Work has commenced on a public online database of Australian branded food products.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is partnering with GS1 Australia (GS1), a not-for-profit provider of product identification and information services, to develop the Branded Food Database.
The database will provide a central source of brand-specific information for Australian foods and beverages to help people make informed decisions about the products they buy and support public health initiatives such as the Health Star Rating system and the Healthy Food Partnership.
FSANZ interim CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the goal was to have information on 85 per cent of all products on the shelves of national retailers in the database by 2023.
“We're excited to be partnering with GS1 to develop this online database which will provide Australians with easy access to on-pack product information for thousands of foods and beverages,' Dr Cuthbert said.
“Users will be able to access a wealth of information on individual products including brand and food name, nutrition panel information, ingredients, pack and serve sizes, manufacturer and, if displayed, the Health Star Rating.
“The database will deliver benefits to consumers, industry, health professionals and policy makers by providing a 'single source of truth' containing credible product information which is accurate, comprehensive and updated regularly.'
FSANZ and GS1 will work directly with food manufacturers and retailers to gather product information for the database, which will link to and expand on existing information stores including the Australian Food Composition Database.
“We look forward to working collaboratively and productively with industry to build and maintain this important database,' Dr Cuthbert said.
“Over time, the database could link with other datasets to provide a more comprehensive picture of food and nutrient consumption patterns in the Australian population.'
The Branded Food Database has been funded by the Department of Health as part of its food and nutrition related initiatives.
For more information, visit the FSANZ website.
Media contact:
- 0401 714 265 (Australia)
- +61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand)
- media@foodstandards.gov.au