Responding to the release of data from the National Health Survey Added Sugars Report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics

Media Statement

Gary Dawson, CEO, Australian Food and Grocery Council

“Data from the National Health Survey: Added Sugars released today by the ABS reinforces the need to continue to drive home the message of moderation and variety in diets, greater consumer choice and product information and stronger emphasis on innovation and reformulation.”

“The research shows that Australians are close to meeting the WHO recommended free sugar level of 10%, deriving an average of 10.9% of their total dietary energy from free sugars[1]. While we are in sight of this target, we need to enhance consumer education and information to empower people with the information to make healthy food choices.”

“Progress is being made as Australian food and beverage companies are investing in innovation, reformulation, portion control and enhanced consumer labelling to ensure that consumers have a broader understanding of how sugar, salt and fat contribute to an overall diet. “

“The ABS has previously confirmed an overall decline in sugar consumption in the Australian diet which showed that total average sugar intake declined from 44 to 31 teaspoons of sugar for males aged 19-30 and 29 to 24 teaspoons for females aged 19-30 between 1995 and 2011.”[2]

“Industry continues to support current government, community and industry programmes to educate people about the importance of a balanced diet and activity. The Australian Government’s recently announced Healthy Food Partnership is an agreement between government, industry and public health groups to cooperatively tackle obesity, encourage healthy eating and empower food manufacturers to make positive changes to their product portfolios.”

“Additionally industry’s uptake of the Health Star Rating scheme and greater information through extended labelling on ‘phone apps is enabling consumers to better understand what’s in food and what’s a healthier choice.”

 

-ENDS-

AFGC Media Contact: James Mathews 0407 416 002
 
 
 

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/4364.0.55.011~2011-12~Main%20Features~Dietary%20Energy%20from%20Free%20Sugars~9

[1] http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/4364.0.55.0082011-12?OpenDocument

[1] http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/4364.0.55.011~2011-12~Main%20Features~Dietary%20Energy%20from%20Free%20Sugars~9

[2] http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/4364.0.55.0082011-12?OpenDocument