Dietitians Back Unit-Pricing Plan, Australia

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 07 Aug 2008 - 4:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

A decision by the Federal Government to introduce a grocery unit-pricing scheme has been applauded by the nation's leading nutrition organisation.

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) said uniform pricing information, such as cost per kilogram, would make it easier for shoppers to compare products at competing supermarkets, and to compare similar food items on the shelf. And the Association said unit pricing would help consumers choose healthy foods.

DAA Executive Director Claire Hewat said: 'Comparing groceries against one standard measure will help address the myth that some healthy foods cost more than less nutritious foods.

'Shoppers will be able to clearly see, for example, that potato crisps can be as much as $29 a kilo, while potatoes are around $3 a kilo - and a much healthier option.'

In its submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's six month grocery price inquiry, the DAA called for unit pricing information to be available at the point-of-sale.

'We want to see a consistent and consumer-friendly unit pricing system, so this is definitely a step in the right direction. What we also need is a national system to monitor food availability, accessibility and pricing,' said Ms Hewat.

The DAA supported other recommendations in the report, such as zoning and planning laws, which encourage more competition in the market place and therefore help lower grocery prices. Ms Hewat commented that grocery prices had the most impact on lower income earners, and that where Australians live also influenced the price paid at the checkout.

'The Australians most affected by food price rises are those already struggling to fill their trolleys with healthy foods, such as low-income families and people living in rural and remote areas. These groups spend a higher proportion of their pay cheque on food,' said Ms Hewat.

DAA has the following tips to help shoppers on a budget:

- Buy fresh fruit and vegetables in season.
- Choose nutrient-rich foods, rather than foods with 'empty calories'.
- Buy in bulk those items with a long used-by date or that freeze well, especially when on sale.
- Buy healthy staples like breads, dairy foods, fruit, vegetables, cereals and meats first, before considering snack foods, lollies, sweetened drinks or other treats.
- Check supermarket catalogues for specials and make a list before going shopping.
- Avoid shopping on an empty stomach.
- Put together a food budget and stick to it.

Visit the Smart Eating for You section of the DAA website http://www.daa.asn.au for more ideas and tips on healthy eating.

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is the professional body representing dietitians nationally. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is the only national credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia.

Dietitians Association of Australia