© ACCC
The ACCC will allege the Heinz packaging is misleading the public.
The ACCC will allege the Heinz packaging is misleading the public.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is taking food giant Heinz to court over its Little Kids Shredz products.
The products' packaging is covered in images of fresh fruit and vegetables and statements such as "99 per cent fruit and veg", when they contain more than 60 per cent sugar.
By contrast an apple is 10 per cent sugar.
The ACCC will allege in the Federal Court that Heinz broke consumer laws by making false and misleading claims and misleading the public.
"Heinz is marketing these products as healthy options for young children when they are not," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.
"Heinz Shredz products are likely to inhibit the development of a child's taste for natural fruit and vegetables."
The ACCC's action follows a complaint by the Obesity Policy Coalition about food products for toddlers.
The Shredz product range includes "peach apple and veg", "berries apple and veg" and "strawberry and apple with chia seeds" varieties.
Comment: Another reason to read the fine print on labels and to do more research before buying packaged foods (or even better, simply avoid them). You simply cannot trust food manufacturers to be forthcoming about the ingredients in their products.