Will the Price of Whole Wheat Bread Finally Be Regulated?
For years, you've been eating whole wheat bread and paying full price. A new initiative by the Ministry of Health might reduce its cost significantly by introducing government regulation.
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In an interview today, Professor Itamar Grotto, director of public health services at the Ministry of Health, revealed that the ministry is considering a move to regulate the price of whole wheat bread. This will potentially replace the regulation of regular bread. If the initiative is approved, the consumer price will be just 6.40 shekels, marking a significant price reduction.
Professor Grotto disclosed this information today in an interview with the site YNET, during the 'Food in the New Era' conference. This announcement displeased Yaron Angel, owner of Angel Bakery, one of the largest bakeries in the country. "Yes, we want the price of whole wheat bread to be regulated. It's been under consideration for 5-6 years," said Grotto. "We believe that decisions on regulation should also consider the health aspect".
He added that this move is expected to remove the price control of regular bread. "I think it makes the most sense to switch the regulation from regular bread to whole wheat bread. Or, for instance, removing products like 38% cream from regulation", expressed Grotto.
As mentioned, if the initiative is approved, the price of whole wheat bread will be around 6.40 shekels only, a reduction of at least half of its current price. Additionally, bread makers will need to meet specific criteria: whole wheat bread must contain at least 80% whole wheat flour, no more than 400mg of sodium, and 250 calories per 100 grams.
Despite the good news, it seems too early to celebrate. Although the recommendation to regulate the bread prices comes from Prof. Grotto, the regulation of bread prices is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, which will have the final say on the matter.
In response to the statement, the Ministry of Finance commented that "the work of the Ministry of Health is not sufficient to base decisions on. We will need to conduct a professional review of it. Following the ministry's request, it has been agreed to hold a meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Health, and Finance to study the issue."
Professor Grotto disclosed this information today in an interview with the site YNET, during the 'Food in the New Era' conference. This announcement displeased Yaron Angel, owner of Angel Bakery, one of the largest bakeries in the country. "Yes, we want the price of whole wheat bread to be regulated. It's been under consideration for 5-6 years," said Grotto. "We believe that decisions on regulation should also consider the health aspect".
He added that this move is expected to remove the price control of regular bread. "I think it makes the most sense to switch the regulation from regular bread to whole wheat bread. Or, for instance, removing products like 38% cream from regulation", expressed Grotto.
As mentioned, if the initiative is approved, the price of whole wheat bread will be around 6.40 shekels only, a reduction of at least half of its current price. Additionally, bread makers will need to meet specific criteria: whole wheat bread must contain at least 80% whole wheat flour, no more than 400mg of sodium, and 250 calories per 100 grams.
Despite the good news, it seems too early to celebrate. Although the recommendation to regulate the bread prices comes from Prof. Grotto, the regulation of bread prices is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, which will have the final say on the matter.
In response to the statement, the Ministry of Finance commented that "the work of the Ministry of Health is not sufficient to base decisions on. We will need to conduct a professional review of it. Following the ministry's request, it has been agreed to hold a meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Health, and Finance to study the issue."
