AsianScientist (Sep. 8, 2011) – Research released by the Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) reveals 87 percent of Australian grocery buyers are in favor of clearer nutrition labels on packaged food in the form of traffic light ratings.
Jane Martin, senior policy advisor for the OPC, said consumers were tired of confusing and potentially misleading nutrition claims, like ‘fat-free’ on sugar-laden products, and would benefit from clear information that would allow them to make an informed choice about the foods they buy.
“Our research shows consumers want to know how much salt, sugar, saturated fat, and total fat, is in the products they buy. Traffic light labels provide this information at a glance, and help shoppers sort the fat from the fiction,” Ms. Martin said.
Traffic light labeling is endorsed by former Federal Health Minister, Dr. Neal Blewett, who chaired an expert group that conducted an independent review of food labeling law and policy in 2010.
Their report, Labeling Logic, recommends placing front-of-pack traffic light labels on packaged food to help consumers make healthier choices.
To demonstrate how traffic light labels could work, the OPC has developed an application for smart phones and tablets – the Traffic Light Food Tracker app, which gives a traffic light rating of high (red), medium (amber), or low (green), for the amount of sodium, sugars, total fat, and saturated fat per 100g in packaged foods.
Consumers are encouraged to download the application from either the Apple Appstore or Android marketplace and to support clearer food labeling by emailing their state health minister via the OPC’s website: www.opc.org.au.
“We hope that members of the Council will take into account both the strong public support and the recommendations in Dr Blewett’s report, and decide to make traffic light labeling mandatory on all packaged food,” Martin said.
An advocate for The Parents’ Jury and mother of three, Michelle Winchester, is one consumer in favor of traffic light labels.
“As a parent I know how easy is to be swayed by nutrition claims, particularly on foods marketed towards children. I want to be able to easily identify the nutritional content of the food I buy, in order to make the best choices for me and my family.”
“Traffic light labels would show me this information at a glance. It would also help me teach my children to cut through the packaging hype and make healthier choices themselves!” she said.
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Source: Obesity Policy Coalition
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
