29 Marso 2024, Biyernes

Biyernes Santo

supports Fire Prevention Month

deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili

deepest sympathy to family of the late Mario Cruz

deepest sympathy to family of the late Elyn Ocampo

supports Women Month March

joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

Calorie  labeling policy backed for healthier eating choices

By J.Lo

“This will enable Filipinos to make informed and healthy choices on what to eat,” Department of Health (DOH) support  proposed calorie labeling policy in Quezon City, a move expected to help people to make healthier dietary decisions.

Local  government of Quezon City passed  ordinance requires large and mid-sized restaurants to display calorie information for each food item on their menus. This policy awaits only  signature of Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy Belmonte”-Alimurung  to be enforced.

Public interest group ImagineLaw,  collaborated with  Quezon City government on this policy, previously said  calorie labeling aims to create  healthier food environment to prevent obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases.

Around 27 million Filipinos were overweight and obese, according to  2019 survey of  Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

World Health Organization stressed  rise in obesity is largely driven by current food environments, characterized by  increasing availability, accessibility, affordability and marketing of processed foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, sugars, or salt. 

DOH also urged  public to eat  “balanced, well-moderated, and varied diet.”

“Limit processed foods and foods that are high in calories…opt for healthier choices, partnered with sufficient physical activity,” DOST said.