The AFGC has used the Diabetes Inquiry Report as a chance to strengthen collaboration with Australian food manufacturers and key stakeholders.
One of the leading organisations for food and grocery manufacturers has acknowledged the Diabetes Inquiry report and recognises it as a chance to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and better produce for consumers.
“The AFGC’s interest in this inquiry stems from the crucial role played by food and beverage manufacturers in promoting healthier diets by offering nutritious options and clearer information on pack,” said CEO of the Australian Food and Grocery Council Tanya Barden.
AFGC and its members are already engaged in government’s flagship voluntary initiatives such as the Healthy Food Partnership and the Health Star
Rating System.
“We welcome the report’s focus on multi-pronged interventions to improve health outcomes, including education and better urban planning to enable physical activity. An evidence-based approach where all players have a role in supporting a consistent strategy, based not only on products, but also diets, education and activity, is the way forward,” said Barden.
While AFGC understands concerns about marketing certain foods, particularly to children, it emphasises that the impact of such restrictions on health outcomes remains unproven and knows restrictions on food advertising will not serve as a silver bullet for addressing diabetes, nor obesity due to its complex, multi-factorial causes.
The food and beverage manufacturing industry has long supported self-regulatory codes managed by the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), and the industry advertising code specifically influencing this sector has also recently been reviewed and strengthened.
Similarly, AFGC advises caution regarding the proposed tax on sugar-sweetened beverages due to lack of evidence of its efficacy and the potential disproportionate impact on family budgets amid a cost-of-living crisis. The proposed tax ignores the economic realities of time-poor, budget conscious Australians.
AFGC stated it stands ready to work with government on the multifaceted issue of obesity effectively, with the industry set to play its part too.
The comments from the AFGC come less than a month after the association also highlighted its stance on ‘ultra-processed’ food.
“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,” an AFGC spokesperson said.
“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 the labelling of ultra-processed foods is not based on current nutrition principles and does not consider dietary patterns. Some of the foods described as ultra-processed are core foods, such as flavoured yoghurt, whole grain bread, and soy milk, which may cause
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,” the spokesperson said.
“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.”