Organic food labelling regulation needed to protect consumers and farmers

Commenting on a story on page 33 of today's Sun Herald, Dr Kaye said: "The current situation is confusing and open to rorting by supermarket chains.

"The very broad definition of 'organic' used by the national regulatory body, Food Standards Authority of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), is almost meaningless and is only consistently enforced for export foods.

"Australian consumers get less protection from unscrupulous marketers than those who buy the same food overseas.

"Relying on self-regulation and industry bodies is a proven failure.

"Not only has this led to a proliferation of different labelling standards but also it has opened the door to the exploitation of consumers who are prepared to pay more for healthier foods.

"In some cases, the lack of regulation for organic labelling has become an invitation to price gauging.

"The rapid growth in the organic food market provides an economic opportunity for farmers that will be severely damaged if consumers don't have confidence in what they are purchasing.

"Farmers and consumers have been deserted by the state and federal ministers who control FSANZ.

"Repeated requests for government regulations from the organic food industry and consumer advocates have been ignored for over a decade.

"The Greens call on NSW food minister Ian Macdonald to stand up for this state's organic farmers and consumers and push for a single, unified system of certification," Dr Kaye said.

For more information:    John Kaye 0407 195 455