Australia: ACCC cracks down on Paddle Pop and Sakata rice crackers

The competition regulator is ramping up its crackdown on misleading healthy food claims, with Paddle Pops and Sakata rice crackers being its latest targets.

On Monday, Unilever and The Smith’s Snackfood Company copped fines of $10,800 each, after the ACCC found Paddle Pop Rainbow and Sakata Paws Pizza Supreme Rice Snacks had “school canteen” seal of approval when they were in the “amber” category, meaning they should be selected carefully rather than eaten regularly or in large amounts.

This is the latest in the regulator’s clampdown on misleading health claims.

In an interview with The Australian Financial Review in January, ACCC chairman Rod Sims said he would be targeting large food manufacturers that lure in health-conscious customers with false or misleading claims.

In June, ACCC took court action against food manufacturer Heinz for allegedly making the misleading claim that a line of its children’s products are “99% fruit and veg” and “encourages your toddler to independently discover the delicious taste of nutritious food”, when they contain over 60 per cent sugar.

Full Content: Financial Review

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