The Four Corners program alleged that testing of tomatoes used in some Leggo products, indicated a Chinese origin.
Leggo’s owner, Simplot said they refuted the claims.
“Simplot Australia has reviewed the matters raised by the ABC and conducted verification of the batch codes provided. Our records confirm the tomatoes used in those products were grown in Australia,” the company said in a statement.
Leggo tomato paste and sauces are processed at their Echuca factory, which employs about 150 people.
The ABC said the food products tested were purchased from Coles, Woolworths and Aldi across four states in multiple locations, as well as a range of independent retailers across Australia.
Four Corners worked with Source Certain, an Australian forensic traceability laboratory specialising in origin verification.
“The company has worked with law enforcement agencies including the FBI, Scotland Yard and Interpol and the Australian Federal Police. Additional specialist laboratories conducted testing on specific products,” the ABC report stated.
“Source Certain analyses a food's unique chemical fingerprint, left behind by the soil, water and climate where it was grown. The lab uses stable isotope analysis and trace element analysis to create the fingerprint. It then compares that fingerprint with verified reference samples to determine an origin match.
“Absolute certainty is not possible in forensic science, but the laboratory only reports an origin finding when it is sufficiently confident in the evidence.”
But Simplot says the verification process traced the relevant batch codes through manufacturing records, ingredient inputs, supplier verification records and ultimately to the Australian paddocks where the tomatoes were grown.
“We have also engaged directly with our supplier, who maintains sophisticated traceability capabilities and stands by its Australian-grown produce.”
Leggo's has always insisted its products were Australian made since starting in Bendigo in 1882.
Aldi's Remano brand and Coles home brand Italian tomato paste were also accused of having false labels.
Aldi said it rejected the claims and said it partnered with reputable suppliers who had assured it the products were from where they said they were.
Coles declined an ABC interview and rejected the test results. It said there was no evidence its home brand Italian tomato paste came from China.
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