1. No category

MEDIA STATEMENT
13 April, 2015
Industry hits back at warnings against lunch box fruit drinks
Fruit Juice Australia, the dedicated juice division of the Australian Beverages Council, has today
responded to the calls from The Obesity Policy Coalition warning parents about the sugar content in
lunch box fruit drinks.
The Beverage Council’s CEO, Mr Geoff Parker commented: “Sugar is a natural source of energy for
kids, but is often blamed as a unique contributor to overweight and obesity in Australian children. No
single nutrient, food product or beverage is to blame for the nation’s expanding waistlines - weight
gain is the result of an energy imbalance regardless of where the kilojoules come from.”
“The 2014 Australian Health Survey found fruit drinks contributed just 1.3% of children’s (2-18 years)
average daily energy intake, while cakes, sweet biscuits and confectionery made up 12.4% of energy1,”
the Council’s CEO Geoff Parker said.
“When it comes to 100% fruit juice, the Australian Dietary Guidelines support a small glass of juice
equalling a serve of fruit. The research clearly shows that kids who drink juice have a better overall
diet quality than those that don’t.
“Parents and caregivers are in the best position to make food and beverage choices for their children.
Research shows that health campaigners are underestimating the common sense approach that the
majority of parents already apply and continue to be out of step with what really happens in
Australian homes” said the Council’s CEO, Mr Geoff Parker.
Media contact:
Geoff Parker – Chief Executive Officer, Australian Beverages Council
+61 (0)407 646 195
The Australian Beverages Council is the peak body for the non-alcoholic beverages industry and
represents 95% of the industry’s production volume through membership.
1
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2014, Australian Health Survey: Nutrition First Results - Foods and Nutrients,
2011-12