The Department of Health has begun a national consultation process on plans to ‘reformulate’ the nation’s foodstuffs to reduce the amounts of salt, sugar and some fats that lead to diet-related illnesses.
The Department has released a consultation statement on its proposed Healthy Food Partnership Reformulation Program, and is seeking comments.
Announcing the consultation, Minister for Rural Health, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the latest available data showed Australians consumed almost double the World Health Organisation’s recommended daily level (five grams) of salt.
“Many of us are also eating too much added sugars and saturated fats,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The reformulation program is designed to help change food products to reduce sodium, sugars and saturated fat content, which could significantly reduce the current consumption levels and decrease the risk of diet-related chronic disease.”
She said a Healthy Food Partnership which involved the Government, the public health sector and the food industry tackled diet-related chronic disease, promoted healthy eating and encouraged food suppliers, manufacturers and distributors to make positive changes.
“The consultations are an important part of developing the reformulation program and we want to know the views of all Australians, whether they are from the food industry, the public health sector or any other interested groups,” Senator McKenzie said.
“This is the opportunity for Australians to influence the Government’s plan to combat the potentially harmful levels of salt, sugar and saturated fats in our diets.”
The 50-page consultation statement can be accessed from the Department’s website at this PS News link.
