Post on 04-Jun-2020
Healthy Options WACommonly supplied food and drink guide
better health * better care * better value
2 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Using this resourceThe Healthy Options WA: Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services and Facilities uses a traffic light system to categorise foods and drinks as Green, Amber or Red. The first section of this document provides an overview of each of these categories.
To classify a food or drink as Green, Amber or Red use the food and drink category section. For some food and drink items, you will be referred to the nutrient criteria to determine if the product is Amber or Red. In these cases, you will need to look at the item’s nutrition information panel and compare it to the nutrient criteria. If you are not familiar with reading nutrition information panels, you may like to look at the examples.
This resource should be used with the Healthy Options WA: Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services and Facilities.
Further information
Website: www.healthyoptions.health.wa.gov.au
Email: healthyoptions@health.wa.gov.au
Acknowledgement
The Western Australian School Canteen Association Inc. (WASCA) contributed to the revision of this resource.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2016 Page 18
Using this resource The Healthy Options WA: Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services and Facilities uses a traffic light system to categorise foods and drinks as Green, Amber or Red. The first section of this document provides an overview of each of these categories.
To classify a food or drink as Green, Amber or Red use the food and drink category section. For some food and drink items, you will be referred to the nutrient criteria to determine if the product is Amber or Red. In these cases, you will need to look at the item’s nutrition information panel and compare it to the nutrient criteria. If you are not familiar with reading nutrition information panels, you may like to look at the examples.
This resource should be used with the Healthy Options WA: Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services and Facilities. Further information Website: www.healthyoptions.health.wa.gov.au Email: healthyoptions@health.wa.gov.au
Acknowledgement This resource was revised by the Western Australian School Canteen Association Inc. (WASCA) in July 2016.
Supporting healthy choices
Supporting healthy choices
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 3
ContentsTraffic light classification 5 Food and drink categories 6 Fruit, vegetables and legumes 6 Fruit 6 Vegetables 7 Legumes 8 Dairy products and alternatives 9 Milk and milk alternatives 9 Yoghurt 9 Cheese 10 Dairy snacks 11 Breakfast cereals 12 Breads and sandwiches 13 Bread 13 Crackers 14 Sandwich fillings 15 Spreads 16 Rice and noodles 17 Meat, fish, poultry, eggs and alternatives 18 Plain meat, poultry, fish, eggs and alternatives 18 Meat, poultry, fish and alternatives 19 Meat, poultry, fish and alternatives (continued) 20 Nuts 21 Mixed hot meals 22 Prepared on site 22 Commercial and packaged meals 23 Soups 23 Hot savoury items 24 Oven baked potato products 24 Pizza 24 Frittatas 24 Quiche 25 Savoury pastries and pies 25 Spring rolls, chicko rolls and dim sims 26 Oils, sauces, dressings and condiments 27 Fats and oils 27 Sauces and condiments 28 Savoury snack foods 30 Sweet snack foods, cakes and biscuits 31
Snack food bars and muesli bars 31 Sweet biscuits 31 Cakes, muffins, sweet tarts, slices and pastries 32 Scones or pikelets 33
4 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Ice-creams, ice confections and dairy desserts 34 Confectionery 35 Drinks 36 Water 36 Milk and milk alternatives 37 Fruit juice, vegetable juice and fruit drinks 38 Artificially sweetened drinks and drinks with added sugar 39 Tea 40 Coffee 40 Index 41 Amber-Red nutrient criteria 44
Using Nutrition Information Panels 48
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 5
Traffic light classification
Category Description
GreenFill the menu
These are the healthiest choices because they are excellent sources of important nutrients and represent one or more of the five food groups needed for optimum health and wellbeing. They are low in saturated fat, added sugar and salt.
AmberSelect
carefully
These have some nutritional value but contain moderate levels of saturated fat, added sugar and/or salt and can contribute to excess energy intake. These need to be chosen carefully and eaten in moderation.
RedOccasionally
These are energy dense and have little nutritional value. Most are high in saturated fat, salt and/or sugar. These foods and drinks can contribute to excess energy intake if consumed in large amounts or on a frequent basis. These are considered to be ‘discretionary’ food and drinks and should only be consumed occasionally or in small amounts.
6 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Food and drink categories
Fruit, vegetables and legumesFruit1
Item Category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Fresh and frozen fruit(with no added sugar)
Green
Any fresh fruit in season – whole, slices, cubes, wedges or quarters.
Fresh fruit salad is a refreshing and a healthy dessert alternative. Serve with reduced-fat yoghurt, fromage frais or reduced-fat custard to add flavour.
Dried fruit
Green
Plain dried fruit is Green, providing the energy does not exceed 600kJ per serve.
If dried fruit is mixed with other products, each ingredient must be assessed and meet the Green criteria for the whole product to be classified Green.
Note if fruit is mixed with nuts a 600kJ energy limit applies – see ‘nut’ section (page 21) for mixed fruit and nut packs.
AmberSnack packs of dried fruit greater than 600kJ energy per serve.
Canned fruit
GreenCanned fruit in natural juice with no added sugar. Artificial sweeteners are permitted.
AmberCanned fruit in syrup.
Juice2 See ‘drinks’ section (page 38).
1 See the ‘Confectionery’ section for fruit leather (page 35).2 See the ‘Drinks’ section for all other varieties of fruit juice and vegetable juice (page 38).
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 7
Vegetables
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
All plain vegetables
Includes fresh, frozen, canned, cooked, baked potatoes or corn-on- the-cob
Green
Any vegetables.
Canned vegetables should be salt-reduced where possible.
Salads
Such as garden, mixed, pasta, potato, quinoa, rice, noodle, tabouleh, coleslaw or egg
Green
Use no dressing or low or no-oil dressings. See ‘oils, sauces, dressings and condiments’ section (page 27).
Salads can be served as a salad plate, box or tub. It is preferable to leave salads undressed and serve dressings separately where possible.
AmberSalads containing croutons, bacon or coated meats that have been shallow-fried are Amber and should be chosen carefully.
Roasted vegetables
Not including potatoes
GreenVegetables roasted on trays lined with baking paper. Use a mixture of vegetables such as pumpkin, capsicum, beetroot, parsnips, red onion or corn.
AmberVegetables roasted using poly - or mono-unsaturated oil spray. See ‘oils, sauces, dressings and condiments’ section (page 27).
Deep-fried vegetables RedAll deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. If served, only small serve sizes should be offered.
Whole baked potato Green
Baked potatoes can be cooked in the skins (no fat), split and filled with Green choices of sandwich fillings; they can also be filled with creamed corn, tabbouleh, savoury lean mince or baked beans topped with reduced-fat cheese.
Potato chips – oven baked
Amber
Freshly prepared potato chips may be Amber if they are roasted on trays lined with baking paper and lightly coated with a poly- or mono-unsaturated oil spray.
For commercial varieties, see nutrient criteria 2.b (page 45).
Red See nutrient criteria 2.b (page 45).
Potato chips – deep-fried
Red All deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. If served, only small serve sizes should be offered.
100% vegetable juice Green100% vegetable juice, no added sugar or sodium, 250mL or less. See ‘drinks’ section (page 38).
8 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Legumes
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Baked beans Green
Baked beans can be used in sandwiches and jaffles as a meat alternative. Use salt-reduced varieties where possible.
