Australia’s independent authority on the nutrition and health benefits of grains and legumes – the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC) – has launched a certified trademarked wholegrain logo, ready for distribution to market. For growers, this is a signal that Australian grain is back on the menu, but the push is for healthier, wholegrain products.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission-approved certified logo helps direct consumers to make more-informed decisions when choosing core wholegrain, high-fibre foods. Highlighting the percentage of wholegrain in the final food product, the certified logo promotes full transparency, allowing consumers to choose wholegrain foods with ease and confidence.
With potential healthcare cost-savings of more than $1.4 billion, the benefit of swapping to wholegrain products in diets cannot be understated, with studies showing significant reduction in the risks of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.
The recommended daily target of 48 grams per day can easily be achieved by consuming a simple wholegrain/wholemeal sandwich. However, consumers often find labelling confusing, and their inability to easily identify wholegrain products can be a barrier to purchase. The GLNC wholegrain certified logo will provide prominent and clear directives, as well as promoting healthier options for consumers.
Products eligible for the logo must contain a minimum of 25 per cent wholegrain ingredients and, as such, the percentage of wholegrain declared on the certified logo can range from 25 to 100 per cent. This criterion is aligned with international recommendations, specifically the Whole Grain Initiative (global consortium).
Following the success of similar programs launched in international markets, such as those in the US and Denmark, the initiative and its certified logo aim to focus industry on making great tasting products that are high in wholegrains, as well as boost consumer confidence.
Australian shoppers can expect to see the certified logo rolled out across eligible food manufacturers’ websites, social media and instore.
More information: Grains & Legume Nutrition Council