A huge range of health and nutrition claims turn up on food labels. Most of these claims are little more than marketing hype.
The review panel has recommended manufacturers should be required to substantiate any health claims they want to put on food labels. Unhealthy foods – like sugary fibre-flimsy cereals – would also be prohibited from carrying claims about alleged health or nutrition benefits.
The panel has also taken aim at words that imply health benefits – such as "fresh" and "natural". It's recommended these types of words should be defined in a code of practice, with a view to restricting their use if manufacturers don't play ball.
Label examples
Kellogg's Nutri-Grain declares it's fortified with iron, calcium and B vitamins. But the cereal also contains high levels of sugar and salt – and it’s low in dietary fibre.
Our product comparisons of cereals have found those that claim health or nutrition benefits don't necessarily stand up to scrutiny. Implementation of the review panel's recommendations will prevent manufacturers from making health claims for these products.
The same goes for products such as vitamin water that imply some sort of health advantage. These drinks are little more than souped-up lolly water containing huge amounts of sugar – up to 8 teaspoons in one serving.
The introduction of traffic light labelling will also help consumers see at a glance whether the fat, saturated fat, sugar and sodium content of these kinds of products make them a healthy or unhealthy choice.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Get full access to all Consumer reports for as little as $1.85 a week
- Over 500 reports plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
Previous: Traffic light labels
