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Table 1 Classification and examples of Red, Amber and Green items based on “Fresh Tastes @ School”

From: Effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention to enhance implementation of a healthy canteen policy in Australian primary schools: a randomised controlled trial

Red foods

Amber foods

Green foods

‘Red’ foods are nutrient poor, high-energy foods such as confectionary, deep fried foods and chocolate coated or premium ice creams.

‘Amber’ foods are considered to have some nutritional value however if consumed in large amounts can contribute to excess energy intake such as full fat dairy products, processed meats, some snack food bars and biscuits, some savoury snack foods, some muffins and cakes, some ice creams and dairy desserts.

‘Green’ foods are considered to provide good sources of nutrients such as fruit, vegetables, reduced fat dairy products, lean meat, fish and poultry and bottled water.