Coalition pledges to stop fake meat trickery

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said that in a cost-of-living crisis, lack of clarity under existing labelling laws means families have been tricked into thinking they are buying “cheap” meat products such as beef or chicken, when in reality they are plant-based. Photo: SUPPLIED

FAKE meat products have been slowly creeping into our shopping trolleys through sneaky packaging and dubious marketing practices.

On the back of this somewhat devious practice, the Coalition has committed $1.5 million to help Australian families stop being tricked into buying fake meat products that are actually plant-based.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud has pledged consumers, as well as the meat and livestock industry, would be protected by a future Coalition Government addressing the recommendations from the 2022 Don’t Mince Words: Definitions of Meat and Other Animal Products Senate Inquiry.

“Labor failed in its election commitment to deliver accurate and clear labelling,” Mr Littleproud said.

“In a cost-of-living crisis, lack of clarity under current labelling laws means families have been tricked into thinking they are buying ‘cheap’ meat products such as beef or chicken, 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 said the former Coalition Government led the way with providing truth in labelling, introducing Country of Origin, to help Australian consumers make informed choices

“Since then, Labor hasn’t really done anything to implement their election commitment to deliver accurate and clear food labelling, except announce $1.5 million in its 24-25 Budget for research and working with industry.

“Labor was slow to act on supermarket price gouging and has also been slow to act on meat labelling.

“The failure to fix inaccurate labelling is confusing for families who were already struggling with prices at the supermarket checkout.

“The failure to fix inaccurate labelling is disadvantaging Australian farmers and undermining their reputation for producing high quality meat.

“A future Coalition Government will fix this problem, once and for all, so Aussies can enjoy meat, that is meat, and farmers can get the recognition for their product they deserve.”