24 November 2000 Media Statement

Sugar and Fat Label – Huge Win for Consumers

The decision today by Australia New Zealand Food Standards Council to require mandatory disclosure of fat types and sugar content levels on nutrition information panels for all packaged foods is a massive win for New Zealand consumers says Consumer Affairs Minister Phillida Bunkle.

“I am absolutely thrilled that the Council has agreed with the New Zealand Government’s motion to include fats and sugars in the proposed information panels. Consumers have said this is the most important information they want when buying food products and their mandatory disclosure is a big leap forward for consumers who want to buy healthier food”, said Phillida Bunkle.

“Heart disease and diabetes are the two biggest food-related health issues for consumers and the disclosure of fat types will assist in reducing heart disease and the labelling of sugar levels in the onset of diabetes.

These labels will provide the type of meaningful information consumers and many in the health sector have been asking for for so long.”

The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Council met in Sydney today to adopt a new joint food code and have accepted a New Zealand Government’s argument that the labelling of fats and sugars would well serve New Zealand and Australian consumers.

“I congratulate the Health Ministers on their stand in the interests of consumers and their well-being” said Phillida Bunkle.

ENDS

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