Shoppers buying fake meat products after Labor fails on clear food labelling

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud has accused Labor of being too slow to act in the
labelling of meat and non-meat products, amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Mr Littleproud said despite Labor’s election commitment to deliver accurate and clear
labelling, Labor has only just announced $1.5 million in its latest Budget to improve labelling
of plant-based and alternative protein products over the next two years.
“In a cost-of-living crisis, Australian families are being fooled into thinking they are buying
meat products because Labor has failed to act on its election commitment,” Mr Littleproud
said.
“Lack of clarity under current labelling laws means families are tricked into thinking they are
buying ‘cheap’ meat products such as beef or veal, when in reality they are plant-based.
“Labor promised to support meat and plant industries and improve regulations but has
completely dropped the ball.”
Mr Littleproud added the failure to fix inaccurate labelling is confusing for families who are
already struggling with prices at the supermarket checkout.
The former Coalition Government led the way with providing accuracy in labelling,
introducing Country of Origin, to help Australian consumers make informed choices.
“How can families know what they are buying at a time when many are trying to save
money on meat products, but current standards allow alternative protein or plant-based
manufacturers to exploit the standards and confuse consumers to look like meat, especially
when it comes to beef or veal?”
The Department of Agriculture told Estimates it was working on a response to the meat
definitions inquiry, led by The Nationals Senator for Queensland Susan McDonald.
“Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said labelling would be finalised, but the industry has
been forced to wait, despite a Senate inquiry recommending mandatory meat labelling laws
and improving labelling regulation.
“Labor has been too slow to act on supermarket price gouging and is now too slow to act on
accurate meat labelling. The fact Labor hasn’t even responded to the Senate inquiry isn’t
good enough, especially when the price of meat has skyrocketed under Labor’s watch.
“Labor must now use common sense and introduce practical measures that will help
families at the checkout as soon as possible.”