THE HON TRISH WORTH MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for
Health and Ageing

Thursday 10 April, 2003

GOVERNMENT ACTS TO PREVENT SALE OF 'OPIUM' DRINK

The Commonwealth Government has taken urgent action to prevent the sale of a formulated drink that claims to contain opium, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Trish Worth, announced today.

“The Food Standards Code classifies opium as a prohibited substance that cannot be added to any food or drink,” Ms Worth said.

“I am shocked that any legitimate food manufacturer would consider making a product that claimed to contain opium.

“Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has had immediate and urgent discussions with State and Territory officials and arrangements have been made to have this product tested. If the drink is found to contain opium, then full enforcement action will be taken.

“The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has also been contacted by the Commonwealth Government because, should this product be found not to contain opium, then the producer could be prosecuted under the Trade Practices Act for misleading labelling.

“Australia has a well-deserved reputation for a high quality and safe food supply. The promotion of an opium drink detracts from that reputation, and will be clamped down on immediately.”

Media contact:   Mark Williams, Trish Worth’s Office   0401 147 558