Supermarket chains could face hefty fines if they are found to be mistreating suppliers under a new code of conduct recommended by a review into the sector. Former Labor minister Craig Emerson conducted the review at the request of the federal government after claims of price gouging and complaints by suppliers. In his interim report, Emerson has recommended a mandatory supermarket code of conduct with fines of up to $10 million, 10% of annual turnover or 3 times the value of the breach for “major or systemic breaches” of the code – which could amount to huge bucks for the big four of Woolies, Coles, Aldi and wholesaler Metcash. Despite suggestions earlier in the year of breaking up the chains’ monopolies in some areas, the review found it wasn’t feasible to force the supermarket giants to close/sell stores as that would cost jobs and inconvenience shoppers.