Information and moderation is the key – not tax

Information and moderation is the key – not tax

A call over recent days for taxes on certain foods and drinks is not the way to solve the obesity crisis, according to a nutritionist working with the Food Industry.

“It is an overly simplistic way of addressing a complex issue” says Vicki Hamilton who is the Executive Director of the Food Industry Group.

“Consuming a sugary drink or a fatty food is actually OK if it is part of a balanced diet.” she said. “We all like a little bit of fat and sugar now and then and there is actually nothing wrong with that.”

The challenge, according to Hamilton, is making sure that we ‘get the balance right’.

“There is no doubt there are greater problems in some areas of our society than others but the positive thing is that there are lots of programs underway that are working.” In Counties Manukau for example, huge inroads have been achieved as to what people are thinking and eating.

 “Not only that, many food companies have made tremendous strides in reducing energy levels, fat, sugar and salt and increasing fibre. They have reduced portion sizes, and have established guidelines around their new product development and advertising.

So much has been achieved. “Fantastic progress has been made – which will achieve far more for health in the long run than a tax”.

ENDS

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