News

Australian government considers publishing nutritional information

July 25, 2010

In a move that could perhaps follow the United States' lead, New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, will hold a "fast food forum" on Aug. 16 to discuss a plan mandating larger chains to display nutritional information, including fat and caloric content.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the event will be co-chaired by NSW premier Kristina Keneally and former premier Bob Carr.

Keaneally supports the change to menu labeling at quick-service restaurants, including McDonald's and KFC, both of which have a large presence in the state. The proposed changes include labeling on menus and menu boards of calorie information, saturated fats, transfats and salt.

From the Story:

"There's no doubt consumers want more information about the fast food they are eating," Keneally said. "That said, we have to realise that there are real challenges in regulation for the fast food industry, especially for small franchisees. That's why I am consulting with industry in my advocating for a national approach for large fast food chains to publish more information about their products."