Mandatory kJ labelling for supermarket RTE food

Ready-to-eat foods in NSW supermarkets are now required to display kilojoule content as part of the 8700 initiative. NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell launched the next phase of the initiative, which will require supermarkets to display the kilojoule content of ready-to-eat foods like hot chickens, hot deli meals and bakery items including doughnuts, cakes and custard tarts.

“It is my view that people who want to lose weight and get healthier need to take personal responsibility for their food and lifestyle choices,” O’Farrell said. “But I believe it is essential consumers are equipped with nutritional information to encourage them to make balanced food choices.

“We have enjoyed strong levels of support for this requirement from our industry partners and that is to be commended,” said Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson.

“As a result of this initiative there has been a marked improvement in the public’s awareness of the average daily kilojoule intake - with figures showing a significant rise in the proportion of the population able to identify the average as being about 8700 kJ.

“With the program now extended to the supermarket ready-to-eat sector we are ensuring consumers have even more information available to help them make sensible decisions about what they eat.”

The mandatory labelling requirement is complemented by the 8700 smartphone app, which helps consumers identify and maintain their ideal energy intake.