Australian farmers lobby for stricter labels on faux meat
Australia's National Farmers Federation is calling for "truth in labelling" at a Senate Inquiry into faux meat products.NFF Chief Executive Tony Mahar presented to the Senate Inquiry into the labelling of alternative protein products, instigated by Queensland Senator Susan McDonald.
In its submission to the Inquiry, the NFF explained that the language used on some plant-based protein products had the potential to be misleading to customers.
“It is essential that when making their buying decisions, consumers are assured that the labelling of products before them is accurate. For example, non-meat products must not be permitted to masquerade as meat or non-dairy products as milk,” Mr Mahar said.
The NFF is also concerned that the current use of animal protein language and animal images on plant-based products has the impact of conveying the nutritional equivalence with animal-based products.
Mr Mahar said the Inquiry was a valuable opportunity to make sure farmers views were heard and to discuss with Senators the implications for consumers and producers if action was not taken to clear up the marketing and labelling of plant-protein products.
“Irrespective of the outcome of the Inquiry, the NFF will continue to call on the Government to commit to continue to review labelling arrangements regularly to ensure they remain relevant and appropriate.
“This is a worrying problem, that if not addressed now, will likely become more widespread and more complex as new products and new marketing claims emerge,” Mr Mahar said.