FAST FOOD LABELLING

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS (10 November 2010).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling): The Minister for Health has advised:

1. He is a strong advocate for providing clear and accurate information to consumers that will enable them to make healthy choices about the foods they eat. As the lead South Australian Minister on the Australia New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, he has been instrumental in driving national consideration of better labelling, such as front of pack traffic light labelling.

The policy and law underpinning food labelling is being closely scrutinised by the national Independent Review of Food Labelling, being led by Dr Neil Blewett, former Commonwealth Health Minister.

The South Australian Government is looking forward to receiving this report as it will provide a foundation for addressing many food labelling issues that the community has raised, including how to ensure consumers are not misled about what are the healthy options.

2. & 3. In relation to the provision of nutrition information on menu boards and the New South Wales approach, the Minister has reiterated his public statements that he is very interested in this initiative and will study it closely to see if the same can be done in South Australia.