Conservation, environment, water and wildlife

Palm oil petition sent to MPs

Green Ideas editorial team 26 February, 2014

0 comments Conservation, environment, water and wildlife

Our-world-Palm-oil-petition-sent-to-MPs-700x400-GI06 — Clearer labelling allows consumers to make an informed choice

A New Zealand group called Unmask Palm Oil has presented a petition with 7400 signatures to parliament as part of their drive for compulsory labelling of palm oil in consumer products.

Palm oil is a controversial ingredient associated with clear-felling large areas of Southeast Asian forests, which are home to a host of endangered animals including orang-utans and tigers.

Currently palm oil doesn’t need to be specifically identified on labels, and appears under as many as 200 different names, including the generic moniker ‘vegetable oil’, in food products, cosmetics and soaps.

Unmask Palm Oil argues that clearer labelling would give consumers the chance to avoid the product if they choose. The group presented its petition to supporting MPs Jacinda Ardern, Damien O’Connor, Mojo Mathers, Te Ururoa Flavell and Barbara Stewart (pictured) and hopes that the Minister of Food Safety, Nikki Kaye, will push for compulsory labelling when a decision is made in 2015.

For more information, see www.unmaskpalmoil.co.nz.