Fast food giants in Victoria to list all kilojoule contents on menus by 2018

GRANT McARTHUR
September 13, 2016
Herald Sun
FAST food giants will have to list the hidden nasties in their products before the start of 2018 under new menu regulations.
Laws being introduced to Victorian Parliament on Wednesday will require all fast food chains with 20 or more stores in the state to display the kilojoule contents on their menus price tags and online menus by 2018.
Supermarket chains will also have to reveal the energy content of all unpackaged and ready-to-eat food and drinks.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy urged the 3000 fast food stores covered by the legislation to begin start phasing measures to meet the new demands.
With two-thirds of Victorians overweight of obese and similar laws in NSW leading to a 15 per cent reduction in the kilojoule content of food purchased over the boarder, Ms Hennessy said the move was needed to help families make informed decisions.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy. Picture: Mark Stewart
“Most people dine out more than four times a week, eating energy dense foods such as burgers, chickens, pizzas and pasta, noodles, sushi and bakery items — many are unaware these meals can contain most of an adult’s daily kilojoule intake,” she said.
Large chain food businesses that have 20 or more outlets in Victoria or 50 or more outlets nationally will risk fines of up to $15,500 if they do not meet the labelling requirements when they are come into force.