Media - Nick Xenophon - Independent Senator for South Australia

Independent Senator for South Australia Nick Xenophon will throw his support behind the Adelaide Zoo's 'Don't Palm Us Off' campaign today by unveiling a Private Senators Bill designed to protect Australian consumers and Orang-utan habitats overseas.

More than 1000 Orang-utans die every year because their forests are being destroyed to make way for palm oil plantations, primarily in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Over 40% of products in Australian supermarkets contain palm oil, but consumers often aren't aware of this fact because under current food labelling laws palm oil can be described on food labels as 'Vegetable Oil' even though it comes from the fruit of the oil palm.

"Even if Australian consumers want to boycott palm oil, current labelling laws make it virtually impossible to do so," Nick said.

Palm oil is also one of the most unhealthy oils on the market – high in saturated fats.

"If we are what we eat, we have a right to know what we are eating," Nick said.

Senator Xenophon's Private Senators Bill would require palm oil to be clearly described as palm oil on any products ingredient list.

"Consumers should have the information they need to ensure that what they eat in their homes won't end up leaving Orang-utans without homes," Nick said.

Professor Chris West will describe the impact palm oil farming is having on Orang-utan populations and support the call for tougher labelling laws.