Canada’s Dietary Guide Revised to Include Latest Science

25 Oct 2016 --- Canada’s official dietary guidance is being revised to include the latest scientific evidence on health and diet - and Canadians can have their say on how the guide can be improved. Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada has begun a consultation lasting until December 8, 2016, as part of the Food Guide revision. 

It’s part of Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy geared towards a healthier country with particular reference to sodium, trans fat, sugars, food colors, marketing to children and nutrition. 

Four out of five Canadians risk developing conditions such as cancer, heart disease or Type 2 diabetes, six out of ten adults are overweight and one-third of youth are overweight or obese. Poor diet is the primary risk factor for obesity and many chronic diseases and places a significant burden on the population’s health and Canada’s health care services. 

Announcing the revision to the Guide yesterday (Oct 24) Canada’s minister of health, Jane Philpott, says staying healthy is about the daily choices we all make and healthy eating should be pushed higher up on the agenda. 

“Everyone can agree that eating well, staying active and living a healthy lifestyle are important to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Our Government’s actions are aimed at ensuring positive and meaningful impacts on the overall health of Canadians for generations to come,” said Philpott at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress.