Australia Top 8 In World's 'Healthiest' Places To Eat As New Zealand Falls Behind

Australia is the only non-European country in the Top 12 in a new report which ranked the healthiest places to eat in the world. The country ranked eighth on the list. The Netherlands took the top spot out of 125 countries in Oxfam's Good Enough to Eat, a list based on the rankings of countries in criteria related to food and diet.

New Zealand did not even enter the top 20 countries as it fell well behind Australia's eighth place ranking. Out of 125 countries on the list, Oxfam placed New Zealand at No. 23 with Israel. France and Switzerland ranked second while Chad came out the least healthy place to eat in the world.

Other countries who were ahead of New Zealand were the UK at 13, Japan and the U.S. both at 21.

The Good Enough to Eat report was based on data about adequate food supply, availability, affordability, quality of food and cases of diabetes and obesity.

Based on the given criteria, the unhealthy eating habits of Kiwis and the cost of food brought New Zealand's ranking down. Only 13 countries scored worse than New Zealand on obesity.

Clinical Nutrition Association President Linda Outhwaite suggested taxes on food should be reduced for people to afford healthier choices. She said European countries high on the list have better eating habits since they have a higher standard of living and lower tax on food. She added the New Zealand government should consider the same conditions in the country.

Outhwaite recalled a time when New Zealand had sales tax and duty in various rates across businesses and products. She believed a lower food tax on fruit and vegetables can make a difference.

Oxfam New Zealand Spokesman Jason Garman remarked the report is an attempt to highlight the world's food system and its impact on both poor and wealthy countries. Garman said despite New Zealand being a developed country, it continues to face health issues like obesity and diabetes.

A study revealed in 2013 that obesity continues to be a health issue in New Zealand with 30 percent of adults classified as obese. New Zealand is gradually becoming fatter with 3 out of 10 adults are becoming obese.