Potential media stories on preventive health and food processing
28 June 2024
Background
The AFGC and a member company were approached last week by a business journalist from the ABC requesting an on-camera interview to respond to a story on preventive health issues including a food tax, changes to front-of-pack labelling to include food processing as a criterion, and marketing restrictions of ‘junk’ food.
The AFGC declined an interview in this case and provided the following media statement (available on our public-facing website). While it is uncertain whether this story will run, more media requests are likely in the future.
Media Statement
Processed food plays a key role in modern diets, offering both convenient and nutritious options such as wholegrain breads and dairy milk alternatives.
Food and beverage companies are constantly innovating to reduce total energy, sugar and salt, and to present products with portion control information to help consumers moderate their consumption.
As makers of packaged food, we play an active role in keeping consumers informed. That is why the AFGC and its members are allies with the Government in flagship voluntary initiatives such as the Healthy Food Partnership and the Health Star Rating System.
We support an evidence-based approach to regulatory change in this sector with a focus on achieving specific outcomes including a healthier society. We advocate for holistic approach that emphasizes portion control, education and physical activity.
The AFGC is concerned that ultra processed food labelling is not based on current nutrition principles and does not consider dietary patterns. Some of the foods described as ultra-processed are core foods, for example, flavoured yoghurt, whole grain bread, and soy milk, and hence there is the risk of causing consumer confusion.
Broad and sweeping regulation would likely increase costs for manufacturers and consumers alike with minimal impact on the health of the Australian community.
Through food and beverage product development and reformulation, portion control measures, food labelling and collaborations with government, food and beverage manufacturers have demonstrated their readiness and ability to act and look forward to continuing this engagement.
For Members
The AFGC formed a working group and has developed several resources that are publicly available on the AFGC website on food processing and processed food. These include a scientific critique of NOVA, a position paper, FAQs, how food is made, and key messages. In addition, these resources have been promoted on LinkedIn and distributed to key stakeholders including FSANZ.
The AFGC Nutrition and Regulatory team keeps a watching brief of NOVA and UPF, advocates to stakeholders on the important role processed food has in food safety, food security and sustainability, and actively participates in a global industry network on the issue.
Contact
If you would like further information or have a query please contact Dr Duncan Craig, email duncan.craig@afgc.org.au
