Aug 17, 2019 07:54 PM
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/artic...d=12259299
EXCERPT: The biggest independent study to date of packaged food on supermarket shelves has found most of it is unhealthy. More than two-thirds was classified as "ultra-processed" and half were not foods that are necessary in a person's diet. Authors of the study are calling on the Government to make improved Health Star Ratings labels compulsory and to set food manufacturers targets to lower salt, sugar and saturated fat.
Both the current and the previous government have opted to work with the food industry to encourage improvements in labelling and reduction in sugar and salt content rather than impose requirements. But those who conducted the New Zealand State of the Food Supply study say substantial change across the food supply was unlikely without strong government direction. "We need the Government to take real action by setting targets to lower salt, sugar and saturated fat content," Dr Sally Mackay, a lead author of the report, said.
The study analysed 13,000 packaged food items using the Health Star Rating criteria, which rates foods from 0.5 to 5 stars. Researchers found that 59 per cent of items have a low star rating and that even in categories such as muesli bars and yoghurts the average rating was low. Poor diet was the leading cause of early death in New Zealand, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of illnesses and premature death, Mackay said. "Getting healthier foods on the shelves makes it easier for consumers to make a healthy choice, which is key to curbing the obesity epidemic and diet-related ill health," said Mackay, a research fellow at Auckland University's medical and health sciences faculty.
Although acknowledging that the country's top food manufacturers have made commitments to reduce sugar, salt and fat in their products, the researchers said industry uptake of the Health Star Rating had been too slow at only 21 per cent of eligible products, and all packaged food should be required to carry Health Star labels. "Consumers have the right to know the healthiness of the products they're buying," Mackay said.
Health Star Ratings are an independent system developed by the New Zealand and Australian governments with public health experts, the food industry and consumer groups. Packaged foods are given a number of stars based on their nutrients, ingredients and the amount of energy (kilojoules) they provide. [...] Healthy Food Guide editor-at-large Niki Bezzant said the findings were no surprise. "The healthiest food doesn't come in packaging." (MORE - details)
EXCERPT: The biggest independent study to date of packaged food on supermarket shelves has found most of it is unhealthy. More than two-thirds was classified as "ultra-processed" and half were not foods that are necessary in a person's diet. Authors of the study are calling on the Government to make improved Health Star Ratings labels compulsory and to set food manufacturers targets to lower salt, sugar and saturated fat.
Both the current and the previous government have opted to work with the food industry to encourage improvements in labelling and reduction in sugar and salt content rather than impose requirements. But those who conducted the New Zealand State of the Food Supply study say substantial change across the food supply was unlikely without strong government direction. "We need the Government to take real action by setting targets to lower salt, sugar and saturated fat content," Dr Sally Mackay, a lead author of the report, said.
The study analysed 13,000 packaged food items using the Health Star Rating criteria, which rates foods from 0.5 to 5 stars. Researchers found that 59 per cent of items have a low star rating and that even in categories such as muesli bars and yoghurts the average rating was low. Poor diet was the leading cause of early death in New Zealand, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of illnesses and premature death, Mackay said. "Getting healthier foods on the shelves makes it easier for consumers to make a healthy choice, which is key to curbing the obesity epidemic and diet-related ill health," said Mackay, a research fellow at Auckland University's medical and health sciences faculty.
Although acknowledging that the country's top food manufacturers have made commitments to reduce sugar, salt and fat in their products, the researchers said industry uptake of the Health Star Rating had been too slow at only 21 per cent of eligible products, and all packaged food should be required to carry Health Star labels. "Consumers have the right to know the healthiness of the products they're buying," Mackay said.
Health Star Ratings are an independent system developed by the New Zealand and Australian governments with public health experts, the food industry and consumer groups. Packaged foods are given a number of stars based on their nutrients, ingredients and the amount of energy (kilojoules) they provide. [...] Healthy Food Guide editor-at-large Niki Bezzant said the findings were no surprise. "The healthiest food doesn't come in packaging." (MORE - details)