Food industry welcomes government’s preventative health agenda
The Australian food and beverage industry has welcomed the federal government’s announcement outlining details of its preventative health agenda.
Australian Food and Grocery Council Chief Executive Kate Carnell said that the food and beverage industry supported a combined government, industry and community approach to preventative health.
“The importance of preventative health measures and healthy lifestyles in avoiding cardiovascular and other diseases can not be overstated.
“We’ve known the effects of overweight and obesity on health for a long time now and this simply isn’t something that government can solve on its own.
“The food and beverage industry is playing its part to help find a solution by introducing key initiatives such as the Daily Intake Guide food labelling to help consumers make healthy eating choices.
“This brings information about what’s in a single serve of a product to the front of the pack, where it’s easier to read, and puts it in the context of an individual’s overall dietary requirements.
“Another positive food industry action has been the launch of the Responsible Children’s Marketing Initiative late last year. This provides a framework for food and beverage companies to promote healthy dietary choices and lifestyles to Australian children, consistent with community values.”
Carnell said that industry continues to invest heavily in the further development of products which protect and promote health such as reduced salt and low fat options, which is aligned strongly with the government’s preventative health agenda.
“Industry is looking forward to continuing to work with government to ensure an affordable, safe and healthy food supply is available to all Australians,” Carnell said.
