredients from countries with lower food standards or have been partly manufactured overseas can be labelled as 'Made in Australia'.

"The melamine scandal highlights the importance of knowing where all of a product is sourced. Well-known brand names no longer offer the protection they once might have.

"Australians have been badly let down by their food regulator.

"Without Country of Origin Labelling regulations that force full disclosure, manufacturers will inevitably source their ingredients from the countries with lax food laws in order to cut costs.

"NSW's Primary Industry Minister Ian Macdonald and Health Minister John Della Bosca will be attending the Ministerial Food Regulatory Council later this month.

"This is their opportunity to strengthening labelling laws so that 'Made in Australia' means what it says and Australian consumers are fully informed.

"Food products that are not entirely grown and manufactured in Australia should fully disclose the country of origin of each ingredient and every location where they have been manufactured.

"It is time for the Ministerial Council to allow consumers to make better informed choices about foods," said Dr Kaye. 

For more information:	John Kaye 0407 195 455