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Canada's
Food Guide to Healthy Eating to Undergo an Update
OTTAWA,
March 10 /CNW/ - Health Minister Pierre
Pettigrew today officially
announced that Health Canada will undertake a revision to Canada's Food Guide to
Healthy Eating.
"Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating is at the core of the dietary guidance that the
federal government provides to Canadians," said Minister Pettigrew. "We know from
recent research that the current Food Guide continues to promote a pattern of eating that
is scientifically sound. Health Canada will ensure the Food Guide continues to promote a
pattern of eating that meets nutrient needs, promotes health, and minimizes the risk of
nutrition-related chronic disease. However, our research also tells us that the Food Guide
can be improved and made more meaningful to Canadians in making healthy eating
choices."
Since the current Food Guide and related dietary guidance was released in the early
1990's, science about the relationship between diet and health has evolved. To ensure
Health Canada's guidance is consistent with the latest science, the Department reviewed
the Food Guide by consulting experts across the country. The review included an
assessment of diets which follow a pattern of eating recommended by the Food Guide.
The review also assessed changes in the food supply and in eating patterns; an evaluation
of the use and understanding of the Food Guide by teachers, dietitians, public health
personnel, and consumers; and a national stakeholder consultation.
Findings from the review have confirmed that the Food Guide remains a useful and valid
tool for Canadians from both a scientific and an educational perspective. The review has
confirmed the many strengths of the Food Guide including its flexibility, simplicity,
visual appeal, widespread awareness and, most importantly, its consistency with current
science.
In spite of its many strengths, some challenges were identified when Canadians apply the
guidance put forward by the Food Guide. For example, research has shown a lack of
understanding of some of the terminology and messaging used, the need to modernize
some elements, and a need to improve the promotion of the balanced approach to healthy
eating that is the foundation of the Food Guide.
As such, over the next year, Health Canada will conduct further research and analysis on
areas of a technical and communications nature to determine the extent of the updates
that need to take place. Technical matters may include issues related to serving sizes,
serving ranges and the food groups. Communications matters may include issues related
to terminology, target audiences, and graphics.
"It is clear that there is a great deal of support for the Food Guide and that it can continue
to be used as the basis for providing and implementing healthy eating messages," said Dr.
Carolyn Bennett, Minister of State (Public Health). "At the same time, however,
undertaking a revision will provide an opportunity to work with stakeholders in response
to the challenges that have been identified by Canadians."
The elements of the revision process are currently under development. The target for
completion of the revision is in the Spring of 2006.
For more information on details of the review and progress of the update, visit Health
Canada's Website at http://www.healthcanada.ca/nutrition
2004-09
For further information:
Media Inquiries: Margot Geduld/Carole Saindon, Health Canada, (613) 957-1588;
Sébastien Théberge/Adèle Blanchard, Office of Minister Pettigrew, Minister of Health,
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister Responsible for Official Languages,
(613) 957-0200, Pettigrew-Communications@hc-sc.gc.ca; Suzanne Cowan, Office of
Carolyn Bennett, Minister of State (Public Health), (613) 941-8081.
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991. Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at
http://media.health-canada.net
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