Fed: Overpriced and rotten food sold in remote stores: inquiry

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2009
Fed: Overpriced and rotten food sold in remote stores: inquiry

An inquiry has heard residents of remote Aboriginal communities are routinely being
sold rotten and overpriced food.

Torres Strait and Cape York residents in Queensland have told a federal parliamentary
inquiry into community stores that their local shops often sell substandard food.

Inquiry head RICHARD MARLES says there is also evidence use-by dates are being manipulated.

Meanwhile .. the inquiry's heard a government-run store at Moa Island's been infested with rats.

The inquiry will also hold hearings in South Australia .. the Northern Territory and
Western Australia before reporting to parliament in September.

It aims to increase the life-span of indigenous Australians and improve access to healthy
foods in Aboriginal communities.

AAP RTV ews/pjo/yr/ka

KEYWORD: STORES (CAIRNS)

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.