SAYING NO TO MISLEADING LABELS
JUST weeks after Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong raised his concerns about “No Palm Oil” labels in a Sept 16 article in The Star about “Ethical Labelling: The Way to Go”, the largest producer of dairy products in Denmark, Arla Foods, stated that it would remove from sale in Malaysia all products bearing “no palm oil” or “palm oil free” labels. All such labels and products, which discriminate against palm oil, are expected to be removed within 60 days.
Here, the minister explains further about such labels.
Q: Why are “No Palm Oil” labels on food products such a problem?
A: These labels are meant to mislead the consumer. They are not required by law, nor do they provide any information to the consumer. They are there for only one reason: to imply that because a product does not contain palm oil, that product is somehow nutritionally or environmentally superior. This is false, and is an unacceptable attempt to mislead Malaysian consumers.
These labels also perpetrate a huge injustice against smallholders and other palm oil producers, because the labels build suspicion and negative sentiment in the minds of consumers. We have seen this in Europe, already. If such an advertising narrative is not nipped in the bud, it can become “accepted wisdom” even though it is actually false. The labels are therefore a serious threat to the continued stability and success of Malaysian palm oil. This is why the Government is committed to removing the labels.
Q: What alerted you to the problem in Malaysia with Lurpak?
A: The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) was extremely diligent in alerting me to the “No Palm Oil” labels on packs of Lurpak spread. It is right that as soon as MPOC discovered the labels, they alerted the Government so that action could be taken.
I authored an article entitled “Ethical Labelling the Way to Go”, which was a public demand that these labels be removed from products. Arla Foods (the Danish company that owns the Lurpak brand) is a guest here in our country, and they must be respectful of our rules and national interests.
Very shortly after my message in the media, the Embassy of Denmark and Arla Foods contacted the ministry to explain that they heard and understood my message. A meeting was arranged at the ministry on Oct 5, to discuss how Arla Foods would implement the Government’s demand to remove the labels.
Q: What was agreed at the meeting with Arla Foods and the Danish Embassy?
A: I set out the Government’s position very clearly, that the labels must be removed. This is motivated by the need to protect our Malaysian palm oil small farmers and all of those in the country who depend on palm oil production.
Over two million people; both directly and indirectly rely on palm oil for their income and livelihoods. Palm oil remains an important lifeline for rural communities as 650,000 smallholders depend on it and produce 40% of the production. We cannot accept that foreign companies come to Malaysia and denigrate our products.
Arla Foods has agreed to withdraw and remove all such labels on products within 60 days. I welcome this move, and look forward to the policy being fully implemented. The meeting was therefore very successful, and the outcome benefits all of our smallholders.
Q. Do you have a message for other food companies operating in Malaysia?
A: Yes. Arla Foods is not the only foreign company operating in Malaysia that has issues with Palm Oil, whether through labelling or other means. The Government is clear: this will not be tolerated. Our highest priority is protecting and defending the best interests of the people of Malaysia, including all of those who work in our palm oil sector.
To all those companies operating in Malaysia, I have a simple message: you are welcome here, we want you to operate and sell your products here but you, in turn, must be respectful of our products, our people, and yes, our palm oil.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has also said recently that the Government would not be silent on any campaign against palm oil and would give a fitting response to those who harmed the palm oil industry.
The DPM has called on everybody to respond to all negative campaigns against palm oil, and respond rationally with facts and figures on the issues of deforestation and destruction of wildlife.
He also pointed out that the industry was facing unprecedented challenges such as anti-palm oil campaigns particularly in the European Union, which systematically sidelined the palm oil industry.
Q: Most “No Palm Oil” labels are found in Europe. How do you plan to tackle those labels that
are prevalent in Europe?
A: My ministry has been addressing this issue head on. I met personally with the EU Commissioner and several members of the European Parliament in my most recent trip to Europe.
The MPOC has also been conducting effective campaigns against the “No Palm Oil” labels in Europe.
More can, and must, be done. Many of the companies using the labels are also members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). RSPO rules state that the labels are not allowed: these rules must be enforced, and RSPO must ensure that none of its member companies use such negative labelling.
Q: Finally, will the new Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification help with removing the “No Palm Oil” labels?
A: Absolutely. The MSPO is a game-changer for the Malaysian palm oil sector. It will allow smallholders to achieve certification, an important and necessary advance for the Malaysian palm oil sector.
MSPO is also a message to the world: a mandatory scheme, undertaken by the Government and designed using international best practices. MSPO illustrates Malaysia’s commitment to leading the world in palm oil sustainability.
Through MSPO, we will ensure that smallholders will also have an equal opportunity to participate in a certification scheme and can gain market access later.
During our meeting on Oct 5, Arla Foods committed to working with the Government on MSPO. The Danish embassy further stated that it supports sustainable palm oil production and will continue the constructive dialogue with the Malaysian Government in finding long term sustainable solutions of high global standards ensuring the benefit of consumers, rural farmers, industry and other stakeholders.
It’s important that MSPO gains such wider acceptance: this will be essential for delivering full value to our smallholders.