Organic food producer Bellamy’s Organic has responded to claims made about the sugar content of some of its products on Channel Seven last night, labelling them “inaccurate,” and “misleading.”
Last night’s Sunday Night program on the Seven Network included an interview with David Gillespie, where he claimed Bellamy’s Organic Apple Snacks contained too much sugar.
“Bellamy’s Organic Apple Snacks is100% pure unadulterated organic apple and nothing else,” it said in a statement today.
“It is free of pesticides, colours, flavours and any other additives.
“As stated on the packaging, the product does not contain added sugar of any type.
“We recognise this is a controversial topic because many people believe excess sugar intake is inextricably linked to the obesity epidemic; however, David Gillespie is mistaken to criticise the sugar content of the featured Bellamy’s product.
“He has reduced serious debate about a properly balanced diet down to oversimplified pseudo-science.
“Almost all dieticians are constantly exhorting Australians, particularly children, to eat two pieces of fruit per day.
The company has also denied claims it adds sugar to the products.
“Guest reporter Peter FitzSimons also mistakenly confused added sugar to a product containing 80% naturally occurring fruit sugar.
“Bellamy’s organic snacks and cereals, including our Bellamy’s Apple Snacks, contain no added sugars,” the statement said.
“The sugar contained within the Bellamy’s Organic Apple Snacks is natural sugar and a scientifically recommended source of carbohydrate in everyone’s diet.
“The drying process that is used to make Bellamy’s Organic Fruit Snacks gently removes moisture from the apple without destroying the flavour and nutrients.
“Medical experts and most of the scientific community are in consensus that naturally occurring fruit sugar, (such as the fructose that is found in apples), as part of a balanced diet, has a positive effect on health.”
Bellamy’s Organic Pty Ltd is said they were not contacted by any representatives from Channel Seven prior to the story going to air.