Ribena case could be more widespread, say Greens

The Ribena case raises serious questions about the New Zealand Food Safety Authority's role in ensuring consumers are not being misled, Green Party MP Sue Kedgley says.

"Ribena producer GlaxoSmithKline's actions are extremely concerning. Consumers rely on nutrition labels to tell them what's in their food, and they assume they are accurate," Ms Kedgley says.

"It is shocking that this ruse was not picked up by NZFSA, the body that is supposed to be acting in the best interests of consumers," Ms Kedgley says.

"I suspect that this case may be just one of numerous examples of food manufacturers stretching the truth on labels. A recent FSANZ survey found that in 12 of 158 foods tested, salt levels were 50 percent more than what was claimed on labels. This suggests that the Ribena case is just the tip of the iceberg.

The problem is that NZFSA is not undertaking any regular monitoring of nutrition labelling.

"If consumers are to have confidence in our labelling system, NZFSA must carry out random testing of all food to ensure that manufacturers are being honest on their labels. It should not be up to members of the public or school children to have to test the food they are eating.

"We need to send a clear message to the food industry that nutrition labels must be accurate and true-to-label," Ms Kedgley says.

"It is essential that consumers can make healthy choices based on accurate information, and New Zealand Food Safety Authority must act to ensure consumers can."

ENDS

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