Based on an article in TODAY'S PARENT by Cara Rosenbloom
Canada's had a food guide for 10 years and it's being updated. It's less industry responsive and more public oriented; the response from dieticians so far has been positive.
The guide is now in the comment stage and the final version may differ from the draft. But 67 believes, even in its current state, the guide could be useful for the UK.
The final version may end up slashed to bits but one hopes not.
In the UK, it's possible new trade deals could mean imports of chickens rinsed in chlorine or the sale of home-grown products like British lamb being damaged by cheaper imports. The UK has one of the highest food safety standards in the world; if we want that to continue, we'll need to be aware of what's going on with food imports -- the benefits as well as the drawbacks. More on this in a few months.
The Canadian guide's main recommendations are:
- Nutrition information will be based on up-to-date nutritional science and not influenced by dairy or beef farmers, margarine companies or juice makers.
- School menus will differentiate between whole and processed foods (currently whole grain oatmeal and sugary processed breakfast cereals both count as grain products) and emphasize whole foods
- Water will be promoted as the best drink; milk and juice will no longer feature heavily to help reduce obesity and diabetes.
- Kids will be encouraged to eat 'mindfully' -- slowly and with enjoyment. They'll be supported to refrain from faddy diets, emotional eating and comparing their bodies to air-brushed supermodels and athletes
- Families will be encouraged to eat together without tv or phones
- Families will be inspired to cook meals from scratch rather than relying on processed foods. (Obviously families will require cooking skills).
- More meatless meals will be encouraged
- Reducing food waste is to become part of school curriculums
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