Tick programme re-introducing sugar criteria

Tick programme re-introducing sugar criteria

The Heart Foundation is embracing the latest World Health Organisation recommendations and re-introducing a sugar criterion into relevant categories of its Tick programme.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on March 4 a new recommendation for adults and children to reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake.

A further reduction to below 5% or roughly 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day would provide additional health benefits, the WHO says.

Deb Sue, the Heart Foundation’s Tick Programme Manager, says the Tick programme previously had a sugar criteria but it was replaced in 2001 with an energy criteria, which includes sugar and fat.

This was because evidence at the time showed a stronger link between energy intake and cardiovascular disease than sugar intake and cardiovascular disease.

“Re-introducing a sugar criterion into relevant categories will align better with the WHO guidelines on sugar,” says Deb. “Previously, the evidence between sugar intake and heart disease was not as strong as it is now and we are moving with the latest research.”

The New Zealand Heart Foundation is taking the recommendations on board to further improve the Tick programme, because it is a highly-recognisable and trusted front-of-pack labelling system in Deb says setting or changing criteria in the Tick programme, which is being done in conjunction with the Australian Heart Foundation, requires a lot of analysis work and it will take a number of months before the new criteria can be introduced.

“We had already started the work in anticipation of the new WHO guidelines, and we are now aiming to have sugar criterion implemented for all relevant categories by the end of September Deb says it is important to note that the Heart Foundation launched Two Ticks in May last year, which has a sugar criterion for categories such as breakfast cereals and yoghurt.

This was to help consumers easily identify foods that the Heart Foundation recommends for everyday consumption. More than 100 products are already registered with Two Ticks.

Deb says there are 60 different food categories in the Tick programme and the nutrient criterion for each is reviewed on a regular basis, in light of the latest evidence-based research.

“With this in mind we’re confident Tick and Two Ticks will continue to help Kiwi consumers make healthier food choices for themselves and their families.”

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