Confectionery and Energy
Confectionery Advertising and Promotion
Confectionery and Your Health
New Products, New Recipes
What is the CMA's position on obesity and the increased incidence of juvenile diabetes?
Obesity and related diseases are a complex societal problem. The CMAis extremely concerned by the significant growth in obesity and has sought to participate, and partner, with government and other sectors in the search for a sustainable solution.
The CMA believes that it has a role to play in improving consumer nutritional knowledge and, to this end, has for the past decade been operating its own Health Affairs Programme. Among other things this has involved engaging experts from Australasia and overseas to promote the latest scientific research in good nutrition.
The confectionery industry has always taken a responsible attitude by suggesting that its products are consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that is accompanied by regular physical activity. [top of page]
How much confectionery can I eat each day? Chocolate and confectionery are discretionary treat foods and should be consumed in moderation. The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating supports the view that children (4-11 yrs) can eat 1-2 serves of treat foods daily, while adolescents (12-18 yrs) can eat 1-3 serves of treat foods daily. It further says that the serving size for a treat is based upon the amount that supplies 600 kJ
of energy and gives 25g chocolate as an example serve size. The 600kJ recommendation would also equate to 50g jelly confectionery, 35g boiled lollies or a 30g food bar. For sugar-free confectionery it would equate to 50-100g depending on the sugar replacement used. [top of page]
Confectionery is regarded as a 'junk food'. Has it any nutritional value?
‘Junk food’ is a contradictory term. All food by definition has some nutritional value. Confectionery is a source of carbohydrate, protein and fat – all essential macronutrients. Some confectionery products also contain levels of micronutrients that make positive contributions to the diet, such as the minerals and antioxidants in chocolate. Confectionery products, like other packaged foods, provide this nutritional information on labels. [top of page]
When is the best time to eat confectionery?
As a treat food, confectionery should be consumed with discretion and in such a way that it does not preclude the enjoyment of main meals and is within the recommendations of the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Make sure that daily dental care is maintained. [top of page]
People say that imported chocolate is better quality. Is that true?
Chocolate manufactured in Australia and New Zealand is world renowned and exported to many countries across the globe. Both countries have a reputation for innovation, quality ingredients and clean environmental status. Australian and New Zealand exports are currently A$850m and growing. [top of page]
Confectionery and Energy
As people are still getting fatter, surely it is in the communities' interest to legislate in order to protect people?
Obesity is a direct consequence of consuming more kilojoules than are expended through activity. It is that simple. The confectionery industry has always taken a positive attitude by suggesting that confectionery products be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet and supported with regular physical activity.
We require an environment that educates consumers about the causes of obesity and promotes physical exercise. Legislation in the form of bans and restrictions are unlikely to significantly change eating habits and reduce obesity. The confectionery industry is committed to achieving long-term behavioural change through education and the promotion of physical exercise. [top of page]
How important is physical exercise in reducing obesity?
As obesity is a direct consequence of consuming more kilojoules than are expended through exercise, physical activity is a vital factor in the management of body weight. Unfortunately, many people are under-active. The CMAencourages regular physical activity. [top of page]
Why are people blaming confectionery for the increase in obesity?
When people consume more calories than they expend in terms of activity they will gain weight. This could occur with a whole range of foods. It is unfair to single out confectionery to blame. The most recent nutrition survey clearly shows confectionery represents only a small proportion of the daily kilojoule intake (2% in adults; 4% in children), hence it clearly cannot be a major contributor to overweight. [top of page] There has been a tendency in the food industry to offer larger portion sizes. Is this responsible?
Individual manufacturers and brand owners offer pack sizes that meet the needs of their respective consumers. Manufacturers will sometimes offer added value promotions for short periods of time to reward brand loyalty. However, in response to concerns about larger portion sizes the industry is reviewing its practices in this area. Some companies are to stop offering large portion sizes as part of company policy. [top of page]
Confectionery Advertising and Promotion
Don’t you think you should be putting warning labels on confectionery products so that people are protected?
Confectionery products, like other packaged foods are, by definition, safe to eat and therefore should not be required to carry any health related warnings. The Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Code however does make provision for allergen decalrations to be placed on packaged foods where there is a risk for consumers with allergies. Our members are required to comply with all elements of the Food Standards Code. [top of page]
Don’t you think that there should be advertising and distribution bans and restrictions put in place to ensure that children are protected from inappropriate exposure to high fat and high sugar products?
In addition to the regulatory framework governing the amount and frequency of advertising to children, the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) and the Association of New Zealand Advertisers (ANZA) lay down specific guidelines through a code of practice for advertising to children and others.
As a responsible industry, confectionery manufacturers are asked to comply with these regulations and codes of practice. [top of page]
What is the confectionery industry doing to promote a responsible approach to advertising?
The CMA has formally endorsed the self-regulatory codes of practice established by the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) and the Association of New Zealand Advertisers (ANZA) Code of Ethics. These have been forwarded to all CMAmembers for their information and implementation and are incorporated in the CMAs Industry Resource Manual. (IRM) [top of page]
What action would the CMAtake if a member breached the self regulatoryindustry codes?