Lentil patties Green
Lentil patties oven-baked or grilled, with a very small amount of poly- or mono-unsaturated oil (e.g. a light spray of oil).
Serve on a wholemeal bun with lots of salad or vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
Falafels
Including chickpea patties
Green
Falafels oven-baked or grilled, with a very small amount of poly or mono-unsaturated oil (e.g. a light spray of oil).
Serve on a wholemeal bun with lots of salad or vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
Deep-fried products Red
All deep-fried foods are red as they are high in saturated fat. If served, only small serve sizes should be offered.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 9
Dairy products and alternativesMilk and milk alternatives3
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Reduced-fat, plain4 milk
less than 2g fat per 100ml
Green
Small serve sizes up to 300mL serve.
For most people, two years and over, it is recommended that low - or reduced-fat dairy alternatives be provided where possible.
Amber Large serves greater than 300mL.
Full-fat, plain milk AmberFull-fat milk of any volume is Amber.
Flavoured milk See ‘drinks’ section (page 37).
3 Milk includes all varieties (e.g. soy, almond, cow, goat, lactose-free, oat, rice and sheep). For alternative milks (e.g. almond, goat, oat, rice, sheep and soy), choose calcium fortified varieties. 4 Low-fat, reduced-fat and/or skim milk are not suitable for infants and children less than two years of age as a complete milk food. Cow’s milk is not suitable for infants and children less than 12 months of age. Offer low-fat or reduced-fat varieties of plain milks in addition to full-fat varieties with hot beverages.
Yoghurt
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Yoghurt (plain or flavoured)
GreenReduced fat yoghurt with less than 2g fat per 100g and less than 600kJ of energy per serve.
AmberYoghurt with greater than 2g fat per 100g.
Yoghurt drinks
GreenReduced fat yoghurt drinks with less than 2g fat per 100g and less than 600kJ of energy per serve.
AmberYoghurt drinks with greater than 2g fat per 100g. Choose varieties with lower amounts of added sugar.
10 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Cheese
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Reduced-fat5
less than 15g fat per 100g
Green
Reduced-fat cheese with less than 15g fat per 100g.
Provide low - or reduced-fat cheese options such as cottage, ricotta, feta, cheddar, mozzarella or cream cheese.
Full-fat
greater than 15g fat per 100g
Amber
Cheese with greater than or equal to 15g fat per 100g.
Examples include cheddar, edam, gouda, jarlsberg, mozzarella, parmesan, cream cheese, feta, goat, haloumi and mascarpone.
Large portions of hard and soft cheese such as brie or camembert should be avoided as these are high in saturated fat.
5If milk alternatives are required, use calcium fortified varieties.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 11
Dairy snacks
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Milk-based puddings
Including rice pudding, creamed rice, custard or fromage frais
Green
Varieties with less than 2g fat per 100g and with no added sugar. Reduced-fat options are the best choice.
Amber
Dairy snacks that have between 2-4g fat per 100g. Small portion sizes are recommended due to the high sugar and fat content of these items.
Red
Dairy snacks with a fat content that exceeds 4g fat per 100g and/or with the addition of cream, ice-cream or confectionery.
Small portion sizes are recommended due to the high sugar and fat content of these items.
Dairy snacks with confectionery
Red
Any dairy snack containing confectionery. Small portion sizes are recommended due to the high sugar and fat content of these items.
12 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Breakfast cereals
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Wholegrain cereal (no added fruit)
Green
Wholegrain cereal (no added fruit) with less than 10g sugar per 100g cereal and greater than 7g fibre per 100g.
Offer wholegrain cereals, whole-wheat flake and puffed cereals, porridge and whole-wheat breakfast biscuits.
Serve with reduced-fat milk.
AmberWholegrain cereal (no added fruit) with greater than 10g sugar per 100g and/or less than 7g fibre per 100g.
Wholegrain cereal (added fruit)
GreenWholegrain cereal with added fruit and greater than 7g fibre per 100g cereal.
AmberWholegrain cereal with added fruit and added sugar.
Refined cereal
AmberRefined cereal with less than 10g sugar per 100g, added sugar or saturated fat e.g. toasted muesli with added fat/butter and/or sugar.
RedRefined cereal with greater than 10g sugar per 100g and/or added saturated fats e.g. toasted muesli with added fat/butter and/or sugar.
Any cereal with added confectionery
RedAny cereal, including wholegrain, with added confectionery.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 13
Breads and sandwichesBread
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Breads
Including multigrain, wholemeal, high-fibre white, rye, lavash, other flat breads, bagels, plain foccacias, baguettes and plain English muffins
Green
Bread can be used in a variety of different ways for snacks and/or main meal choices. Provide a variety of breads to add interest to the menu.
Toasted bread or jaffles served with fillings are a tasty alternative to sandwiches. They are often popular winter foods. Bread cases can be filled with similar fillings to baked potatoes.
Offer Green sandwich fillings where possible. See ‘sandwich fillings’ section (page 15).
Fruit, vegetable and/or nut bread
Green
Plain, un-iced breads.
Offer small to medium serves (40–60g) per person.
Offer wholegrain varieties (if possible), reduced-fat options and/or those containing nuts for more fibre.
Amber
Small to medium serves of these breads with reduced- fat and or reduced-sugar and added fibre may fit into the Amber category.
See nutrient criteria 4.c (page 46).
Spreads should be avoided as they have limited nutritional value and increase the amount of energy (kJ) provided. Offer spreads separately where possible and use sparingly. For a better choice, provide poly- or mono-unsaturated margarine, reduced-fat cream cheese, whipped ricotta or vanilla yoghurt.
Red
Fruit and/or vegetable bread with icing or confectionery.
See nutrient criteria 4.c (page 46).
Savoury breads
Including twists, pull-aparts and garlic bread
Amber
These breads can be high in energy (kJ). Use small to medium serves (40–60g) per person. Provide wholegrain options (if possible) that use reduced-fat cheeses, lean meats and lots of vegetable toppings.
Red
These breads are Red if full-fat cheese and high-fat processed meats (such as salami or bacon) are added.
14 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Crackers
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Crackers
Such as crisp breads, lavash, water crackers
Green
Offer wholegrain options if possible. Rice cakes, crisp breads and crackers can be served with interesting fruit, vegetable or cheese toppings such as:
* reduced-fat ricotta or cottage cheese with sliced strawberries or peaches
* tomato, basil and reduced-fat cheese
* cherry tomato, onion and avocado
* low-fat or reduced-fat dips such as salsas, tzatziki, hommus, vegetable-based varieties including beetroot or eggplant.
Rice and corn cakes
Green
Plain rice and corn cakes.
Amber or Red
See nutrient criteria 4.b (page 46).
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 15
Sandwich fillings
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Sandwich fillings
Green
Sandwiches are Green when filled with Green ingredients for example:
* lean cuts of meat (roast beef, roast chicken with no skin, lean turkey or chicken breast)
* eggs, tinned fish (in spring water or brine)
* reduced-fat cheeses
* raw salads and vegetables.
It is recommended that raw salad and vegetables are provided as fillings where possible. Provide a variety of fillings including both lean meat and vegetarian options. Where roast vegetables are used, ensure they are drained of oil and served with lots of salad greens.
