17 January 2006

An Apple A Day Can't Be Bad

New Zealand First is calling for common sense when it comes to food regulations, and suggests that Food Standards Australia and New Zealand compare apples with apples.

“The suggestion that sugar content is the only factor in nutrition is ludicrous, as is the idea that a can of coke and an apple have similar sugar levels and are therefore comparable nutritionally,” said Primary Production spokeserson Doug Woolerton.

“New Zealand fruit growers have enough challenges with everything from the weather, attracting seasonal staff, and fair access to overseas markets without aspersions being cast on the health benefits of their products.

“It’s vital for the survival of the industry that regulatory initiatives such as this don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Surely we’d prefer our kids to eat an apple than a chocolate biscuit. Let’s get real here.

“The point of food regulations is to make people aware of what’s in the food they buy, and while fruit contains natural sugar, it’s also chock full of vitamins and nutrients. To suggest that fruit and vegetable growers can’t market their products as healthy is daft.

“We’ve all heard the saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Let’s listen to grandma on this one,” said Mr Woolerton.

ENDS

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