Goodman Fielder, Sanitarium and Bakers Delight have become the first registered users of the new voluntary industry code of practice for whole grain ingredient content claims.
The Code, known as the Code of Practice for Whole Grain Ingredient Content Claims, was launched in July this year and was an initiative developed by the peak industry body for the nutrition and health benefits of grains and legumes, The Grain and Legumes Nutrition Council.
As a signatory to the code, food manufacturers have agreed to abide with whole grain content claims levels that align with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. These claims are based on a contribution towards the consumption of 48 grams of whole grains – the recommended Daily Target Intake (DTI).
Both Bakers Delight and Goodman fielder have chosen to use the DTI statement and content claims on a range of their products, and Sanitarium will use the DTI statement across its Weet-Bix range from 2014.
“Goodman Fielder’s sign-up to the Code, initially with Helga’s Continental Bakehouse range, will give consumers greater clarity about the whole grain content of the bread they’re buying,” said Kinda Grange, marketing director for baking at Goodman Fielder.
“We wholeheartedly endorse the aims of the voluntary Code, developed by the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council. The Code will help consumers to become more discerning, and supports a greater propensity among main grocery buyers to actively seek out whole grain products,” she said.
Managing director of the Grain and Legumes Nutrition Council, Georgie Aley said that the new signatories serve as fantastic news for public health, consumers and brands.
Aley says that the wide adoption of the Code will act as a valuable tool for consumers, enabling them to compare products and choose foods that will contribute to the whole grain DTI.
“For consumers, they will begin to see consistent messages for the whole grain ingredient content of foods on food packaging and advertising. This will bring greater understanding about the value of enjoying grain foods three to four times a day, and legumes two to three times a week.
“As one of Australia’s biggest manufacturers of grain foods, including Helga’s grain bread, Goodman Fielder’s registration to use the Code on pack will pave the way for other major manufacturers to follow their lead,” said Aley.