New Zealand grocery retailer Foodstuffs has announced a commitment to help reduce childhood obesity.
“As the largest food retailer in New Zealand, we have a role to play in helping support the Government’s childhood obesity plan and create healthier communities that will thrive in the long term,” Foodstuffs Managing Director Steve Anderson said.
As part of its support for the plan, the key areas Foodstuffs has pledged to focus on are:
- Promoting the consumption of healthy foods by reformulating private-label products to improve their nutritional profile and enable healthier eating.
- Providing education on diet, nutrition and physical activity through the Food for Thought charity.
- Completing the rollout of Health Star Ratings across Foodstuffs’ private-label portfolio in support of the Government’s message that consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and salt should be limited.
- Ensuring all marketing activities comply with the relevant Advertising Standards Authority codes including an updated code for advertising to children.
“We believe that long-term change can be achieved if consumers are supported through a wide range of initiatives that help people make more informed choices, including greater access to healthier alternatives through reformulation,” Mr Anderson said.