In a sign of growing consumer loyalty to local produce, Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman today unveiled the State's first restaurant to commit to using only Western Australian food ingredients.
Leederville restaurant Jus Burgers recently signed to the 'buy west, eat best' program, which includes about 80 other WA food suppliers and retailers.
Mr Redman said Jus Burgers, like all other 'buy west, eat best' registered businesses, had to meet health and safety regulations and strict criteria about ingredients used in their recipes.
"This means when using fresh products, such as fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood, the products must be grown, fished or farmed in WA," he said.
"For processed food, such as sauces, yoghurts, cheese and bread, the main ingredient must be grown, fished or farmed in WA and the product must be processed in the State.
"Jus Burgers sources all its produce locally and already uses eight suppliers signed to the 'buy west, eat best' program.
"This is a perfect example of local suppliers working together to promote WA food to consumers."
Jus Burgers owner Justin Bell said it was an easy decision to sign to the program.
"I saw signing to the 'buy west, eat best' program as an opportunity to confirm my support for local farmers and suppliers and also educate customers about Western Australian food," Mr Bell said.
"Since incorporating the program's unique branding into our restaurant, customers have been congratulating us on supporting the WA food industry.
"It was not a difficult process to join the 'buy west, eat best' program and I encourage other restaurants to sign up too."
For more information about 'buy west, eat best' visit http://www.buywesteatbest.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 9213 6700
Local suppliers and 'buy west, eat best' registered businesses used by Jus Burgers.
Harvey Beef - supply all beef
Amelia Park Lamb - supply all lamb
Mt Barker Chicken - supply all chicken
Festival Fish Markets - supply all fish
Mondo Butcher - supply WA pork, kangaroo and boerwors
Morley Growers - supply vegetables and salad
Supa Spud - supply potatoes for chips Turkish Bakeries - supply Turkish rolls.
