New dietary guidelines for Australians launched
20 June 2003
Revised dietary guidelines launched in Canberra today by Federal Health Minister, Senator Kay Patterson, and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, have recommended decreasing the age at which children may consume reduced-fat dairy products, from 4 years of age to 2 years of age.
The revised guidelines, entitled the Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults and the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents including Infant Feeding Guidelines for Health Workers, are published by the National Health and Medical Research Foundation.
Milks, yoghurts, cheese and/or alternatives should be included in all diets. However, children under 2 have high energy needs and reduced-fat milks are not suitable for this age group, but reduced-fat varieties should be encouraged for older children and adolescents.
Senator Patterson explained that: ‘Milk contains most of the nutrients our bodies need but it is also high in saturated fats so for adults, adolescents and children over 2, low fat milk and yoghurt is recommended’.
‘The revised dietary guidelines are a thorough guide to the foods we should all be eating as a means of ensuring good health by helping to prevent and manage a range of chronic diseases. The information is broadly focused, providing advice about healthy eating and lifestyle choices, which perpetuate good health and reduce the risk of diet-related illness,’ Senator Patterson said.
Senator Patterson said that prevention of obesity is a strong theme throughout the new guidelines, with obesity having become far more prevalent amongst Australians in the past decade.
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and some cancers is increased in people who are overweight or obese.
‘The recommendations are based on best scientific evidence which can improve the health of Australians and reduce the burden of preventable diet-related death, illness and disability,’ Senator Patterson said.
Senator Patterson said changes to the guidelines also include cautions about eating too much sugar and a new section about safe storage and preparation of food.
Last Reviewed: 23 June 2003
