ABA and Labelling Laws: the Truth is Out There
AUSTRALIA - Australian Beef Association (ABA) Chairman Brad Bellinger congratulated Independent New England MP Richard Torbay, on introducing the new Food Amendment Bill to the NSW Legislative Assembly.
11 December 2008
2 minute read
This Bill will give greater confidence to New South Wales beef consumers that they are getting what they pay for.
ABA say that under the current system, where Aus-meat classification codes are voluntary, poor quality beef can be sold with no labels or such labels as 'This Week's Special' 'Export Quality', or 'Aged Beef'. Many consumers describe the search for good quality consistent cuts of beef, - as a lucky dip.
Mr Bellinger continued, "This Bill if legislated will be good for both the consumer and the producer. We have seen an alarming decline on domestic beef consumption falling from 49 kg per person per year in 1982 to around 36 kg in 2007. The new labelling laws would restrict the dumping of poor quality meat onto the domestic market and increase consumer confidence in our product. If this legislation was then rolled out over the rest of Australia, we can hope that at best, it will increase consumption and at least, stop the decline.
"This legislation should be introduced as soon as possible, Australia wide, to replace the inconsistent mish-mash that is known as MSA, (Meat Standards Australia), which despite many millions of dollars thrown at it, is a disaster because of lack of consistency, lack of consumer awareness and minimal take up in both butchers shops and supermarkets."
Mr Bellinger encouraged bi-partisan support from political parties and welcomed the support of the Cattle Council by their President, Greg Brown for greater truth in labelling laws in NSW.
TheCattleSite News Desk
