Choice magazine has assessed the top ten independent endorsement labels in Australia, putting each certification through its paces on transparency, consumer friendliness, conflict-of-interest management, stakeholder engagement, equitable participation and verifiability of compliance. The ten programs reviewed were: Australian Certified Organic (ACO) National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia (NASAA) certified organic Fairtrade GI symbol National Heart Foundation tick Organic Growers... ...Read more »

KFC franchisees in the US have initiated court proceedings against the owner of the KFC brand over a debate as to the direction of their marketing campaigns. The world’s most famous provider of fried chicken has headed along a ‘healthier food’ path over recent months, with much of their advertising spend directed toward their new grilled chicken products. But franchisees are concerned the focus on grilled chicken is to the detriment of the company. The KFC National Council and Advertising... ...Read more »

The Heart Foundation is calling on the restaurant and fast-food industries to switch from saturated fats to healthier alternatives. Speaking at the World Congress on Oils and Fats in Sydney this week, the health group argued that there is a need for labelling of fats on menus. “Unfortunately most of the outlets are using fats that are very high in saturated fats, some of them are up to about 50 per cent, whereas there is healthier options available at saturated fat levels of 7 per cent,”... ...Read more »

The Heart Foundation Tick has netted its first five star chef, with northern Sydney gourmet chain Pizzacutters launching six Tick approved pizzas today.Co-founder of Pizzacutters, Sam Lumbroso, was a five star hotel chef before joining brother Simon at Pizzacutters in 1998. With outlets in Wahroonga, Castle Hill and Mona Vale, Pizzacutters is now embarking on a national franchise expansion strategy. “As a chef, it’s easy to reach for the butter, cream and salt to boost flavour. When... ...Read more »

Since its launch into the foodservice sector, the Heart Foundation has helped its Tick licensees offer Australians healthier meals and now they are planning to expand its use to healthier snacks sold at food outlets. The Heart Foundation reported that ‘Tick’ options at foodservice outlets had been well received by customers and companies using the Tick had even unexpectedly uncovered greater business efficiencies and profitability across many areas of their businesses. Coral Colyer, Food... ...Read more »

Australia’s food industry has been warned to make concrete changes in the reformulation of food products, and if fails, the Federal Government should consider regulations. The Standing Committee on Health and Ageing yesterday released its report on the inquiry into obesity in Australia, titled “Weighing it up: Obesity in Australia”, urging food manufacturers to do more to make a positive contribution to mitigate the high levels of overweight and obesity in Australia. Out of the... ...Read more »

The world’s largest food group will phase out the use of the New Zealand Heart Foundation’s ‘Tick’ on its popular Milo brand, just eight months after winning ‘Tick’ status*. The decision is driven by a focus on more promotional campaigns for the drink later this year in Australia and New Zealand and is not a response to criticism in the wake of the decision, the company said. “We just decided to pursue a different strategy… (The tick) served its purpose,”... ...Read more »

Dr Lyn Roberts, Chief Executive of the Heart Foundation, has urged supermarkets to improve the nutritional profile of their private label goods as research indicates they often lag their branded counterparts. It is the second time in a month that the health of supermarket products has been criticised, with consumer group Choice last month questioning the ingredients in supermarket cakes. Dr Roberts noted that the stalling economy had driven more people to private label, but possibly to the detriment... ...Read more »

The Heart Foundation is calling for a national food reformulation strategy as part of their extensive plan to tackle the alarming rates of cardiovascular disease in Australia. Dr Lyn Roberts, CEO of the National Heart Foundation of Australia, said yesterday that the food industry needs to provide further support to the community with regard to healthier choices. “The need now is for Australians to live in a community, in a neighbourhood that supports them to make better, healthier choices,”... ...Read more »