The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has labelled the decision by some states and territories to move ahead with menu board labelling legislation for Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) without waiting for a consistent national approach “disappointing.”
The AFGC QSR Forum, which represents the majority of QSR companies in Australia is in the preparation stage with a national menu board labelling system to provide energy information and healthy choice options.
AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said it was concerning that New South Wales, Australin Capital Territory and South Australia have introduced separate legislation where QSR outlets are required to show kilojoule content on their menu boards as well as prominently feature the average adult daily energy intake of 8700kj.
“It’s concerning that some jurisdictions have gone ahead with menu board labelling despite the Food Regulation Ministerial Council developing nationally consistent guidelines for point-of-sale labelling in QSR outlets,” Carnell said.
“Having a nationally-consistent approach will make it easier for consumers to understand menu board labels – and it provides cost benefits for industry.
“Governments are currently playing catch up on this initiative, with the QSR sector ready to roll-out menu board labelling nationally.”
Carnell said the council welcomes the consultation with interest groups undertaken by the SA government on its legislation.
The SA government and industry will recommend menu-board labelling exemptions limited time offers where the product is on the market for less than 60 days, products on the market for the genuine and sole purpose of product trial and research, provided that the trial is limited to 90 days and products sold with the intention of multiple servings and/or portions (BBQ chickens, whole cakes etc).
“Industry will also be writing to the NSW Government requesting the same exemptions,” Carnell said