The printed labels on grocery products could soon be required to detail whether or not they contain palm oil after a bill on the matter was put to the house of representatives in Australia.

Palm oil has become a key environmental issue in the country in recent months and many conservation groups have joined the 'Don't Palm Us Off' campaign, the Guardian reports.

The Truth in Labelling Palm Oil Bill is now expected to be approved by the government, which would require companies to clearly state if they use the substance.

Senator Nick Xenophon said: "These laws will give consumers the knowledge they need to make an informed choice at the supermarket checkout."

If it does come to fruition, similar laws may also be passed worldwide.

However, the Australian Food and Grocery Council insists such a move would cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

Palm oil production is present on hundreds of supermarket products, with the Independent recently claiming that 43 of Britain's best-selling brands use it.

However, Greenpeace warns that its cultivation is contributing to the destruction of the rainforests and could leave the orangutan facing extinction.

Denny Bros Ltd, 22 July 2011