The Australia-New Zealand Food Authority has conceded that banned European beef may be contained in a number of Australian-made foods. The admission from Australia’s Department of Health & Aged Care that it is unable to provide a list of the products whose sale has been suspended because they contain European beef ingredients has caused confusion amongst Australian consumers.
Michael Dack of the Australia-New Zealand Food Authority said it has to rely on information provided by manufacturers to determine which products should have been withdrawn from sale by the 8 January 2001 deadline.
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The Australian Department of Health & Aged Care has received in excess of 1000 inquiries concerning the Australian ban on European beef since it commenced on 7 January. The Australian Consumers’ Association (ACA) has called for a review of labelling legislation in early January 2001 and has advised consumers to exercise caution with regard to products.
Meanwhile, Australia’s top farm group believes Australia should push for greater access to European beef markets in the wake of the latest “mad cow” developments. However, the industry and government are focussing on maintaining local consumer confidence and avoiding any negative market spill over on to disease-free Australian produce. National Farmers’ Federation president, Ian Donges, will take up the issue of exports with federal trade minister, Mark Vaile in the coming weeks.
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