COLIN DECIO AGAINST RADIO NEW ZEALAND

Overview

Colin Decio complained about an article published on the RNZ website on 17 March 2022 headed Inquiry announced into lack of fluoridation in Wellington water. 

Mr Decio objected to the sentence, “Community water fluoridation is an effective measure to reduce tooth decay.” The statement was not presented as a quotation, so it was unclear as to the source or reliability of the statement, Mr Decio said. “It could simply be propaganda.”

RNZ responded that if it was not clear that the statement came from Wellington Water, a Google search would confirm that the statement made by Wellington Water director of regulatory services Charles Barker that adding fluoride was “recommended by many national and international health bodies, including the World Health Organisation,” was correct.

The Media Council believes that the statement: “Community water fluoridation is an effective measure to reduce tooth decay,” was backed up with evidence of support by reputable health bodies. There is no inaccuracy, and no principles have been breached. 

Finding: Insufficient Grounds to Proceed.