\u2018Green Light Eat Right\u2019 is a traffic light labelling scheme for food and beverages sold at Melbourne\u2019s leisure centres and events, and in vending machines. Based on a nutrient profiling model, \u2018green\u2019 signifies \u2018best choice\u2019, \u2018amber\u2019 means \u2018choose carefully\u2019, and \u2018red\u2019 is \u2018limit intake\u2019. The aim of the policy is to help people make healthier food choices and to improve food literacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scheme was developed in 2008 and trialled in one recreation centre in 2010. It was subsequently scaled up to all recreation and leisure centres in the city. In 2012 it was extended to events and festivals, and in 2014-15 some outlets introduced a \u2018no red\u2019 policy. In 2015 the system was incorporated into the Victorian Government\u2019s Healthy Choices Guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scheme was needed because of the high volume of sales of less healthy products in city-owned venues that otherwise existed to help residents practice healthy activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The city\u2019s Health Projects team developed the system with the help of non-governmental organisation Nutrition Australia. Evaluation of the pilot at North Melbourne Recreation Centre was carried out by Deakin University with funding from VicHealth, the state health promotion foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the pilot site, there was a clear decrease in the number of \u2018red\u2019 items sold and an increase in \u2018amber\u2019 and \u2018green\u2019 products. Fewer \u2018red\u2019 products appeared in the top-ten list of best-sellers following introduction of the scheme. Sales of \u2018red\u2019 items decreased by 60% while amber and green sales increased, but not so much as to compensate for the \u2018red\u2019 items.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"