Food labelling review must put consumers first

Commenting on a story in today's Sydney Morning Herald ('Made in Australia:
if only it was sown and grown here', page 9), Dr
Kaye said: "From foods that come from overseas but labelled 'Made in
Australia' to the lack of warnings about genetically engineered or
nanotechnology ingredients, consumers are being denied the right to make
healthy and ethical choices about the foods they purchase.

"The large supermarket chains and the multinational food processing
companies have called the shots and left Australians without meaningful
warning about transfats, brightly coloured artificial food dyes and salt,
sugar and fat contents.

"The food regulator's labelling inquiry has a huge task ahead if it is to
restore consumer confidence.

"The discussion paper released yesterday deals with most issues in a neutral
fashion.

"However the commentary and questions relating to the use of nanotechnology,
irradiation and genetically modified foods display a singular level of bias.

"The paper suggests that labelling of these technologies should not be
allowed to unduly inhibit their economic development.

"This is an extraordinary assertion of the right of a new technology to be
tested on consumers without their informed consent.

"Even the discussion question related to these technologies is prejudiced
against full disclosure labelling.

"The qualifier 'given the present state of scientific knowledge' pre-empts
the right of consumers to make up their own mind about their willingness to
expose themselves to risks that may not have yet been scientifically
established," Dr Kaye said.

For more information:    John Kaye 0407 195 455