GI symbol revamp

The launch of the new-look GI Symbol makes selecting healthy foods and beverages even easier for consumers.

When shoppers choose a food with the new low GI Symbol, they will be opting for a product that meets specific nutritional criteria and so it is also lower in kilojoules, fat, saturated fat and/or salt, according to leading GI expert Professor Jennie Brand-Miller.

“Some foods may be low-GI but they may also be high in saturated fat and salt - a simple low GI claim does not necessarily mean the food is an all-round healthy choice. Also, just because a food says its low GI it does not mean it actually is - a recent study by the University of Sydney found that 80% of products tested that didn’t carry the GI Symbol didn’t have the GI rating claimed on the product’s label,” Brand-Miller said.

“This is a challenge for the health-conscious consumer who may believe they are purchasing a nutritionally superior product when in fact the opposite is the case.”

Professor Brand-Miller is working to build awareness of the new GI Symbol and remind Australians of the benefits of a healthy low GI diet.

Australia’s GI Symbol program is the only independent worldwide GI certification program. When shoppers see the distinctive symbol they know that the food or beverage has been tested and proven to meet the GI Symbol Program’s certification criteria as a healthy choice within their food group.

For more information on the GI Symbol program, visit: www.gisymbol.com.