Businesses in Tasmania have been warned against advertising for ‘free-range’ or ‘organic’ products that may be false or misleading.

“While there is currently no legal standard or definition of the term free-range, there is a common understanding and expectation from consumers about what that means,” said the Minister for Corrections and Consumer Protection, Lisa Singh. “People have an understanding of what they believe free-range means.

‘‘Consumers purchase products such as free-range eggs or free-range pork on the assumption that the birds or animals have been treated in a certain manner, such as not being held in cages and having access to pasture and shelter.

“When it comes to ‘organic’ food, most purchasers of this type of product would understand that the food is produced without the use of artificial fertilisers or pesticides.

“Consumers choose to buy these types of products over others, often paying a premium price and are entitled to receive what they paid for.

‘‘Businesses making claims about products being ‘free-range’ or ‘organic’ may be asked to provide evidence to support their claims.

“If they are unable to substantiate their claims, prosecution action may follow," she added.

Singh said that the penalties for false or misleading representations under the Fair Trading Act are up to $24,000 for an individual and $120,000 for a corporation.

Anyone with information regarding possible misleading advertising claims regarding these type of products are urged to contact Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading on 1300 65 44 99.

Source: Food Week Online, 26 November 2009, http://www.foodweek.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=53&ID=5841

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