For further details check the filling ingredients against relevant foods listed in this guide.
Amber
Sandwiches will be Amber when any Amber ingredients are used or if filled with a combination of Green and Amber ingredients for example:
* full fat cheese and salad
* full fat cheese and lean ham
* lean ham and salad
* bacon and egg.
See nutrient criteria 5.a (page 47).
Red
Sandwiches are Red when filled with any Red ingredients such as high-fat luncheon meats including polony, salami, strasbourg or mortadella for example:
* continental roll with salami, cheese and salad
* bread filled with chocolate spread, honey or jam.
See nutrient criteria 5.a (page 47).
16 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Spreads
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Savoury spreads
Including peanut butter and other nut spreads, fish, chicken and meat paste, yeast and vegetable extract spreads
Amber
Offer reduced-salt varieties where available and use sparingly – make sure you can see the bread through the spread!
Some people can be allergic to products containing nuts.
Hummus
Green Less than 10g fat per 100g.
Amber Greater than 10g fat per 100g.
Chocolate spreads and honey Red
These spreads have limited nutritional value. Honey is not suitable for infants under 12 months.
Jam
Amber Jam sweetened with artificial sweetener e.g. diet jam.
Red All other jam.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 17
Rice and noodles
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Plain GreenPlain, unflavoured rice and noodles that contain no added fat or oil.
Noodle and rice based dishes
Amber
Choose reduced-fat and reduced-salt dishes and sauces e.g. reduced-salt soy sauce.
See nutrient criteria 1.a (page 45).
Red
Flavoured rice or noodle dishes with high fat meat (e.g. pork sausage) and/or added fats and oils and high salt sauces (e.g. soy or oyster). Avoid products with fried noodles and those that are based on cream or coconut milk sauces (e.g. laksa, curry) as they are high in saturated fat.
See nutrient criteria 1.a (page 45).
Hot noodle cups
AmberReduced-fat and reduced-salt noodle cups.
RedRegular varieties of noodle cups. Note, they are often high in fat and salt.
Sushi and rice paper rolls
Green
Choose a variety of vegetable and lean meat fillings for example:
* tuna and avocado
* mixed vegetables
* lean chicken and cucumber
* seafood (e.g. crab meat) and avocado
* beef and lettuce.
RedDeep fried ingredients (e.g. katsu chicken).
18 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Meat, fish, poultry, eggs and alternativesPlain meat, poultry, fish, eggs and alternatives
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Lean meats
Including, roast beef, pork, lamb and turkey (no skin)
Green
These foods are a good source of protein and can be used for hot rolls, sandwiches, salad plates, pizza toppings etc. Offer lean options (i.e. fat trimmed or skinless) that use reduced-fat cooking techniques (oven-baked, grilled, steamed, non-stick cookware).
ChickenGreen
Lean chicken without skin.
Amber Chicken with skin.
Fresh and plain frozen fish Green
Fresh or plain frozen fish.
Plain or flavoured canned fish
Including salmon and tuna
GreenPlain canned fish in spring water with no added salt.
AmberPlain or flavoured canned fish in brine, oil or other flavourings/sauces.
Eggs
GreenEggs boiled, scrambled, poached or baked with a very small amount of poly - or mono-unsaturated oil (e.g. light spray).
AmberEggs scrambled with full fat milk and poly - or mono-unsaturated oil. Eggs fried in a very small amount of poly- or mono-unsaturated oil.
RedEggs scrambled with cream and butter. Eggs fried in butter.
Deep-fried meat, poultry and alternatives
Red
All deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. If served, offer only small serve sizes.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 19
Meat, poultry, fish and alternatives
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Meat patties, burger patties, savoury mince
Including those made from either beef, pork, chicken, or fish
Green
These products can be Green depending on the ingredients and cooking method. For example, lean meat oven-baked or grilled with a very small amount of poly- or mono-unsaturated oil (e.g. a light spray of oil) is Green.
Serve on a wholemeal bun with lots of salad or vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
Amber
See nutrient criteria 2.c (page 45).
Serve on a wholemeal bun and with lots of salad or vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
Red
See nutrient criteria 2.c (page 45).
Serve on a wholemeal bun with lots of salad or vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
All deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. Offer only small serve sizes.
Vegetable patties(not crumbed)
Green
Vegetable patties can be grilled and used in rolls and sandwiches or served with salads.
AmberIf using a small amount of poly - or mono-unsaturated oil (e.g. a light spray), vegetable patties are Amber.
RedAll deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. Offer only small serve sizes.
Frankfurters
Amber
Most frankfurters are high in salt placing them in the Red category. However, reduced-fat and reduced-salt varieties may be an Amber choice. Serve on a wholemeal bun to increase the nutritional value.
See nutrient criteria 2.c (page 45).
Red
See nutrient criteria 2.c (page 45).
20 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Meat, poultry, fish and alternatives (continued)
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Sausages (beef, pork, lamb and chicken)
Note: includes both crumbed and not crumbed sausages
Amber
Many sausages are high in saturated fat and energy (kJ) placing them in the Red category. However, reduced-fat and reduced-salt varieties may be an Amber choice.
See nutrient criteria 2.c (page 45).
Red
See nutrient criteria 2.c (page 45).
Crumbed meat, chicken, fish or vegetable products
Including chicken or fish fIllet pieces, nuggets, patties (meat or vegetable), fish fingers.
Amber
See nutrient criteria 2.c (page 45).
Red
See nutrient criteria 2.c (page 45).
Deep-fried battered products
Including saveloys and sausages (beef, pork, lamb or chicken).
Red
All deep-fried products are high in saturated fat. Serve in small serve sizes.
Processed meats
Including ham, corned beef, pastrami, bacon, diced processed chicken meat
Amber
These foods are usually high in saturated fat and/or salt putting them in the Amber or Red category. They are not as nutritious as lean cuts of meat such as roast beef. Use lean, reduced-fat versions in small amounts and serve with a bread-based product and plenty of salad.
Red
See nutrient criteria 5.a (page 47).
High-fat processed meats
Including salami, devon or polony
Red
See nutrient criteria 5.a (page 47).
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 21
Nuts6
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Plain nuts (unsalted) GreenAll plain and dry roasted nuts and seeds, and nut or seed pastes with no added sugar, salt and fat.
Plain nuts (salted) AmberAll salted nuts.
Mixed fruit and nut packs
GreenSnack packs with less than 600kJ per serve.
AmberSnack packs greater than or equal to 600kJ per serve.
6 Whole nuts are not recommended for children less than 3 years of age.
22 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Mixed hot mealsPrepared on site
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Mixed meals prepared on site
Including casseroles, curries, stews, risotto, fried or savoury rice, stir-fry or noodle based Asian meals, pasta, spaghetti bolognaise, lasagne, and pasta bakes
These products may be Green, Amber or Red depending on the ingredients and cooking method.
Guidelines for preparing meals on site: * Add vegetables to meals.
* Serve with a side salad, rice, pasta, noodles or steamed vegetables.
* If using packet sauces, gravies or condiments, choose reduced fat, reduced salt versions where possible.
