Modern Australia has a different community than it did 40 years ago. We are a lot more diverse, a lot more educated and we make different choices than previous generations.

For instance, my wife is from India and being Hindu can't eat beef. I once shared a packet of Allens lollies with her and all it said was gelatin. I later learnt that gelatin can come from a number of sources, one being beef, but the source wasn't declared by the manufacturer. Imagine my horror at potentially having inadvertently given her something against her beliefs.

Perhaps 14% Australians have chosen a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle and have a right to know whether the food products they are buying are derived from animals. Diversity wise we have many Hindus, Muslims and Jews, who need to know whether any of the products on the local shelf at the supermarket, for example, contain any beef or pork or shellfish.

However, many times our labelling is woefully inadequate. Take Sunrice Basmati rice, which lists Stabiliser 471 in its ingredients. Stabiliser 471 can be derived from so many sources such as vegetable fat, pig fat or cow fat. Consumers have a right to know which, particularly if it can violate their beliefs or expectations.

We need more transparent food labelling that reflects our modern culture in Australia. It is a consumer's right to know what they are buying and for companies to act responsibly towards consumers.

We need mandatory and clear food labelling graphics/icons on our packaging, simple icons that will denote whether a product is vegan, vegetarian or contains beef, pork or shellfish. 

Australia is in need of a swing back to stronger consumer laws and with your support we can get there by showing Food Standards Australia New Zealand and the concerned Minister that this is an important issue to our country thas has your backing.