A Healthier Pie for Schools

A Healthier Pie for Schools

The Pie Group, representing a range of pie manufacturers, the baking industry and health related organisations, is pleased that 'healthier' pies will have a place in the school tuck-shop under the new Food and Beverage Classification system launched by the Ministry of Health today.

Pie Group spokesperson, and NZ Bakels Account Manager Andreas Voegelin says a lot of time and effort has gone into producing pies which are not only tasty but have considerably less fat, salt and energy levels compared with some of the other types of pies on the market.

"As a result, many of the reformulated pies meet the fat, salt and energy levels set by the Ministry of Health for the 'sometimes' food category – meaning these pies can be served at least a couple of times a week in the school tuck-shop," he says.

However, pies that do not meet the criteria will not qualify for the 'sometimes' category and will be put in the 'occasional' category meaning these ones can only be served once a term he says.

"It is fantastic to see pies can stay in schools and that there is now an emphasis on selling more of the healthier alternatives," Andreas said

"The reality is that students will still be able to obtain pies from neighbouring shops, so there is merit in schools being able to sell the more nutritious pies.

NZ Bakels and the Baking Industry Association of New Zealand (BIANZ) have been working closely with many manufacturers over the past years in promoting best practice. There are already many pie manufacturers in the country who have been proactive in decreasing fat and salt levels to meet certain criteria, and some have gone as far as achieving the Heart Foundation tick of approval .

The Pie Group has also consulted with health organisations regarding nutrition criteria and its members include not only baking industry representatives, ingredient suppliers, pie manufacturers, BIANZ and the Food Industry Group, but also the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand, Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) and an observer member from the Ministry of Health.

ENDS

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