A number of Australia’s major fast food chains have failed to reveal the origins of the potatoes they use to make their French fries and chips.

In a special investigation conducted by AUSVEG contained in the most recent edition of Potatoes Australia magazine, only four of nine contacted chains provided details about where they sourced their potatoes.

Grill’d Healthy Burgers, Nando’s Australia and McDonald’s Australia provided information to Potatoes Australia, indicating that the potatoes they use for chips and French fries are Australian.

Representatives from KFC, Hungry Jacks, Lord of the Fries and Salsa’s declined to comment. While a Red Rooster representative indicated in a statement earlier this year that the chain’s fries were sourced from Australian-based companies, both Red Rooster and its sister company Oporto failed to clarify when pressed for further details about the origins of their potatoes.

“All we ask is that consumers are given clear information about the origins of their food so they can make informed decisions about what they’re buying and eating,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Dimi Kyriakou.

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing more than 2,000 Australian potato growers.

“Given the growing consumer demand for more clarity and frankness regarding where their food comes from, it is an opportunity for these restaurants and fast food chains to be more open about the origins of their potatoes, as a selling point to consumers.”

“While those chains which indicated they did source Australia potatoes should be commended for their efforts, surely the others would stand to benefit from promoting their use of local produce, unless of course that’s not the case.”

The latest edition of Potatoes Australia will be arriving in mailboxes in coming days and will also be available on the AUSVEG website. It is available free of charge to all who pay the National Potato Levies, industry members and those interested in the potato industry.
 
Subscriptions can be made by providing postal details to info@ausveg.com.au, or by phoning (03) 9882 0277.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Dimi Kyriakou, AUSVEG Senior Writer/Journalist, Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mobile: 0488 124 626 Email: dimi.kyriakou@ausveg.com.au