Nestle Takes Artificial Colours And Flavours Out Of Smarties

Date: 20 December 2008


Nestl Takes Artificial Colours and Flavours out of Smarties

Sydney, Australia - Nestl Australia Ltd today announced it is replacing the artificial colours
and flavours in its iconic Smarties product with ingredients derived from natural sources such
as Turmeric, Carotene and Spirulina. All existing colors, and the well loved taste, will remain.

"The technical people in our factory have been working for over 12 months to come up with a
way to remove the artificial colours and flavours while retaining the brightness and the great
Smarties taste that everyone loves," said the General Manager, Confectionery and Snacks
for Nestl Australia, Mr Andrew McIver.

The move is part of the ongoing process of product renovations Nestl undertakes as
technology allows, and is not related to any safety concerns.

"As the world's leading nutrition, health and wellness company, we take into consideration
not only the science and the regulations but also consumer sentiment," Mr McIver said.

"Consumers are telling us they prefer products that are as natural as possible. We make
these moves as it becomes possible for us to give consumers the high quality products they
want at a price they are prepared to pay.

"Smarties is the latest product range to receive this reformulation."

Mr McIver stressed that the use of food additives such as colorants is strictly regulated under
existing food laws which in Australia are some of the most stringent in the world.

"As with all food manufacturers, we operate in a strictly regulated environment. All these
colours are currently approved by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and
listed as permitted in the Food Standards Guide," Mr McIver said.

The new Smarties will begin flowing through to retail shelves in Australia and New Zealand
from January 2009. The reformulated range will be complete in store by April.


Ends

For further information:

Fran Hernon
Corporate Affairs Manager
Nestl Australia Ltd
Direct line: (02) 8756 2976
Mobile: 0418 473 861
Email: [email protected]