Next stage in 8700KJ campaign

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell today launched the next phase of the 8700kJ initiative – with the introduction of mandatory kilojoule labelling of ready-to-eat foods in supermarkets.

The Premier was joined at today’s event by Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson, Minister for Healthy Lifestyles Kevin Humphries and World swimming champion, Chairman of the Premier's Council for Active Living and 8700kJ campaign ambassador Geoff Huegill.

Mr O’Farrell said under the changes supermarkets must now display the kilojoule content of ready-to-eat foods like hot chickens, hot deli meals and bakery items including donuts, 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,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“But I believe it is essential consumers are equipped with nutritional information to encourage them to make balanced food choices.

“The NSW Government’s 8700kJ initiative is educating consumers about their kilojoule intake by giving them easy access to nutritional information.

“Not only does obesity have a detrimental effect on individuals and their families - it is also estimated to cost the NSW economy about $19 billion a year.”

Ms Hodgkinson congratulated food outlets for embracing the 8700kj initiative.

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

“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 8700kJ.

“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.”

Mr Humphries said the NSW Government is determined to do all it can to tackle high rates of obesity in NSW.

“We all know that maintaining a healthy weight is an important component to good health. That’s why promoting healthy lifestyles is a key focus of the NSW Government,” Mr Humphries said.

“I urge everyone to download the 8700kJ smartphone app – which makes it simple to have nutritional information at your fingertips.”

Mr Huegill said the 8700kj campaign has been incredibly successful in educating people about their kilojoule intake.

“My return to world class swimming and peak fitness has been well documented and keeping a close track of my energy intake played a key part in achieving that goal,” Mr Huegill said.

“You don’t have to be an elite athlete - the 8700kJ app is a great tool that can be used by anybody looking to identify their ideal energy intake.”

Woolworths’ Director of Corporate and Public Affairs Andrew Hall welcomed the roll out of kilojoule labelling into the supermarket ready-to-eat sector.

“At a glance customers can now see the energy value of many popular ready-to-eat items and make a decision on how those products can fit into their daily energy needs,” Mr Hall said.

Further information about the 8700kJ campaign is available at: www.8700.com.au

Source: Premier for NSW, 5 March 2013