Sanitarium Health Food Company was registered as Australia’s first health food company in April 1898. It was established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia to promote and produce plant-based health foods based on its belief that plant-based diets are designated by God, our Creator, for the health of the human race.1 Worldwide, the Church operates health food industries and health-care services based on this philosophy.
Sanitarium’s enduring mission is to “inspire and resource our community to experience happy, healthy lives”. As such the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and Sanitarium continue to share an explicit common reason and purpose of existence.
Sanitarium is a leader in producing foods of the highest nutritional value and appeal. It invests significant resources into community nutrition education through its Sanitarium Nutrition Services, providing unbiased advice and consultation to both health professionals and the community.
The Company is a generous supporter of the community through charity partnerships.
In relation to Sanitarium's tax status, it is important to note the following:
- Sanitarium is proud to be a part of Australia's essential charitable sector.
- The Company pays all local, state and federal taxes that apply to Australian companies apart from company profit tax.
- 100% of Sanitarium's profits are given to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia, for its charitable activities which include many projects that benefit the community in Australia. These include health education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, hospitals, educational facilities, financial support for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), as well as many family services and community projects.
- There is no commercial advantage to Sanitarium from its taxation status. An unlimited tax deduction is available to all companies and individuals in Australia that donate their income to an approved charity.
- Sanitarium Health Food Company is 100% Australian owned and operated, all profits stay in Australia.
- Sanitarium contributes to Australia’s economy through the employment of 1500 Australians, the purchase of Australian wheat and other raw materials, and working with many industry associated Australian businesses.
1 Genesis 1:29
Published by the Communications Department - May 2008