Improving labels will help Canadians make more informed choices, Foundation says
Posted: July 14, 2014
www.heartandstroke.ca
Ottawa (July 14, 2014) – The Heart and Stroke Foundation applauds federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose and Health Canada for announcing consultations on nutrition labelling.
According to the announcement made by Health Minister Ambrose, the consultations will build on the feedback that was provided to the Minister from parents and consumers across the country on ways to improve nutrition information on food labels.
“These consultations with nutrition stakeholders and other Canadians will be an important means of collecting input on the development of the next generation of nutrition labelling. We know that it is not easy to communicate nutrition information to Canadians in a simple and effective manner,” says Bobbe Wood, President, Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“Anything we can do to improve the nutrition labelling environment will only help Canadians make more informed food and beverage choices.”
In particular, the Foundation supports the standardization of serving sizes on the Nutrition Facts Table, more precise labelling of sugars and the introduction of guidelines for nutrition logo programs at point of purchase.
Diet significantly impacts heart disease and stroke. In Canada, unhealthy dietary habits were estimated to cause 64,000 deaths in 2010 of which almost 56,000 were heart disease and stroke related.
A long-time advocate for nutrition initiatives, the Heart and Stroke Foundation has worked with its partners to advocate for nutrition-related public policies and education campaigns.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery. A volunteer-based health charity, we strive to tangibly improve the health of every Canadian family, every day. Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen. www.heartandstroke.ca