Member for Monaro John Barilaro is demanding urgent action be taken on addressing the nation’s unfair meat and milk food labelling regime.
Mr Barilaro said the current system is lagging behind the rest of the world, and that the lack of action in this field is failing our farmers and consumers.
“It’s simply not good enough. Europe has already voted to ban the use of terms such as ‘meat’ and ‘milk’ as well as other associated food labels on food items that are not made of animal products,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The United States is following suit, yet nothing has been done in Australia.
“It’s time for action on this issue, and if no-one else is willing to step up, the NSW Nationals will.”
Food labelling is routinely considered by the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation. The joint system is underpinned by a treaty to ensure consistent labelling and food standards across both countries.
The system is designed to ensure clarity for industry, producers and consumers across all the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.
Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said an options paper on the issue was currently before the Forum recommending no action due to a lack of evidence, or referral to yet another committee.
“I won’t allow this issue to simply be kicked further down the road – we must deal with it now,” he said.
“I’ve charged the NSW Food Authority to table an actual options paper for the Forum to consider.”
Milk ..... but where does coconut milk fit in, named as such by the British in 1760
