The quality of the produce and signage requirements at the Jan Power’s Farmer’s Market have not been compromised following the discovery of Chinese imported garlic at one of the reseller stalls last weekend, according to the owners. “Ask any of my seven managers and I am meticulous about signage from farmers,” says Sammy Power, daughter of Jan Power who owns the market operation. “Even the blogger who contacted them about the garlic in the first place, Mel kettle, commended me on the very clear signage at the stalls.”
Food blogger Mel Kettle had discovered the garlic, and raised her concerns on social media. The vast majority of garlic, up to 95%, within Australia is imported, according to the Australian Garlic Producers group so it is not always easy to know the original source. Garlic imported from China can often be sprayed with chemicals banned in Australia or bleached.
While Ms Power says she is as thorough as she is able to be, she did say that the two resellers involved in the incident did not conform to the strict standards the markets have in place. When she discovered what had happened, and the story of how Chinese garlic is often treated with chemicals not allowed in Australia, the product was banned. “I personally did not know the real story about Chinese Garlic and how it was treated, how it is stored and how the chemicals used to spray it affect the ozone layer, let alone our health. I'm not infallible and I learn every day. When I knew better I did better...and banned it!”
Product rather than quality at issue
Ms Power also told ABC Brisbane radio that there is still a need for resellers at markets, so that students and those on a tight budget can afford local, farmer’s market produce. “We have a huge quality checking procedure. This was about the product rather than an obvious quality issue,” she adds.
Many social media fans were supportive of the ban, but wanted to know the names of the local farmers who do supply Australian grown garlic. Others left comments under the announcement such as “EXCELLENT. Farmers markets are supposed to promote LOCAL. Not imported. Good on you guys” as well as asking the market to go further, and only sell Australian grown produce. Ms Power did say she also received messages that were not so positive, and she had offered to call those involved to discuss the situation.