PUSH FOR MORE TRANSPARENT SUGAR LABELLING

Australian parliament ministers both federal and state are advocating that Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) re-evaluate nutrition labelling for added sugars.

Currently food labelling regulations do not require food and drink manufacturers to differentiate between added and naturally occurring sugars on their labels. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA) added sugar is also disguised as cane syrup, fructose and dextrose in the ingredients panel.

“At the moment consumers may look at labels and not be able to recognise how much is added sugar – so separating natural from added sweeteners on nutrition panels would provide the information shoppers need to make informed choices,” said Dr Mikaela Chinotti of the ADA.

It is interesting to note that the World Health Organisation recommends just six teaspoons as our daily limit to prevent tooth decay. In contrast, soft drinks contain up to a staggering 16 teaspoons of sugar in one 600ml bottle. In addition, transparent labelling will allow consumers to ascertain exactly how much added sugar is in products such as cereals, sauces and muesli bars.

The ADA’s view is that the move for more transparent sugar labelling is long overdue. For further information please contact the ADA on 02 8815 3333

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental