As the recall of imported frozen fruit gathers pace in the wake of the Hepatitis A scare, Aussie Farmers Direct has joined forces with Choice and other local businesses to encourage consumers and the government to clarify labelling and testing.
Choice launched an online petition last week calling on the Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, to take action on country of origin labelling following mass recalls of contaminated Nanna’s frozen berries ranges.
Twelve cases of Hepatitis A have been confirmed this week across the country, with Australians still being urged not to consume Nanna’s Raspberries 1kg packs, Nanna’s Frozen Mixed Berries 1kg packs, and 300g and 500g packs of Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries.
Keith Louie, CEO of Aussie Farmers Direct, said the recall is the unfortunate outcome of an approach to food retail in Australia that pressurises suppliers into importing cheap produce to underpin ‘down down’ and ‘cheap cheap’ pricing.
“Cheap imports of frozen food compete directly with local fresh produce. This has been squeezing farmers’ margins for years, and driving manufacturers to cut costs – not just through efficiencies but ultimately through offshore sourcing of food. We have seen what happens with frozen vegetables, and now it is happening with frozen fruit,” Louie said.
“The impact on Australian farmers has been significant. Food imports have grown to more than $12 billion. Australian farmers have borne the brunt of this loss in income, but this is now a wake- p call for all of us. We are seeing how imported food can adversely impact Australian consumers as well.
“This also signals the need for far stronger labelling laws to help consumers identify product origin. Consumers were surprised these berries were being imported from China. Current ‘Made in Australia’ labelling is often disingenuous at best, and sometimes deliberately misleading.
“We need to get behind our farmers and buy Australian fresh food. We believe the best way to support Australian farmers and be assured of high food standards is to buy through fresh food retailers that guarantee everything they sell is 100 per cent Australian made and grown,” said Louie.
Choice also launched an investigation last week which examined country of origin labelling on 55 packs of frozen mixed fruits and mixed vegetables.
According to Choice, the results found that 25 out of 55 products contained vague and unhelpful claims, with the worst claims including ‘Packed in New Zealand’, ‘Packed in Chile from imported and local ingredients’, and ‘Processed in Belgium’.
Choice spokesperson, Tom Godrey, the claims offer very little information about a product’s origin and are largely meaningless to consumers.
“Our research shows many consumers are passionate about where their food is grown, and where it is manufactured, but are confused about current labelling requirements. It’s clear that now, more than ever, there’s a need to improve country of origin labelling system and end this confusion,” Godfrey said.
Consumers can sign the petition here. The 55 products surveyed can be viewed here.
