Canada's 'High-In' Labels Aim to Curb Sugar, Sodium, and Fat Intake
Health Canada is set to introduce mandatory 'high-in' labels on foods with excessive sugar, sodium, and saturated fat starting next year. This move aims to encourage healthier food choices among Canadians, as these ingredients contribute to health issues like obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. A recent study from Laval University has highlighted the affordability of these high-sodium and high-sugar foods, sparking discussions about potential policy interventions.
The study, led by Isabelle Petitclerc, examined over 2,000 products and found that high-sugar and high-sodium foods were often the most affordable in their categories. Petitclerc hopes these findings will prompt political action to address health inequalities caused by high food prices. In Germany, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH) is already exploring policies to promote healthier diets, including the possibility of a tax on less healthy foods to increase their prices. Petitclerc plans to continue her research, exploring the relationship between food prices and nutritional value, and potential interventions to reduce inequalities between consumers.
The upcoming 'high-in' labels and ongoing research into food pricing and nutrition aim to empower Canadians to make healthier choices. As discussions about further policy interventions continue, the focus remains on promoting healthier diets and reducing related health issues.