Green
Meals are Green if made with only Green ingredients for example: * low- or reduced-fat options (e.g. cheese, milk and
other dairy)
* high amounts of vegetables
* wholegrain pasta, noodles or rice
* lean meat or poultry trimmed of outer fat with minimal marbling. Marinate meat and poultry to keep tender, add flavour and minimise the amount of oil used in cooking.
Amber
Meals will be Amber if made with any Amber ingredients for example: * full-fat cheese
* ham
* poly- or mono-unsaturated fats or oils.
Red
Meals are Red if they include any Red ingredients for example: * cream, butter, ghee, coconut oil, coconut cream or
coconut milk as these are high in saturated fat
* all dishes that contain deep fried ingredients.
For dishes containing these Red ingredients, consider replacing with healthier alternatives, such as skim evaporated milk; natural low-fat yoghurt in place of cream; or try reduced-fat, coconut-favoured evaporated milk.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 23
Commercial and packaged meals
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Commercial fresh or frozen meals and packaged meals for vending machines
Including pre-made pasta products
Green
These products can be Green depending on the recipe ingredients and the cooking method. For example, if the recipe contains only Green ingredients and is cooked with minimal amounts of poly- or mono-unsaturated oil it will be Green.
Amber
See nutrient criteria 1.a (page 45).
Red
See nutrient criteria 1.a (page 45).
Soups
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Soups prepared on site
Green
Soups are Green if made with only Green ingredients. It is recommended to: * add vegetables and legumes to soups
* choose reduced-fat, reduced-salt versions where possible if using packet stock, sauces or condiments.
Amber
Soups are Amber if made with any Amber ingredients. For example, adding full-fat milk or bacon to a Green soup would make it Amber.
Canned or commercially prepared soups
Green
Soups are Green if they contain only Green ingredients. Provide soups that are reduced-salt and/or fat, and use a vegetable or clear-stock base. Offer a variety of options with lots of vegetables and/or legumes
Amber
Soups are Amber if they contain any Amber ingredients.
24 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Hot savoury itemsOven baked potato products
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Potato products
Including wedges, chips, hash browns, scallops, gems
AmberSee nutrient criteria 2.b (page 45).
Red
See nutrient criteria 2.b (page 45).
All deep-fried products are high in saturated fat. If served, only small serve sizes should be offered.
Pizza
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Reduced fat Green
Pizzas are usually Amber or Red, however they can be Green if the topping consists of lean meats, lots of vegetables or fruit and reduced-fat cheese. Use English muffins, pita bread or Turkish bread as a base, preferably wholemeal.
Commercial, frozen or prepared on site
Amber
See nutrient criteria 2.a (page 45).
Choose small serve sizes and offer thin crust or bread based pizzas, as these have less fat. Use options that offer lots of vegetables in the topping or serve with a salad. Use reduced-fat cheese and lean meats.
RedSee nutrient criteria 2.a (page 45).
Frittatas
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Fritattas
GreenFrittatas cooked with no oils (oven baked) and that include only Green ingredients.
AmberFrittatas cooked with poly- or mono-unsaturated oils and any other Amber ingredients.
RedFrittatas cooked with saturated fat or oils and other Red ingredients (e.g. salami or cream).
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 25
Quiche
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Commercial, frozen or prepared on site
Amber
Prepare using reduced-fat pastry, with vegetables, reduced-fat cheese and lean meats for fillings.
Choose small serve sizes.
See nutrient criteria 2.a (page 45).
RedSee nutrient criteria 2.a (page 45).
Savoury pastries and pies
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Pastries and pies
Including meat and chicken pies, sausage rolls, party pies, vegetable and meat pasties, chicken and potato pies, cheese and spinach triangles, samosas, croissants and other gourmet items
Amber
Choose reduced-fat pastry (e.g. filo) and avoid high-fat ingredients such as bacon and full-fat cheese.
A number of suppliers manufacture reduced-fat versions.
See nutrient criteria 2.a (page 45).
Red
The saturated fat content of many pastries will put them into the Red category. Croissants are very high in saturated fat and kilojoules.
See nutrient criteria 2.a (page 45).
Any deep-fried products
Red
All deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. If served, only small serve sizes should be offered.
26 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Spring rolls, chicko rolls and dim sims
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Oven baked or steamed spring rolls, chicko rolls, dim sims
Amber
Oven-bake these foods or steam dim sims to reduce the fat and energy content.
See nutrient criteria 2.b (page 45).
Red
See nutrient criteria 2.b (page 45).
Deep fried spring rolls, chicko rolls, dim sims
Red
All deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. If served, only small serve sizes should be offered.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 27
Oils, sauces, dressings and condimentsFats and oils
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Poly- or mono-unsaturated spread
Amber
Use poly - or mono-unsaturated varieties and use sparingly. If used as a spread, make sure you can still see the bread.
Saturated spread
Including lard, tallow, copha, butter, ghee and dairy blend spreads
Red
Avoid these spreads as they contain high amounts of saturated fat.
Poly- or mono-unsaturated oils
Including canola, sunflower, olive, soybean or peanut
Amber
Use small amounts of poly- or mono-unsaturated varieties and use sparingly.
Saturated oils
Including palm and coconut
Red
Avoid these oils as they contain high amounts of saturated fat.
Cream and coconut cream/milk
Red
Avoid using cream and cream-based sauces as they contain high amounts of saturated fat.
28 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Sauces and condiments
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Condiments
Including relishes, pickles, mustard, salsa, guacamole, chutney, reduced-fat mayonnaise or hummus
Green
Use in place of spreads in sandwiches, rolls and wraps.
Sauces
Including tomato, sweet chilli, BBQ, soy, chutney
Amber
Use sparingly. Use reduced-salt and/or reduced-fat varieties where available.
Satay or peanut sauce
Amber
Use sparingly. Use reduced-salt and/or reduced-fat varieties where available.
Note some people can be allergic to products containing nuts.
RedAvoid sauces and/or marinades with added saturated fat (e.g. oil or cream) and/or salt.
Dips, mayonnaise, mustard or mustard-based mayonnaise
Green
Examples include: * vegetable-based dips, salsas or relishes such as
beetroot, eggplant, avocado, hummus, tzatziki, tomato, bean or capsicum with no added fat, salt or sugar
* reduced-fat yoghurt dips.
AmberDips are Amber if they contain any Amber ingredients, for example dips made with full fat yoghurt.
Red
Examples of Red options include:
* cheese-based or sour cream-based dips
* aioli
* tapenades or pesto
* those that have any Red ingredients such as cream, butter and/or oil.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 29
Sauces and condiments (continued)
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Gravy
Amber
Use sparingly. If using meat juices ensure that all fat is drained from the pan and thicken with flour (e.g. cornflour).
If using packet gravy use reduced-salt, reduced-fat varieties.
Red
Gravy with added saturated fat and/or oils.
Packet gravy that is not a reduced-salt or reduced-fat variety.
Salad dressings
Green
Lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, reduced-fat yoghurt or commercially prepared 100% fat-free dressings.
AmberDressings that use poly- or mono-unsaturated oils such as canola, sunflower, olive and peanut oils or a low-oil, no-oil or reduced-fat commercial dressing.
RedDressings with added saturated fats and/or oils and salt or cream-based dressings (e.g. ranch dressing).
