Vegie Bandits Convicted

Issue Date: - Monday, 24 December 2007

Vegie Bandits Pty Ltd trading as Spud Shed in Baldivis and Barragup along with two of its directors has been convicted in the Perth Magistrates Court for misrepresenting the identity of their potatoes.

The company was fined $2,000 and the directors fined a total of $1,000 for the offences.

On one occasion Consumer Protection officers and inspectors from the Potato Marketing Corporation of WA found 'Nadine' variety potatoes labelled as the higher quality 'Coliban' variety potatoes.

While on another occasion potatoes labelled as 'Delaware' variety were actually the lower grade product 'Royal Blue'.

"This is a sobering reminder that truth in advertising extends to every product or service offered for sale to consumers, even potatoes," Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

"Goods labelled as a certain quality or grade must actually be what they are labelled as, including the correct weight.

"Trading Standards and Consumer Protection officers conduct regular checks of retail outlets and if you are a trader it is just not worth souring your reputation with the community by misrepresenting products, plus all convictions are publicised in the media.

"Most people remember poor quality for a long period of time and tend to tell their family and friends of their experiences, potentially damaging future customer's relationships with the trader," Mr Walker said.