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Source: ONE News -
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A leading nutritionist says increasing food costs could be harming the general health of the public.
New figures from Otago University's human nutrition department show it costs $50 more per week than five years ago to feed a family of four with the basics.
Associate professor Winsome Parnell says the combination of the recession and winter means a lot of people have less disposable income to spend on food. She says that raises concerns about whether people are spending the recommended amounts to meet their nutritional requirements.
Parnell says one easy way to reduce your food bill is to cut back on meat. She says fresh fruit and perishables tend to be the first thing people cut from their trolley when prices rise, but a more sensible option would be to cut back on meat.
And she says casseroles are a good way to stretch meat further on a budget.
Folic acid debate heats up
Meanwhile, there is a call for Food Safety Minister Kate Wilkinson to show some political courage as she comes under pressure to reconsider the mandatory addition of folic acid to bread .
From September folic acid will be a staple ingredient in bread, but new studies show a link between high levels of folic acid and an increased risk of colon and prostate cancers.
Food and Safety Council chief executive Katherine Rich says there are public health concerns as well as issues of freedom of choice. She says the minister can stop the addition of folic acid in bread from September with the stroke of a pen.
