The Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC) has launched a voluntary industry code of practice for whole grain ingredient content claims.
Known as the Code of Practice for Whole Grain Ingredient Content Claims the new standards will commence from 2014, promoting consistent messages in the whole grain ingredient content of foods on food packaging and advertising.
The code is based on Australian Dietary Guidelines and the GLNC whole grain Daily Target Intake of 48g per day which was established in 2006.
Whole Grain Ingredient Content Claims Levels
- A product containing less than 8g whole grain will not be permitted to make a whole grain content claim
- A product containing greater than 8g whole grain may use the contains whole grain claim
- A product containing greater than 16g whole grain may use the high in whole grain claim
- A product containing greater than 24g whole grain may use the very high in whole grain claim
Managing director of GLNC, Georgie Aley said that the new code is being welcomed by industry and will help consumers meet daily wholegrain targets.
“GLNC consumption study data from 2009 and 2011 confirms that Australians aren’t eating enough whole grain foods. This may be attributed in part to mixed messages about whole grains, which can create confusion among consumers,” Aley said.
“There is currently no regulation for the use of whole grain ingredient content claims to describe the different amount of whole grain in different foods. This standard, which is being welcomed by industry, will help consumers to meet the recommended amount of whole grain for a day.”
Aley also stated that the content claim levels are in line with international standards.
“The Australian content claim levels are also in line with international labelling and characterisation of whole grain foods, including the recently approved characterisation by the AACC International of 8 grams of whole grain per 30 grams of product,” she said.
“The new Code also enables manufacturers’ claims relating to whole grains, high fibre grains or legume foods to be certified by GLNC, and permits on-pack use of GLNC’s certification statement and logo by registered users.”