Health and consumer groups are calling for an overhaul of food packaging regulations following the release of new research carried out by Ipsos-Eureka Social Research Institute, which suggested the ‘traffic light’ labeling system would assist consumers in their decision-making process. The survey of nearly 800 shoppers from Newcastle and Sydney, commissioned by a group of health and consumer groups including the Cancer Council and CHOICE, found 81 per cent of shoppers could correctly identify... ...Read more »
A test of packaged ham bought from supermarkets found nearly all had been pumped up with added water, consumer advocates CHOICE reports. The claims have since been queried by the Australian Food and Grocery Council. The consumer body’s analysis of 46 types of packaged ham found most contained chemicals specifically added to retain extra water, including phosphates to increase the water-binding capacity of the meat’s muscle fibres. One-third of the slices reportedly contained 20% or more... ...Read more »
Claims by Coopers Australia that they sell “Australia’s greenest beer” have been questioned by consumer advocates CHOICE, with The Age reporting that a complaint about ‘greenwashing’ has been registered with the ACCC. Greenwashing, which involves the overstating of the environmental credentials of a product, has been under the spotlight this year as manufacturers and marketers seek to capitalise on heightened consumer interest in environmentally friendly products. The... ...Read more »
The ACCC report into the state of competition in the grocery sector was released to mixed reactions yesterday. Federal Government “I believe that our action plan, combined with the broader reforms that are already in train to further strengthen competition policy, such as the amendments to the misuse of market power provision and the criminalisation of serious cartel conduct, will ensure that the grocery market remains competitive,” the Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen, said. “The introduction... ...Read more »
Two meals of oily fish a week can do as much or more to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia as many of the so-called “smart” pills which claim to improve brain function, according to a CHOICE report. The benefits of omega-3 have been highlighted consistently over the past decade with many manufacturers looking to work omega-3 supplements into their food to capitalise on demand for functional foods. This has seen a wave of new products from yoghurt and ice-cream to even... ...Read more »
The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer announced a number of important appointments to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Friday. The Rudd Government intends to recommend to the Governor‑General the re‑appointment of Mr Graeme Samuel AO as ACCC Chairperson for three years, and the appointment of Mr Peter Kell as Deputy Chairperson for five years. These recommendations were not the best kept secret in Canberra, with reports suggesting the announcement was imminent... ...Read more »
Leading consumer advocate, CHOICE, claims there is an urgent need for a clear and national description of free-range eggs after their investigation found the big producers have redefined the term to suit themselves. Their study also found issues with the freshness levels of free range eggs sold. CHOICE advises there’s no legal definition of ‘free-range’ eggs and the Australian Egg Corporation’s standards don’t meet those recommended by animal welfare organisations. “We... ...Read more »
Graeme Samuel, Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, appears set to be reappointed for another term. Cabinet has reportedly given the green light for Mr Samuel to continue in his current position with the approval of state governments currently being sought after. The process of appointing a Chairman for the competition watchdog begins with a Federal Government nomination which is then forwarded to the state governments to approve or reject the candidate. Mr Samuel, who... ...Read more »
CHOICE tests on 25 everyday foods packaged in glass jars have found 13 were contaminated with controversial plastic softening chemicals at levels that exceed the safety limits set by the European Union (EU). The tests revealed a pesto sauce which contained plasticisers at levels more than twelve times that permitted in the EU, and one tandoori dip at 230 times over the standard. Australian food regulators do not set limits for these chemicals. One food manufacturer in Australia has now initiated... ...Read more »
Parents are unhappy with the current food labeling system in Australia and are calling on the government to take action, according to The Parents Jury. Results from a national survey released by The Parents Jury, a web based forum with over 3200 members “advocating for the improvement of children’s food and physical activity environments”, revealed that 85 per cent of parents want the government to introduce a compulsory front of pack labeling system. The majority of parents surveyed... ...Read more »