AFGC claims they support food labelling
They support the consumers' right to know information about what they are eating.
QSR Media conducted an interview with an AFGC spokesperson to find out more about how big of an impact has the kilojoule labelling legislation made, and the council's role and position on food labelling.
QSR Media: How is the AFGC assisting the QSR sector re their concerns with food labelling?
AFGC: AFGC, through the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Forum, has assisted its members in understanding the legislation requirements of the recently introduced menu board labelling and communicating with jurisdictions regarding how the legislation should be applied and will be enforced.
AFGC has worked to ensure that all Australian jurisdictions agreed to National Principles for the introduction of kilojoule menu board labelling.
These principles ensure that there is consistency between jurisdictions, enabling companies to roll out menu board labelling nationally without concerns of additional costs or inconsistent consumer messaging.
QSR Media: What is the AFGC position on food labelling?
AFGC: Members of the AFGC QSR Forum support the consumers’ right to know information regarding the products they are consuming.
These companies provide nutrition and allergen information to their consumers through various channels including on their websites, via mobile apps, in-store brochures and kilojoule information on menu boards.
Many of these companies have introduced menu board labelling nationally, ensuring all Australians can use this information to make informed purchases. Companies have also included nutrition information on packaging and used the AFGC's Daily Intake Guide on both packaging and websites.
AFGC QSR Forum supports food labelling that provides information consumers in a meaningful and practical manner.
QSR Media: How much of an impact has the legislation on kilojoule labelling made since it was first implemented?
AFGC: In terms of consumers, early evaluation information has shown minimal if any changes to consumers purchasing patterns. Consumers have, however, become more aware of what kilojoules are and their role in a healthy diet.
The AFGC QSR Forum supports further government funded consumer education in line with the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the Dietary Guidelines, that equips consumers with the knowledge to construct healthy diets and understand the concept of ‘energy in, energy out’.
For industry, the legislation has resulted in significant and ongoing costs. These costs have included changes to menu designs, nutritional analysis for limited time offers and increased staff training in various aspects of nutrition.
