Australia’s consumer watchdog has launched a preliminary investigation into alleged misleading food labelling and packaging following a major Four Corners investigation.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, or ACCC, is examining claims that some food products did not match what was stated on their labels.
An eight-month Four Corners investigation involved thousands of food inspection records, recalls and food fraud intelligence, along with extensive laboratory testing of hundreds of products.
Testing reportedly found some tomato paste products labelled as Australian or Italian were consistent with tomatoes grown in China, while some seafood marketed as Australian was consistent with being sourced from Vietnam.
The investigation also raised concerns about eggs labelled as “cage-free” and testing that detected signs of adulteration in some turmeric products, including lead chromate and iron oxide.
ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said consumers should be able to trust that food labelling, packaging and advertising claims are truthful and accurate.
Assistant Competition Minister Andrew Leigh has welcomed the inquiry, saying Australians should not be misled by food labels.
The investigation comes as responsibility for Australia’s food system remains spread across several agencies, including FSANZ, state and territory regulators, councils, the federal agriculture department and the ACCC.
