A new food certification is now available in Australia for foods that are low in Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, otherwise known as FODMAP’s.
The FODMAP Friendly certifying body estimates that 35 percent of Australian consumers have an intolerance towards ingredients high in FODMAPs including wheat, rye, apple, honey, legumes, onion, garlic and milk.
These foods contain naturally occurring sugars and related molecules that can often trigger symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and can also affect sufferers of celiac disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease.
The FODMAP Friendly logo is the first Australian Government-approved labelling system for fructose-friendly and lactose-friendly foods. Founder of the certification, Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietician, Dr Sue Shepherd said that the labelling system is a handy shopping companion for those with these specific dietary requirements.
“The new FODMAP Friendly logo is to help people advised to follow a low FODMAP Diet easily identify and select suitable foods for their dietary needs,” said Shepherd.
“People who experience problems due to hidden ingredients in foods, and who find themselves spending time reading food packaging and labels will benefit from the new FODMAP Friendly logo.”
In order to gain the certification, each food product must be analysed independently in a food-testing laboratory.
The FODMAP friendly logo is now available on select foods Australia-wide, with more to commence displaying the logo in the coming months. Brands that are already displaying the logo include Kez’s Low in Fructose Cereal and snacks, a large range of Well and Good baking mixes, Bayview chicken and fish products, and Sue Shepherd All Natural Confectionery.