27/09/2012 (Voxy) - New Zealand First is calling for the Government to introduce mandatory palm oil labelling for products being sold in our country.

Health Spokesperson Barbara Stewart says New Zealanders are being led astray when buying food, soaps and cosmetics which contain palm oil.

"Palm oil is often labelled as either vegetable oil, or by one of its chemical compound names. It should simply be labelled as palm oil.

"A similar policy in Norway resulted in a reduction in the use of palm oil by more than half in that country.

"I am sure Kiwi consumers would also boycott products containing palm oil, particularly when they are made aware of the widespread environment damage caused by palm oil deforestation."

Mrs Stewart says the Government should take action so New Zealand consumers know exactly what is in the products they buy.

"New Zealand First fully supports the introduction of mandatory labelling of palm oil and there is no good reason why the Government can’t take action to make this happen."