AFGC commits to supporting healthier lifestyles

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has welcomed the latest National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, describing the survey as an essential resource for shaping evidence-based health policy in Australia.

Conducted between January 2023 and March 2024, the comprehensive survey collected data from people aged two years and over, providing insights into dietary intake, physical activity and sedentary behaviours. It involved participants recalling all the food and drink they consumed over a 24-hour period (on two separate days) and wearing activity monitors to record physical activity.

“The NNPAS is a cornerstone of public health research in Australia. Last done in 2011–12, this survey provides up-to-date, robust, scientific data on how people in Australia eat, move and live,” said Dr Duncan Craig, AFGC’s Director, Nutrition and Regulation.

“Importantly, it recognises nutrition and physical activity are deeply interconnected and must be considered together when developing health policy and industry initiatives.”

Craig said that the food industry was committed to supporting people in achieving balanced diets and active lifestyles. “The insights from this survey will guide our ongoing work with government, health professionals and communities to improve public health outcomes.”

Craig added that while there was still work to be done, the survey data revealed significant positive shifts in consumer intakes over the last decade, including:

• The average daily energy intake from discretionary foods decreased to 31.3%, down from 35.4% in 2011–12.
• Free sugars made up 8.2% of total energy, within the World Health Organization recommendation of less than 10% and down from 11.0% in 2011–12.
• The proportion of people who drank sweetened beverages fell from 49.2% in 1995 to 42.2% in 2011–12 and then to 28.9% in 2023.

“The AFGC continues to support initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles, including reformulation efforts to reduce sugar, sodium and saturated fat in foods and beverages, and efforts to help consumers make informed choices through effective labelling,” Craig said.

“Food and beverage manufacturers remain committed to engaging with stakeholders to translate these findings into practical, impactful actions that benefit all people in Australia.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Nikola Stojadinovic