Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating to undergo an update
OTTAWA - 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.