30 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Savoury snack foods
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Plain popcorn Green
Popcorn that is air-popped with no added fat (such as butter), flavouring or seasonings (such as salt) is high fibre and low-fat and therefore a Green choice.
Flavoured popcorn Amber or Red
Flavoured popcorn may be high in energy (kJ) and/or saturated fat and/or salt with limited nutritional value.
Flavoured popcorn may be either Amber or Red.
See nutrient criteria 4.b (page 46).
Savoury biscuits Amber or Red
Savoury biscuits may be high in energy (kJ) and/or saturated fat and/or salt with limited nutritional value.
Savoury biscuits may be either Amber or Red.
See nutrient criteria 4.b (page 46).
Chips (potato or vegetable chips and other crisps, corn chips and similar salty products)
Including other extruded products
Amber or Red
Crisps and chips are generally high in energy (kJ) and/or saturated fat and/or salt with limited nutritional value.
Serve in small serve sizes.Crisps and chips may be either Amber or Red.
See nutrient criteria 4.b (page 46).
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 31
Sweet snack foods, cakes and biscuitsSnack food bars and muesli bars7
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Cereal-based bars, fruit bars and breakfast bars
Amber
Choose wholegrain and fruit varieties; avoid those high in added sugar and saturated fat. Choose small serve sizes. These foods are also sticky and can contribute to tooth decay if eaten regularly.
See nutrient criteria 4.a (page 46).
RedSee nutrient criteria 4.a (page 46).
Sweet biscuits
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Sweet biscuits (plain)
Amber
Provide small to medium serves (a single serve is about 2–3 small biscuits or 30–40g per person of plain sweet biscuits). Include wholegrain options if possible and use those that contain fruit, vegetables or nuts.
See nutrient criteria 4.a (page 46).
RedSee nutrient criteria 4.a (page 46).
Sweet biscuits(premium) Coated, iced or filled
Amber
Avoid premium biscuits that are coated, iced or filled with chocolate, cream, jam or icing. Generally these are high in energy (kJ) and are Red choices, however some may be Amber.
See nutrient criteria 4.a (page 46).
RedSee nutrient criteria 4.a (page 46).
7 See the ‘Confectionery’ section for fruit leather. ‘Confectionery’ section (page 35)
32 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Cakes, muffins, sweet tarts, slices and pastries
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Muffins8 (all sizes and types)
Including low-fat or reduced-fat options and mini-muffins
Amber
Provide fruit or vegetable based muffins, include wholegrain and fat-reduced options if possible. Choose serve size carefully, for example, 2 mini-muffins or one 50–60g muffin per person.
See nutrient criteria 4.c (page 46).
Red
Large serves of sweet and savoury muffins (i.e. above 60g) may be high in energy (kJ) and saturated fat.
See nutrient criteria 4.c (page 46).
Plain assorted slices, scrolls and cakes
Amber
Provide un-iced, uncoated, unfilled cakes, scrolls or slices that contain fruit, vegetables or nuts. Include wholegrain and fat-reduced options if possible. Provide small serves (50–60g) per person.
See nutrient criteria 4.c (page 46).
Red
See nutrient criteria 4.c (page 46).
Premium assorted slices, scrollsand cakes
Coated, iced or filled
Red
Any iced, chocolate-coated or cream, jam, or chocolate filled cakes, scrolls and slices.
Danishes, sweet pastries, tarts and croissants
Red
These are all high fat, energy dense options.
Cheesecake
Amber See nutrient criteria 4.c (page 46).
RedSee nutrient criteria 4.c (page 46).
Deep fried cakes
Including donutsRed
Deep fried cakes such as donuts are high in saturated fat. If served, only small serve sizes should be offered.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 33
Scones or pikelets
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Scones or pikelets – plain or fruit
Green
Provide plain scones and/or pikelets that contain fruit and/or vegetables. Include wholegrain options if possible. Provide a small to medium serve (50–60g) per person.
Offer fruit purees as a sauce or whipped ricotta cheese mixed with a small amount of honey and/or vanilla or reduced-fat vanilla yoghurt.
Scones or pikelets with spread
Amber
Scones spread with poly- or mono-unsaturated margarine and/or artificially sweetened jam.
Offer spreads separately where possible and use sparingly.
Red
Scones topped with jam, cream and/or butter offer limited nutritional value and increase the amount of energy (kJ).
Scones or pikelets with added confectionery
Red
Scones or pikelets with added confectionery.
34 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Ice-creams, ice confections and dairy desserts9
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Standard uncoated reduced and low-fat ice-creams and milk or soy-based ice confections
Amber
Plain milk-based ice-creams, particularly small serves, may fall into the Amber category. Choose small serve sizes (e.g. 85g).
See nutrient criteria 4.d (page 46).
RedSee nutrient criteria 4.d (page 46).
Ice-creams with added confectionary
RedIce-creams containing confectionary e.g. chocolate coating, choc chips, 100s and 1000s.
Premium ice-creams
AmberSee nutrient criteria 4.d (page 46).
RedSee nutrient criteria 4.d (page 46).
Frozen yoghurt
AmberSee nutrient criteria 4.d (page 46).
RedSee nutrient criteria 4.d (page 46).
Mousse
AmberSee nutrient criteria 4.d (page 46).
RedSee nutrient criteria 4.d (page 46).
Ice confections, ice blocks, sorbet, gelato, slushies, fruit or water-based ice confections
Amber
Choose fruit based varieties. See nutrient criteria 3.a (page 46).
Red
See nutrient criteria 3.a (page 46).
9 For cheesecake, see the ‘Sweet snack foods, cakes and biscuits’ section (page 32).
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 35
ConfectioneryThese foods have limited nutritional value and are usually high in energy (kJs), sugar and/or saturated fat. For this reason small serves are recommended. Serve size is the saleable item e.g. packets of sweets or peppermints, individual bars of chocolates, individually wrapped chocolate frogs and rolls of toffees.
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Packets of lollies (boiled, jellies, juice jellies, liquorice, jelly beans and gum)
Red
Confectionery in packets or individual serves are high in sugar.
Loose sweets Red Loose sweets are high in sugar.
Chocolate or carob bars
RedChocolate or carob bars are high in sugar and energy.
Boxed chocolates RedBoxes of chocolates are high in sugar and energy.
Fruit leather RedFruit leather can be high in sugar.
Sugar free chewing gum, mints or sweets
RedChewing gum, mints or sweets do not have a dietary or therapeutic benefit; some contain added sugar.
Cough lollies RedCough lollies that do not contain ingredients with a therapeutic benefit (e.g. antibacterial agents) are considered to be confectionery.
Medicated cough lollies/lozenges
Not applicable
Products for therapeutic benefit are not included in the scope of the Healthy Options traffic light criteria.
These products should not be colour coded.
36 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
DrinksWater
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Water (plain)
Fresh or bottled, including carbonated
Green
Fresh water should be easily accessible in all health service settings. Water is the best thirst quencher.
Offer chilled water, and/or plain, unsweetened carbonated water.
Flavoured water
Including carbonated
GreenFlavoured with natural flavour (e.g. fruit juice) with no added sugar.
AmberFlavoured with artificial or intense sweetener, including diet cordial; no added sugar.
