12th May 2008

FOOD LABELS CAN'T BE TRUSTED roars the headlines of the Press newspaper 12th May.

Yet another media beat-up and if the reporters had done their homework they might have learned a thing or two and imparted some useful knowledge to their readers. But in true Press tradition, no point in letting the facts get in the way of a good story and if they can scare the punters all the better.

The thrust of the front page story was about the NZ Food Safety Authority conducting tests on the nutrient labels on common food products. The study showed that the amounts of stated nurient ingredients varied to labelling, some under but quite a few with more than stated. Shock horror!

Later in the day, a spokesperson for Food Safety went on radio and gave a reasoned explanation as to why this happens. The labelling is for indicative purposes and as long as the product actually has the described nutrient in it, then no laws have been broken and there are virtually no safety implications. Manufacture of bulk food items with precise measures of additives is virtually impossible as packaging and time play their part. The reason for listing all the nutrients and additives on the label is for the consumer to know exactly what is in it rather than the exact quantities.

Of course if the Press had all this in their story.... then they wouldn't have had a story as it's virtually not news. As I say...... media beat-ups and lazy journalism.

TC