Court finds Heinz guilty of making misleading health claims
Heinz Company Australia has been found guilty by the Federal Court of making misleading health claims on its Little Kids Shredz product packaging.
In its marketing, Heinz promoted its Little Kids Shredz products as being healthy and “nutritious” for children.
Heinz’s Little Kids Shredz product
The Court found Heinz had misrepresented the Shredz product by promoting the product as good for children aged between the ages one and three.
Delia Rickard, acting chair at ACCC, said in a statement: “We welcome the Court’s decision today which shows that businesses that make false or misleading claims about the health benefits of products face serious consequences.
“We were particularly concerned by Heinz’ conduct because the Shredz products were marketed as being beneficial for young children.
“Heinz’s Shredz products consisted of over 60% sugar, significantly higher than that of natural fruit and vegetables. An apple in comparison contains around 10% sugar.”
The Court also found Heinz mislead consumers into believing Shredz product had the equivalent nutritional value to fruit and vegetables.
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