RedFlavoured, with added sugar; including cordial.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 37
Milk and milk alternatives10
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Reduced-fat, unflavoured11 milk
less than 2g fat per 100ml
Green
Small serve sizes up to 300mL serve.
For most people, two years and over, it is recommended that low- or reduced-fat dairy alternatives be provided where possible.
Amber Large serves greater than 300mL.
Full-fat, unflavoured milk
Amber Full-fat milk of any volume is Amber.
Reduced-fat flavoured12 milk
Including milkshakes, smoothies, iced coffee, mocha, chocolate and hot chocolate drinks
Green
Serve sizes up to 300mL serve. For most people, two years and over, it is recommended that low- or reduced-fat dairy alternatives be provided where possible.
Amber
Large serves greater than 300mL. Frequent consumption of full-fat and reduced-fat flavoured milk in large serves should be avoided as this may contribute to excess energy intake.
Red
Reduced-fat milk may be categorised as Red if it has any of the following additions: whipped cream, ice-cream, melted chocolate, caramel, syrup, confectionery. These additions will provide excess energy and fat.
Full-fat flavoured milk
Including milkshakes, smoothies, iced coffee, mocha, chocolate and hot chocolate drinks
Amber
Full-fat milk of any volume is Amber. Frequent consumption of full-fat flavoured milk in large serves should be avoided as this may contribute to excess energy intake.
Red
Full-fat milk may be categorised as Red if it has any of the following additions: whipped cream, ice-cream, melted chocolate, caramel, syrup or confectionery. These additions will provide excess energy and fat.
10 Milk includes all varieties (e.g. soy, almond, cow, goat, lactose-free, oat, rice and sheep). For alternative milks (e.g. almond, goat, oat, rice, sheep and soy), choose calcium fortified varieties. 11 Low-fat, reduced-fat and/or skim milk are not suitable for infants and children less than two years of age as a complete milk food. Cow’s milk is not suitable for infants and children less than 12 months of age. Offer low-fat or reduced-fat varieties of plain milks in addition to full-fat varieties with hot beverages.12 If milk alternatives are required, use calcium fortified varieties.
38 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Fruit juice, vegetable juice and fruit drinks
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Juices (96-100% juice)
Fresh, frozen or carbonated
Green
Frequent consumption of fruit and vegetable juice in large sizes (greater than 250mL) should be avoided as this may contribute to excess energy (kJ) and sugar intake.
96–100% fruit juices, no added sugar and small serve sizes up to 250mL.
96–100% vegetable juices, no added sugar or sodium and small serve sizes up to 250mL.
Amber
96–100% fruit juices, no added sugar and serve sizes greater than 250mL.
96–100% vegetable juices, no added sugar or sodium and serve sizes greater than 250mL.
Juices (35–96% juice)
Fresh, frozen or carbonated
Amber
35–96% juice and small serve sizes up to 250mL.
Red35–96% juice and serve sizes greater than 250mL.
Fruit drinks
(less than 35% juice)
Red All sugar-sweetened fruit drinks that contain less than 35% fruit juice.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 39
Artificially sweetened drinks and drinks with added sugar
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
All artificially sweetened ‘diet’, ‘low-joule’, ‘no sugar’ or ‘low sugar’ drinks
Amber
Artificial sweeteners can be useful in providing flavour and reducing the amount of added sugar consumed. However, as with sugar sweetened carbonated drinks, artificially sweetened carbonated drinks can cause dental erosion if used consumed frequently. These drinks can also be high in caffeine. Artificially sweetened carbonated drinks fit in the Amber category for adult settings.
Artificially sweetened drinks are not suitable for children due to the risk of dental erosion and the caffeine content. It is recommended that outlets provide a warning to inform the public that they are not suitable for children.
Sugar sweetened and/or carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks
Red
All sugar sweetened drinks.
40 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Tea
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Freshly made
Including unsweetened, caffeinated, decaffeinated or herbal
Green
Tea prepared without milk or with up to 300mL of reduced fat milk, no added sugar.
Freshly made iced tea with no added sugar.
Plain and herbal teas are good sources of antioxidants.
Offer decaffeinated varieties as an alternative.
Amber
Tea prepared with full-fat milk and milk alternatives, and/or with greater than 300mL reduced-fat milk (less than 2g fat per 100mL) or milk alternative and/or with added sugar.
Commercial iced teas
AmberReady-to-drink commercial iced teas that are artificially sweetened.
RedReady-to-drink commercial iced teas, with added sugar.
Coffee
ItemLikely category
Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Freshly made
Including unsweetened, caffeinated or decaffeinated
Green
Coffee made without milk or with up to 300mL of reduced-fat milk (less than 2g fat per 100mL), skim milk or reduced-fat dairy alternatives.
Offer decaffeinated coffee beverages as an alternative.
Amber
Coffee made with full-fat milk and milk alternatives, and/or with greater than 300mL reduced-fat milk (less than 2g fat per 100mL) or milk alternative and/or with added sugar.
Offer sugar alternatives (e.g.sweeteners) as well as sugar when serving hot beverages.
Offer decaffeinated coffee beverages as an alternative.
Red
Coffee with added whipped cream, melted chocolate or caramel, syrup, or confectionery. These items provide excess energy (kJ).
