The NFF Horticulture Council says revelations expected in tonight’s Four Corners investigation into food fraud should prompt a broader conversation about whether imported food products are being held to the same standards as Australian-grown produce.
Four Corners’ two-part investigation, Duped: Food Exposed, is expected to examine food authenticity, misleading origin claims, undeclared ingredients and the integrity of products on supermarket shelves.
While the program appears focused on shelf-stable and pantry products, including canned and processed fruits, vegetables and nuts, the Council said the same issues also matter deeply to fresh produce.
NFF Horticulture Council Executive Officer Richard Shannon said Australian growers were already in a battle for shelf space in canned, frozen, dried, preserved and processed product categories, where Australian brands had gradually been pushed out by cheaper imported product.
“That has already happened in too many pantry and shelf-stable aisles. Australian-grown fruits, vegetables and nuts that once supported local growers, processors, regional jobs and domestic food manufacturing have been replaced over time by cheaper imported alternatives,” Mr Shannon said.
“There is nothing to say the same pressure cannot continue to move into fresh produce. Consumers are understandably looking for value during a period of inflation and cost-of-living pressure, and retailers are looking for margin. But if that comes at the expense of Australian production, then it becomes a food security issue.”
Mr Shannon said Australian growers were operating in one of the most regulated and audited food supply chains in the world, by government and buyers alike.
“Australian horticulture producers are subject to extensive requirements for food safety, traceability, worker welfare, chemical use, biosecurity, environmental management and ethical production practices,” Mr Shannon said.
“That assurance comes at a cost. Australian growers invest heavily in systems, audits, records and compliance because retailers, regulators and consumers rightly expect high standards.
“If imported products are cheaper because they are produced under lower cost structures, that’s one thing. But if those products are also subject to weaker scrutiny, verification or assurance of origin and production standards, that won’t pass the pub test.”
Mr Shannon said the Four Corners reporting provided a timely opportunity for retailers to reassure both consumers and Australian suppliers that imported product risks were being properly managed.
“Retailers have an important opportunity to give confidence to the community and to their Australian suppliers that the products on their shelves are what they claim to be,” Mr Shannon said.
“If the ABC can commission testing, it is reasonable to expect that retailers have the capacity to ask similar questions of their own supply chains.”
Mr Shannon said the Four Corners investigation should be a reminder of the value of Australia’s domestic food production systems and the trust consumers place in Australian growers.
“Australian horticulture has an incredibly strong story to tell. Our growers produce fresh, safe, nutritious food under standards that are among the highest in the world,” Mr Shannon said.
“When consumers choose Australian-grown produce, they are backing local growers, local jobs, regional communities, strong food safety systems and a supply chain they can have confidence in.
“Our message to consumers is simple: wherever possible, buy fresh and buy Australian.”
About the Horticulture Council
The Council is the recognised peak body for forming policy and advocating on behalf of the national horticulture industry. Established in 2017, it now comprises 19 national commodity and state-based horticulture bodies.
It is a member of the National Farmers’ Federation, free to establish and advance its own policy positions and responses issues impacting the horticulture industry.
For more information about the Council click here.
Stacey Davidson
Ashleigh Whittaker