ACCC takes MOO to task over 'ocean plastic' claims

The news: MOO Premium Foods will change the labelling on its yoghurt tubs, after an ACCC investigation raised questions about claims the packaging was made from "100% ocean plastic". The claim was also made on MOO's website and social media pages.

The context: The investigation revealed plastic resin used in the packaging came from from coastal areas in Malaysia, and not directly from the ocean. MOO had included disclaimers on the top and back of the packaging, but the ACCC found this insufficient to override the headline claim. As part of MOO's court-enforceable undertaking approved by the ACCC, MOO has replaced the 'ocean plastic' claims with the term 'ocean bound plastic', committed to publishing corrective notices and will implement a consumer law compliance program.

What they said: "Making false statements about a product’s environmental or sustainability qualities can mislead consumers, as well as putting the businesses making genuine claims at a competitive disadvantage," ACCC Commissioner Liza Carver said.