The policy has been extended from fresh pork to include processed ham and bacon products produced in Australia and overseas which means Australian pork producers will not be disadvantaged.
“Coles is leading the way by applying its production standards to all its branded processed pork products, regardless of their country of origin,” Australian Pork Limited (APL) CEO, Andrew Spencer said today (8 Nov).
“We call on all pork processors in Australia to show the same sort of leadership as Coles has today by supporting Australian pork producers and move to similar production standards,” Mr Spencer said. “Aussie pork producers face a competitive disadvantage to their overseas counterparts over cheaper subsidised imports. Coles’ decision clearly shows that it has the Australian pork farmers’ interests at heart as well as those of Australian consumers.”
“It’s important consumers have a choice in what pork products they purchase. The broadening of Coles’ policy has ensured that this is now available.”
“If consumers want further reassurance about pork made from Australian grown pigs, especially ham and bacon, they should look for the hot pink Australian PorkMark. This is a mark that guarantees the pork in the pack or the deli cabinet is Australian grown,” Mr Spencer said.
Coles’ extension of its gestation sow-stall free policy comes at a time when the whole Australian pork industry is debating the future of the use of these stalls. A comprehensive consultation process has been underway - called ‘Shaping our Future’ - since June this year. This process culminates in a vote at the November Annual General Meeting of APL.
