CATTLE producers fear they will be handicapped by Coles' decision to source only hormone growth promotant-free beef.
Coles has today announced it plans to be the first national food retailer to sell only HGP-free beef.
The supermarket operator says the move is to help it provide its customers with the best quality fresh food.
Coles general meat manager Allister Watson said Coles had worked cooperatively with its beef suppliers over the last 18 months to build a dedicated hormone-free supply chain.
Mr Watson said neither customers nor suppliers would be financially disadvantaged by the move to HGP-free meat, which it said was better quality.
In a statement issued by Coles, Australian Country Choice chief executive David Foote said the move would be positive for customers and a new supply opportunity for cattle producers. ACC is a major Coles beef supplier based in Queensland.
But the cattle industry is reportedly seeking urgent talks with Coles, as some producers use hormone growth promotant to increases weight gain and feed performance, and therefore profit.
- Read more in The Weekly Times on Wednesday