Commercial iced coffees (in cartons)
Commercially made iced coffee, is assessed under the ‘milk and milk alternatives’ section, page 37.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 41
IndexPage Page
A Coconut oil 27Aioli 28 Coffee – hot 40Artificially sweetened drinks 39 Coffee – iced 37, 40Asian meals – stir fry and noodle-based 22 Commercial meals 23B Condiments 27, 28Bacon 20 Confectionery 35Bagel – plain 13 Copha 27Baguettes – plain 13 Cordial 36Baked beans 8 Corn chips 30Baked potatoes 7 Corn on the cob 7Balsamic vinegar 29 Corned beef 20BBQ sauce 28 Cough lollies/lozenges 35Beef – corned 20 Crackers – plain 14Beef – crumbed 20 Cream 27Beef – mince 19 Creamed rice 11Beef sausage 20 Crisps – potato, vegetable 30Biscuits – savoury 30 Crisp bread 14Biscuits – sweet and premium 31 Croissants- savoury 25Boxed chocolate 35 Croissants- sweet 32Bread 13 Crumbed meat 20Bread – fruit, vegetable, nut 13 Curry 22Breakfast bars 31 Custard 11Breakfast cereal 12 DBurger patties 19 Dairy blend spreads 27Butter 27 Dairy desserts 11C Dairy snacks 11Cakes 32 Danish – sweet 32Canned fruit 6 Deep-fried battered meat products 20Carbonated water, fruit juice 36 Deep-fried cakes 32Carob bars 35 Deep-fried meat 18Casserole 22 Deep-fried pastries 25Cereal bars 31 Deep-fried vegetables 7Cheesecake 32 Devon 20Cheese and spinach triangles 25 Dim sims 26Cheese – reduced-fat, full-fat 10 Dips 28Chicken – deep fried 20 Donuts 32Chicken – diced processed meat, crumbed 20 Dried fruit 6Chicken – lean, mince 18, 19 EChicken nuggets 20 Eggs 18Chicken pie 25 Energy drinks 39Chicken sausage 20 English muffin – plain 13Chicken spread/paste 16 FChiko rolls 26 Falafels 8Chips 30 Fats – poly or monounsaturated spread 27Chips – hot 7, 24 Fats and oils 27Chocolate bars/boxed chocolate 35 Fish – canned, frozen, fresh 18Chocolate coated ice-creams 34 Fish – crumbed 20Chocolate milk/hot chocolate drink 37 Fish fillets and fish fingers (crumbed) 20Chocolate spread 16 Fish spread 16Chutney 28 Flat bread 13Coconut milk 27 Foccacia bread – plain 13
42 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Page PageFrankfurters 19 Milk – unflavoured (reduced-fat and full-fat) 37Fresh meals – commercially produced 23 Milkshakes 37Fried rice 17 Mixed hot meals 22Frittata 24 Mocha drinks 37Fromage frais 11 Monounsaturated spread 27Frozen meals 23 Mousse 34Frozen yoghurt 34 Muffin – sweet 32Fruit and nut packs 21 NFruit bars 31 Noodle cups 17Fruit bread 13 Noodle dishes 17Fruit – canned, dried, fresh, frozen, fruit salad 6 Nut bread 13Fruit drinks 38 Nuts – plain, unsalted, salted 21Fruit leather 35 Nut packs, mixed fruit 21G Nut spreads 16Garlic bread 13 OGelato 34 Oils 27Gems – potato 24 PGhee 27 Packaged meals 23Gravy 28 Palm oil 27H Pasta dishes 22, 23Ham 20 Pasta meals – pre-made products 23Hash browns 24 Pastrami 20Hommus 16, 28 Pastries – savoury 25Honey 16 Pastries – sweet 32Hot chocolate drink 37 Patties – chicken, beef, fish, pork 19Hot meals 22 Patties – lentil 19I Patties – vegetable 19Iced coffee 37 Peanut butter 16Ice-confections 34 Peanut sauce 28Ice-cream 34 Pesto 28Iced tea 40 Pie – savoury, party, meat, vegetable 25J Pikelets 33Jam 16 Pizza – reduced-fat, commercial, frozen 24Juice - fresh, frozen, carbonated 38 Polony 20L Popcorn – plain, flavoured 30Lamb sausage 20 Potato chips 30Lard 27 Potato – gems, hash browns, scallops, wedges 24Lasagne 22 Potato – hot chips 7, 24Lavash 13, 14 Potato pie 25Lentil patties 8 Pork mince 19Lollies 35 Pork sausage 20M Processed meats 20Margarine 27 QMayonnaise 28 Quiche 25Meat – deep fried 18 RMeat – lean 18 Refined breakfast cereal 12Meat paste 16 Rice – plain, fried, sushi, rice-paper rolls 17Meat patties 19 Rice cakes 14Meat pie 11 Rice paper rolls 17Milk - based puddings 11 Rice pudding 11Milk – coconut 27 Risotto 22Milk – flavoured (reduced-fat and full-fat) 37 Roast beef 18
Index (continued)
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 43
Page PageRoasted vegetables 7 V
SVegetables – canned, cooked, baked, fresh, deep-fried, frozen, plain, roasted
7
Salad 7 Vegetables – crumbed products 20Salad dressings 29 Vegetable/yeast extract/spread/paste 16Salami 20 Vegetable juice 7, 38Salmon – canned 18 Vegetable pastie 25Salsa 28 Vending machine meals 23Samosas 25 WSandwich fillings 15 Water – bottled, carbonated, flavoured, mineral 36Sardines 18 Water crackers 14Satay sauce 28 Wedges 24Saturated fats and oils 27 White bread 13Sauce 28 Wholemeal bread 13Sausages – beef, chicken, lamb, pork 20 Wholegrain bread 13Sausage roll 25 YSaveloys 20 Yeast extract 16Savoury bread, twists, pull-aparts 13 Yoghurt - plain and flavoured 9Savoury mince 19 Yoghurt drinks 9Savoury rice 22 Yoghurt, frozen 34Scallops – potato 24Scones 33Scrolls 32Slice – sweet 32Slushies 34Smoothies 37Soft drinks 39Sorbet 34Soup 23Sour cream 28Soy-based ice confections 34Soy sauce 28Spaghetti bolognaise 22Sports drinks 39Spreads 16, 27Spring rolls 26Stews 22Stir-fry 22Sugar-free chewing gum, mints or sweets 35Sushi 17Sweet chilli sauce 28Sweets (confectionery) 35TTallow 27Tapenade 28Tart – sweet 32Tea – freshly made and commercial iced tea 40Tomato sauce 28Tuna 18Tzatziki 28
Index (continued)
44 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Amber-Red nutrient criteriaThe following tables provide criteria to classify processed food and drinks as Amber or Red, using a Nutrition Information Panel. These types of food are never classified as Green, and should only be eaten in moderation:
* ready to eat meals
* savoury hot foods
* sweetened drinks and ices
* processed meats
* snack food items.
A product is classified as Red if it has more energy, saturated fat or sodium or less fibre than that listed in the tables. Otherwise, these types of products are classified as Amber.
The term ‘serve’ means the saleable item (to the consumer); such as a serving on a plate, in a packet or container. Nutrients need to be assessed per 100 grams of the product or per serve, and are specified in the tables.
The serve size quoted on some Nutrition Information Panels may not be the same as the serve size actually sold or commonly consumed. In cases where the packet or container has more than one serve or it is intended to be divided into more than one saleable item (such as a large quiche or cake), the total amount of energy (kilojoules), saturated fat, sodium and/or fibre must be divided by the number of saleable servings to determine the nutrient content (e.g. an 800 gram pizza cut into four individual serves for sale will give a serve size of approximately 200 grams). Examples 1 and 2 on pages 48 and 50 provide more information.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 45
1. Ready to eat meals (assess per serve or 100g as listed)
Nutrient criteria
Items Energy (kJ)
per serve
Saturated fat (g)
per 100g
Sodium (mg)
per serve
Fibre (g)
per serve
1.a * Meals
* Commercial, frozen or freshly prepared ready to eat meals
* For vending machines
* Pre made pasta, rice products etc.
