This independent body of nutritionists has assessed the criteria for each of the brand's products in order to decide whether it is healthy enough to carry the campaign logo. Consumers choosing these products can be confident in the knowledge that they are making one of the better health food choices.
The group supports the Department of Health's quest to create a healthier South Africa and strives to make good nutrition more accessible to all. “While many of us understand the need for a healthy diet, when bombarded with the vast array of apparently healthy foods on the shelves, it is not always easy to make the best choice. Not only does the company constantly develop healthier food options for our consumers, but we also try to lessen the stress and confusion many consumers face daily in the shopping aisles,” explains Bongiwe Njobe, executive director - sustainability at Tiger Brands.
"All our products will also carry the Guideline Daily Allowance (GDA) label, which informs the consumer of the amount of kilojoules, sugars, total fat, saturated fat and salt contained within that product per serving. This will assist consumers to plan their family meals and ensure that they get the right nutrition. It is a simple and easy to understand label. Our campaign logo will make it easier for consumers to pick the healthier products."
With more than 10% of South African children under nine overweight and a further 4% obese (as per the National Food Consumption Survey 2005) this announcement is great news for parents wanting to improve the health of their children through better eating habits. Over nutrition puts a considerable strain on the health of the child, leading to a higher risk of developing such chronic lifestyle diseases as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease that can be prevented through healthy diet and exercise.
