Debating the topic at the 46th Annual Australian Institute of Food Science Technology (AIFST) Convention, a panel concluded that plain packaging is inappropriate and unlikely to work when it comes to solving the obesity epidemic. Instead, the panel offered several other ways to address the complex issue of obesity.

“Despite the rise of the celebrity chef, we are seeing a de-skilling in cooking,” says dietitian professor Sandra Capra, University of Queensland. “It’s led to a general disconnect with food, poor knowledge of what’s in a dish and the amount we should be eating. We desperately need to improve food education.”

“The industry needs to put more investment into tertiary education to ensure Australia’s universities are producing the graduates the food industry needs to drive the innovation that will address Australia’s future food issues, including obesity,” adds James Thomas, Kelly Scientific Resources.

More information about the AIFST Convention is available at www.aifst.asn.au/convention.htm.

Source: www.foodprocessing.com/au