The CMAstrongly encourages its members to abide by the AANA and the ANZA Code of Ethics and Code for Advertising to Children. To date there has been no need for any intervention from the CMA as all members responsibly adhere to these Codes of Practice. [top of page]
Should confectionery be removed from supermarket checkouts as theyencourage children to pester their parents to buy lollies?
Placement of confectionery in supermarkets is a decision for individual retailers, however many supermarkets provide confectionery-free checkouts for those customers who are so inclined. [top of page]
Confectionery and Your Health
Sugar is bad for your teeth, so aren’t you being irresponsible by selling high sugar foods?
Tooth decay occurs as a result of prolonged exposure of tooth enamel to acids produced by bacteria acting on fermentable carbohydrate (sugars and starch) in the mouth. Therefore, foods such as bread and bananas have the potential to cause tooth decay. Regular cleaning of teeth and proper oral hygiene will help to remove sugar and starch residue and prevent tooth decay.
Over the last 40 years tooth decay has been on the decline with improved dental hygiene and fluoridation of the water supply. In children, dental hygiene is the most important risk factor for tooth decay, while confectionery consumption is not linked to tooth decay (WHO report 1997 – Note the 2003 report comes down strongly on sugars [Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases – WHO Tech Rep 916]). [top of page]
Is chewing gum really good for your teeth?
Chewing gum, whether sugarfree or not, stimulates the production of saliva, which in turn contributes significantly to the cleansing of the mouth of residual food particles, thereby assisting oral health in a positive manner. Sugarfree gum is probably the best choice for those people limiting their kilojoule intake and wanting to minimise sugar contact with their teeth. [top of page]
Confectionery is full of artificial chemicals and additives; surely these can’t be good for you?
All ingredients in confectionery adhere strictly to the Food Standards Code. All additives have been vigorously tested and are not linked to any long-term health risk. Some confections will have permitted additives to improve the flavour and texture. People with specific needs should check the label for information. [top of page]
Some people say that chocolate is good for you, but how can it be when its only a treat food?
Cocoa has for centuries been acknowledged as having unique health properties. Recently these properties have been scientifically validated in both cocoa and chocolate and shown to help reduce cardio-vascular risk factors. Chocolate also provides essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and niacin. Nevertheless, chocolate is relatively high in kilojoules and should therefore be eaten in moderation. [top of page]
Chocolate always brings me out in zits, however, little I eat?
There is no scientific evidence linking chocolate as a cause of acne. Dermatologists agree that acne is more likely to be associated with hormonal changes and bacterial activity. It is not linked to food in general, or to any confectionery specifically. [top of page]
Is chocolate an anti-depressant?
Chocolate and confectionery are renowned for their unique properties that enhance mood by the release of endorphins into the blood system. Endorphins are naturally produced compounds in the brain that reduce pain and elevate the mood. People with depression should seek the advice of their physician and not presume that any food will be an anti-depressant. [top of page]
Aren’t your products as harmful as tobacco?
Confectionery is a safe food product and food is essential to life. Tobacco on the other hand has been proven to be dangerous in any quantity and therefore should not be compared to any food. [top of page]
I have an allergy, how can I know that a product is safe?
The CMA encourages consumers to read labels on all packaged food products. Recent changes to the Food Standards Code make it mandatory for all food manufacturers to declare whether common allergens may be present. To cater for allergy sufferers, some confectionery manufacturers produce allergen-free products, but allergic consumers should always check the label prior to consumption. [top of page]
New Products, New Recipes
What are you doing to offer consumers more healthy products?
Confectionery is a food that is eaten primarily for enjoyment. It contains essential nutrients such as carbohydrate, fat and protein. Where consumers require alternatives, the industry provides smaller portions as well as lower-fat and low-joule versions of confectionery.
Manufacturers are constantly striving to meet the needs of consumers and this can include changing their recipes to improve the nutrition profile of their products. The food industry continually takes advantage of any scientific developments that will help bring interesting food choices to the consumer. Confectionery is no exception. [top of page]
Sugar-free products are made with chemicals, surely this can’t be good for you?
Sugarfree products are made with ingredients that have been vigorously tested and approved by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand. Non-sugar sweeteners are absolutely safe to consume. Foods with added aspartame and aspartame-acesulphame salt come with a warning alert to the one in 10,000 people with phenylketonuria (PKU) who have difficulty metabolising aspartame. People with PKU are diagnosed at birth. Non-sugar sweeteners offer consumers particular benefits compared to their regular counterpart, for example, kilojoule reduction. [top of page]
If a product says that it is 100 percent fat-free, does that mean I can eat as much as I like?
While products may be fat-free, they still contain kilojoules, which if consumed in greater proportion than are expended through activity, will cause weight gain. It is therefore wise to read the entire ingredient listing to determine the appropriate serving size to meet personal needs for a balanced diet and lifestyle. [top of page]
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