Food policy
Every year, more than 11 million people die from diet-related diseases, and billions more face food insecurity, malnutrition, or hunger.
Planetary health
The climate crisis threatens our air, food, water, shelter, and security. This will further widen health inequities, and those least responsible for it will be the most affected.
Power in your hands: FoodSwitch, ecoSwitch and GlutenSwitch
The purpose of FoodSwitch is to bring transparency to the world’s food supply with a vision of an optimised food system for human health and the health of our planet.
There are many studies highlighting the link between diet, ill-health and disease. Globally, 1 in 5 deaths are associated with poor diet, with cardiovascular disease being the biggest contributor, followed by cancers and type 2 diabetes. In addition, it is estimated that between 30% and 40% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) are attributable to the global food system.
To achieve our purpose, we collect and analyse information from packaged food labels to generate data and insights that can influence government policy and industry practice toward improved food environments. Additionally, we have several apps that allow consumers to make better food choices:
Our FoodSwitch App provides simple health and nutrition information on a scanned product and suggests healthier alternatives to 'switch' to, and
The FoodSwitch database
FoodSwitch Composition Database
The FoodSwitch database holds detailed nutrition and attribute information on individual packaged food products. The data is used for research and advocacy to influence government policy and industry practice toward improved food environments. It is also used by the various apps to help consumers make healthier food choices by offering accessible and clear information about the nutritional content of packaged foods. The database is continually updated, reflecting changes in food formulations and the introduction of new products – it is estimated that there is around 25% - 30% of product churn every 12 months. The data is utilised in various tools and apps to guide users towards healthier eating patterns, supporting public health initiatives and research on dietary habits and nutrition.
FoodSwitch: Tracking Food Data Across 17 Jurisdictions
AustraliaNew ZealandUnited KingdomSwedenFranceUSAMexicoBrazilChile
ChinaFijiHongkongIndiaKuwaitSouth
Added Sugar
Australians consume around 14 teaspoons of added sugar a day - two more than the 12 teaspoons limit recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Eating too many foods high in added sugars can lead to weight gain, an increased risk of obesity related diseases, and is a major risk factor in tooth decay.
What is sugar?
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that occurs naturally in foods such as milk and fruit and can also be added to foods and drinks in various forms by the manufacturer or the consumer.
Total sugars of a product refers to the combination of sugars that are naturally present and those that are added.Intrinsic and milk sugars occur in foods and drinks such as intact fruits and vegetables (i.e. fructose) and milk (i.e. lactose).Added sugars are all other sugars. It is these sugars that are associated with poor health outcomes and we should avoid. They are often added by manufacturers to give greater sweetness or other desired characteristics.
What is added sugar