THE FOOD Safety Authority has called for changes to the nutrient model which classifies most cheeses as unsuitable for advertising during children’s programmes. The authority was part of an expert working group which advised the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to use the UK model in drawing up its children’s code.
In March, the BAI produced a draft code which would prevent most cheeses being advertised during children’s shows because of their fat and salt content.
The suggestion that cheese should be classified as less healthy than products such as diet cola has been criticised by the dairy industry, farm groups and politicians.
Food Safety Authority chief executive Alan Reilly said his organisation had participated in the working group which advised the BAI. However, “since then, the Food Safety Authority had been exploring the matter in light of the need for children to increase their calcium intake”.
More than 25 per cent of Irish children had inadequate calcium intakes, he said.
During puberty and teenage years, children need to eat five servings of dairy foods every day to meet their calcium needs. Mr Reilly said restricting intake to milk and yogurt would require large amounts of these products to be consumed.
Small amounts of cheese provided the same amount of calcium.
“When you look at the connection between obesity and cheese consumption rates, you see that obesity rates have increased dramatically over the last three decades but cheese consumption has not.”
He said the authority was now recommending an amended version of the UK model that has been developed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand which facilitates assessment of calcium-rich cheeses.
The BAI is now involved in a second round of consultations on the draft code. Submissions will be received up to May 31st.
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