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Some fast food operators tight lipped on spud origins

AUSVEG says a number of Australia’s fast food chains have failed to reveal the origins of the potatoes they use for their French fries and chips.

In an investigation conducted by AUSVEG, 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.

“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.”

 

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