Consumer advocacy group CHOICE released their 20th annual CHOICE Shonky Awards on Wednesday, Oct. 7, which highlighted dishonest companies and products "taking advantage of Australian consumers."
Biscuit producer Arnott's is among the 2015 Shonky winners for a claim displayed on is Tiny Teddy product, Australian Food News reported. Arnott's developed a logo -- claiming "school canteen - meets amber guidelines" - and were labelled to the biscuits despite the fact that the product would be classified as "not recommended on the canteen menu" under the National Health School Canteen guidelines.
Arnott's then responded to the complaint and claimed that the product was amber compliant with NSW, Victoria and QLD School canteen guidelines yet admitted chocolate and sprinkles classified as confectionery. Moreover, the company said that school canteen guidelines are presently under review and that Arnott's will willingly meet the terms with any changes to the programs.
Aside from Arnott's, the Coca-Cola company has also came under fire after the discovery that the company had given an "unrestricted gift" to the Global Energy Balance Network. The Network, which claims to be "dedicated to helping end obesity," gived a lower profile to the health effects of consuming sugary drinks and recommends against focusing too much on bad eating habits.
Coca-Cola, for its part, claimed that Shonkys did not represent its relationship with the organization, adding that it has a history of supporting evidence-based research. The company stated it acknowledges the significance of moderation and healthy lifestyles.
The publication informed that the awards came from out of over 400 nominees. Too, CHOICE has asked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to scrutinize some of the companies given awards.
To recall, the consumer advocacy group has also called out the government in August for clearly label sugar on food products following its finding that there are 43 different names food companies use to describe added sugars.