Consumer group Choice is calling for health ministers to act urgently on added sugar labelling in Australia.
A forum on food regulation, held last week, was intended to promote discussion on the issue of added sugar information on packs, but Choice claims the decision has only been postponed further.
"Ministers across Australia have dragged their feet on reform to deal with sugar in Australian diets for too long," Choice spokesperson Katinka Day said.
"They have had multiple opportunities to take action on added sugar labelling, and disappointingly, they are putting the needs of the food industry ahead of the health of Australians."
An independent food labelling review recommended improving added sugar labelling in 2011.
"The food industry would have us and ministers believe that labelling added sugar is too difficult and costly, but the United States has already shown the rest of the world it’s possible, with thousands of products labelling added sugar following a change to labelling laws in 2016," Day said.
“The fact is, it’s all but impossible for the average shopper to make an informed choice about added sugar in their diet.
“We’re calling for clear labelling so that consumers know what's in their food. This is not controversial, but an essential first step in reducing the added sugar intake of Australians.”
Choice outlines its campaign below:
