September 7, 2007 – The fight against obesity is a collective responsibility to which the agrifood sector must also contribute, by modifying some of its practices, believes the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ).
Passing before the Commission on the Future of Quebec Agriculture and Agri-food, the President and CEO of the INSPQ, Dr Richard Massé, asked the food industry to mobilize to “facilitate the adoption of healthier lifestyles”. Among other things, he invites fast food chains to reduce their portions.
According to the Dr Massé, the increase in portions in this type of restaurant has led to a significant increase in consumption. “It is directly linked to obesity: the offer is present everywhere,” he says.
According to INSPQ data, there are 84% more obese people in Quebec than 20 years ago. Obesity is a major public health issue, argues Dr.r Mass. “We know that 70% of teens who are obese today will remain obese into adulthood, leading to an increase in chronic health problems,” he said.
Changing the food environment
Only a minority of the population consumes the four food groups recommended by Canada’s Food Guide on a daily basis, says Dr.r Mass. To change this trend, he advocates for a wider and fairer distribution of healthy foods. “Fruits and vegetables, which are essential foods, could be just as accessible as the milk found everywhere,” he gave as an example.
As other organizations have indicated before the committee, the INSPQ believes in standardizing and simplifying the labeling of food products. At the same time, the INSPQ wishes to limit the confusion among consumers bombarded with health claims and logos of all kinds on many packaging.
“We have nothing against antioxidants or omega-3s, but we are witnessing a form of misinformation when we let believe that a product is good by focusing on only one health component”, underlined the Dr Mass.
Therefore, external guidelines and standards should govern advertising and claims so as to comply with the food guide, he noted.
“The population must not only be fed, but it must be well nourished and, to do this, it must be able to count on an agri-food industry aware of the role it must play in the fight against obesity”, concluded the president. -director general of the INSPQ.
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In the INSPQ thesis … “The agri-food processing sector has a major role to play in providing quality food environments by systematically reducing the size of the portions offered, especially for foods with a high salt content, bakery products with a high salt content. fat and sugar, snack foods and sugary drinks. “ To consult the INSPQ thesis: www.caaaq.gouv.qc.ca. |
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For other news concerning the Commission on the Future of Quebec Agriculture and Agri-Food, consult the index of our File. |
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
