Sanitarium signs up for Health Star Ratings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27 June 2014

Sanitarium signs up for Health Star Ratings

Sanitarium Health & Wellbeing has welcomed the Government’s introduction of a voluntary front-of-pack labelling system. Sanitarium will adopt the new Health Star Rating system across its entire product range, including market-leading products Weet-Bix and Up&Go.

“Assisting consumers to make healthier choices is something Sanitarium has always supported and that is why we will adopt the Health Star Rating System” said Pierre van Heerden, General Manager, Sanitarium New Zealand. “This initiative is an opportunity for the food and beverage industry to help improve the health of New Zealanders.

“Sanitarium is a trusted and well-known brand in New Zealand, and by providing transparent and easy-to-understand information through the Health Star Rating system we will continue to deliver on the trust that consumers already place in us, our brands, and our heritage.”

The Health Star Rating system is strongly aligned with New Zealand Dietary Guidelines and is supported by considerable research demonstrating the efficacy of the star system to assist consumers in making better choices when purchasing packaged foods and beverages.

“We know that consumers are interested in nutrition information and that this is a major factor when selecting food products. Currently, comparing nutrition values between products takes time and can be confusing. The Health Star Rating system is a practical and easy way for consumers to see the information they need to make healthy choices for them and their families

“Health Star Ratings will start appearing on Sanitarium products over the next few months as packaging changes are made,” Mr van Heerden said.

Products are ranked on a scale of one to five stars, with five being the highest nutrition endorsement. The Health Star Rating system is designed to provide nutrition information in a clear and easily understood format, taking into account a number of nutrients of significance to health.

ENDS

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