Coca-Cola responds to obesity pressure

Coca-Cola has taken action to help New Zealanders make sensible dietary choices.

Frequently criticised for having a role in the obesity epidemic, the company has announced it is changing the labelling of all regular and diet soft drinks, juices, energy drinks and sports drinks.

Front-of-pack labelling will feature a prominent statement of kilojoules per serving, along with the percent RDI these kilojoules represent. Coca-Cola is basing percentage daily intakes on an average adult diet of 8700KJ.

Daily intakes may be higher or lower depending upon individual age and energy needs.

Nutritional information on the back of the beverage labels will also be improved. The new labelling will start hitting supermarket shelves early 2007.