Ausveg says it backs recent criticisms over the failure of authorities to implement Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL).
The call from the vegetable industry organisation follows comments made by Victorian Farmers Federation president Peter Tuohey that not a single Victorian business has received fines for breaching CoOL laws.
“As stated previously, Ausveg is concerned by the flagrant disregard by some fresh food retailers in Victoria with relation to implementation of Country of Origin Labelling laws,” Ausveg spokesperson, Michael Bodnarcuk, says.
Bodnarcuk says these laws were introduced to protect consumers and their ability to decide on the origin of the product that they will consume.
“Studies have shown that the majority of Australians would prefer to buy locally grown fruit and vegetables and we believe that consumers are being robbed of this ability through improper labelling practices,” says Bodnarcuk.
Ausveg is urging authorities to implement more stringent policing of CoOL laws at smaller retailers and fresh food stores.
