Don't shift the blame for bad teeth
29 July 2015
The issue of young children with rotten teeth raised in New Zealand media today by Dr Rob Beaglehole is one of poor
parenting. No more and no less.
Parents are, or should be, in complete control of what children of that age eat and drink. It’s a complete evasion of
parental responsibility to shift the blame for the state of these children’s teeth onto the manufacturers of products
which should, after all, be consumed as treats or in moderation. It’s not the products at issue here; it’s the decision
to use them inappropriately.
Our members are parents too and are as disappointed as anyone that there should be young children in our communities
with teeth in such appalling condition.
The New Zealand Beverage Council supports and advocates that parents and caregivers have access to tools and information
to ensure a healthy diet for their children. The New Zealand Beverage Council does not support or endorse excessive
consumption of foods and beverages high in salt, fats and sugar.
The NZ Beverage Council
The NZBC represents the manufacturers of New Zealand's juice, carbonated drink and bottled water brands, and their
suppliers. The NZBC acts:
as a forum to discuss issues of concern and interest to the industry
as a self-regulator ensuring product adherence to all relevant codes and statutes
as a provider of technical assistance to members
as an advocate for consumer education on health and nutrition issues.
Currently, the NZBC membership represents around 95 percent of all juice and non-alcoholic beverages sold at a retail
level.
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