From Label to Liable: Scams, Scandals and Secrecy - Voiceless

e)Vegetarian and Vegan Food Certification schemes
appear to have been prepared along similar lines
in New Zealand, Europe and a range of other
countries. In the absence of mandatory labelling
legislation, these appear to provide a degree of
comfort for vegetarian and vegan consumers.
Nevertheless, as the vegetarian and vegan market
continues to expand, it would seem appropriate
to give further thought to the implementation of
a regulatory regime that clearly identifies food
products suitable for vegetarian and vegans.
VEGETARIANISM, VEGANISM AND
HIDDEN ANIMAL PRODUCTS
– KEY POINTS
• There are no enforceable standards in
Australia which require the labelling of
vegetarian or vegan products.
• Certain producers attempt to attract
vegetarian and vegan consumers with
labelling reading ‘suitable for vegetarians
and vegans’.
• Many people with vegetarian and vegan
dietary requirements inadvertently
purchase animal-derived food products.
• The failure to include information stating
that a product contains animal by-products
undermines a consumer’s moral or health
choice to be vegetarian or vegan.
• Third party vegetarian and vegan
certification schemes have arisen to offer
comfort to consumers that they are
making an informed choice; however
these are no substitute for a regulatory
regime that clearly identifies vegetarian
and vegan food products.
CONCLUSION
The majority of animal-derived food products
available for purchase in Australia are sourced from
animals raised in factory farms. Until now the physical
and psychological suffering of these animals has
remained largely hidden beneath a veil of secrecy.
However, in recent times, the veil has been lifted by a
number of events including the rise of the animal
protection movement and an increased focus on
ethical food. Increasing numbers of Australians are
now saying ‘no to cruelty’ by purchasing humanely
produced animal-derived food products or ceasing to
purchase such products altogether. This is part of a
global trend, which has been recognised by domestic
and international producers and retailers alike.
To date, a major obstacle for consumers wishing to
make ethical food choices has been improper
labelling. While there are certain laws in place
designed to prevent misleading or deceptive labelling,
the absence of mandatory labelling laws linked to
animal production systems continues to inhibit
informed consumer choice. A number of
voluntary/third party labelling schemes have emerged
to fill the gap; however these are no substitute for
clear, uniform, enforceable labelling laws. The good
faith of consumers has been tested by a number of
labelling scandals in Australia and overseas.
The European Community has recognised the
importance that its citizens place on animal
protection by introducing mandatory labelling of
eggs and taking steps towards developing an ‘animal
welfare label’. On the basis of this Report, it is clear
that in order to give Australians citizens the
opportunity to make ethical choices at the
supermarket, our government must do the same.
Australians have a right to make informed choices and
to take a personal stand against animal suffering with
each dollar they spend at the supermarket.
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From Label to Liable Lifting the veil on animal-derived food product labelling in Australia