2500kJ 2g 900mg 3g
2. Savoury hot foods and snacks (assess per 100g)
Nutrient criteria
Items Energy (kJ)
per 100g
Saturated fat (g)
per 100g
Sodium (mg)
per 100g
2.a * Savoury pastries (e.g. pies, pasties, sausage rolls, samosas)
* Pre made pizza and quiches
Recommended max serve – 200g
1000kJ 5g 400mg
2.b * Oven baked potato products (e.g. chips, hash browns, gems, wedges)
* Dim sims, spring rolls, etc.1000kJ 5g 400mg
2.c * Crumbed and coated foods, hot dogs, frankfurters and sausages, chicken drumsticks and nuggets
* Burger patties, rissoles and meatballs
Recommended max serve – 150g
1000kJ 5g 700mg
46 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
3. Sugar sweetened ices (assess per serve- packet, container)
Nutrient criteria
Items Energy (kJ)
per serve
Sodium (mg)
per serve
3.a Sugar-sweetened ices including slushies, ice blocks and ice confections, including those with artificial sweeteners
300kJ 100mg
4. Snack food items (assess per serve)
Nutrient criteria
Items Energy (kJ)
per serve
Saturated fat (g)
per serve
Sodium (mg)
per serve
Fibre (g)
per serve
4.a Snack food bars, muesli bars, fruit bars and sweet biscuits
600kJ 3g - 1g
4.b Savoury snack foods and biscuits (including crisps and salty snacks) 600kJ 3g 200mg -
4.c Cakes, muffins, sweet pastries and slices
900kJ 3g 300mg 1.5g
4.d Ice-creams, milk- or soy-based ice confections and high-fat dairy desserts 600kJ 3g - -
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 47
5. Processed meats (assess per 100g)
Nutrient criteria
Items Energy (kJ)
per 100g
Saturated fat (g)
per 100g
Sodium (mg)
per 100g
5.a Processed meats (cold, cured) includes ham, bacon, meat loaf, salami
Recommended max. serve size – 50g
900kJ 3g 700mg
Sources Acknowledgements for the source of these tables are provided in the full Healthy Options WA: Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services and Facilities, available at http://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/About-the-Healthy-Options-WA-Policy
48 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Using Nutrition Information Panels – Example 1
Example product: Cheese and onion potato crisps – 30g
Step 1:
Identify the correct food and drink category for the product. In this case, the correct category is ‘4.b - Savoury snack foods and biscuits (including crisps and salty snacks)’:
4. Snack food items (assess per serve)
Nutrient criteria
Items Energy (kJ)
per serve
Saturated fat (g)
per serve
Sodium (mg)
per serve
Fibre (g)
per serve
4.b Savoury snack foods and biscuits (including crisps and salty snacks) 600kJ 3g 200mg -
Step 2:
Snack food items are assessed per serve. Look at the ‘quantity per serving’ column for energy, saturated fat and sodium:
NUTRITION INFORMATION PANEL Cheese and onion potato crisps
Servings per package: 1 Average serving size: 30g
QUANTITY PER
SERVING
QUANTITY PER 100G
ENERGY 654kJ 2180kJ
PROTEIN 2.1g 7.1g
FAT
- Total 10.4g 34.8g
- Saturated 1.1g 3.5g
CARBOHYDRATE 13.2g 44g
- Sugars 0.5g 1.7g
SODIUM 179mg 596mg
FIBRE 0.9g 2.9g
Energy
Saturated fat
Sodium
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 49
Step 3:
Compare the values from the nutrition information panel to the nutrient criteria to determine if the product is Amber or Red.
4. Snack food items (assess per serve)
Nutrient criteria
Items Energy (kJ)
per serve
Saturated fat (g)
per serve
Sodium (mg)
per serve
Fibre (g)
per serve
4.b Savoury snack foods and biscuits (including crisps and salty snacks) 600kJ 3g 200mg -
CHEESE AND ONION POTATO CRISPS
654kJ 1.1g 179mg -
Exceeds criteria
Meets criteria
Meets criteria
-
Remember, a product that exceeds any one of the nutrient criteria for energy, saturated fat or sodium, or does not meet the minimum levels of fibre, is classified as Red.
As the ‘cheese and onion potato crisps’ exceeds the criteria for energy (kJ) per serve, it is Red.
50 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Using Nutrition Information Panels – Example 2Example product: Sultana and Oat Slice (in an individual package)
Step 1:
Identify the correct food and drink category for the product. In this case, the correct category is ‘4.a - Snack food bars, muesli bars, fruit bars and sweet biscuits’:
4. Snack food items (assess per serve)
Nutrient criteria
Items Energy (kJ)
per serve
Saturated fat (g)
per serve
Sodium (mg)
per serve
Fibre (g)
per serve
4.a Snack food bars, muesli bars, fruit bars and sweet biscuits 600kJ 3g - 1g
Step 2:
Snack food items are assessed per serve. Look at the nutrition information panel to determine the average serving per package:
NUTRITION INFORMATION PANEL SULTANA AND OAT SLICE
Servings per package: 2 Average serving size: 60g
QUANTITY PER
SERVING
QUANTITY PER 100G
ENERGY 1068kJ 1780kJ
PROTEIN 8.0g 13.3g
FAT
- Total 11.3g 18.8g
- Saturated 8.0g 13.3g
CARBOHYDRATE 31.9g 53.1g- Sugars 15.7g 26.2g
SODIUM 102mg 170mg
FIBRE 4.45g 7.4g
This slice is pre-packaged with a total weight of 120g.
This is two times the average serving size on the label (i.e. 60g x 2 = 120g).
The package size is 120g.
Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017 51
Step 3:
Look at the ‘Quantity per serving’ column for energy, saturated fat and fibre:
NUTRITION INFORMATION PANEL SULTANA AND OAT SLICE
Servings per package: 2 Average serving size: 60g
QUANTITY PER
SERVING
QUANTITY PER 100G
ENERGY 1068kJ 1780kJ
PROTEIN 8.0g 13.3g
FAT
- Total 11.3g 18.8g
- Saturated 8.0g 13.3g
CARBOHYDRATE 31.9g 53.1g- Sugars 15.7g 26.2g
SODIUM 102mg 170mg
FIBRE 4.45g 7.4g
Step 4:
The package size is 120g. This is two times the average serving size listed in the nutrition information panel.
Energy: 1068kJ x 2 = 2163kJ per package
Saturated fat:8.0g x 2 = 16.0g per package
Fibre:4.45g x 2 = 8.9g per package
Energy
Saturated fat
Fibre
NUTRITION INFORMATION PANEL SULTANA AND OAT SLICE
Servings per package: 2 Average serving size: 60g
QUANTITY PER
SERVING
QUANTITY PER 100G
ENERGY 1068kJ 1780kJ
PROTEIN 8.0g 13.3g
FAT
- Total 11.3g 18.8g
- Saturated 8.0g 13.3g
CARBOHYDRATE 31.9g 53.1g- Sugars 15.7g 26.2g
SODIUM 102mg 170mg
FIBRE 4.45g 7.4g
Values in the ‘Quantity per serving’ column will need to be doubled to determine the total amount of these nutrients provided by the package size (i.e. 120g)
52 Healthy Options WA Policy: Classifying food and drinks 2017
Step 5:
Compare the adjusted values to the nutrient criteria to determine if the product is Amber or Red.
4. Snack food items (assess per serve)
Nutrient criteria
Items Energy (kJ)
per serve
Saturated fat (g)
per serve
Sodium (mg)
per serve
Fibre (g)
per serve
4.a Snack food bars, muesli bars, fruit bars and sweet biscuits 600kJ 3g - 1g
SULTANA AND OAT SLICE
2163kJ 16g - 8.9g
Exceeds criteria
Exceeds criteria
- Meets criteria
Remember, a product that exceeds any one of the nutrient criteria for energy, saturated fat or sodium, or does not meet the minimum levels of fibre, is classified as Red.
As the sultana and oat slice exceeds the nutrient criteria for the amount of energy and saturated fat it contains per serve, it is Red. It can only be sold as part of the 20%
Red foods and drinks.
This example was adapted from Queensland Health, A Better Choice – Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Health Facilities, 2007.
Produced by the Communicable Disease Prevention Directorate© Department of Health 2017
Copyright to this material is vested in the State of Western Australia unless otherwise indicated. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced or re-used for any purposes whatsoever without written permission of the State of Western Australia.
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