Leading health bodies slam draft National Food Plan
Naturally Sweet Products
Some of the nation's leading health bodies have slammed the federal government's draft National Food Plan, labelling it as a "recipe for ongoing obesity" and calling it "seriously undercooked". The plan was released for public consultation in mid-July, and looks at ways that the Australian government can ensure food sustainability into the future, as well as support nutritious and healthy food choices. According to representatives from the Cancer Council, the National Heart Foundation and the Public Health Association of Australia, who met in Canberra on Thursday September 7 to speak about the draft, more thought needs to go into health. "The draft plan puts up numerous innovative recommendations for making the food business more profitable, but the section on nutrition only offers soft options such as 'developing guidelines' and 'monitoring initiatives'," Cancer Council Australia chief executive Ian Olver said. Meanwhile PHAA nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton expressed concern over the health of future generations. "If we don't get the food plan right, we're consigning our children to a dramatically increased risk of diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, cancer and other diet-related illnesses," Ms Stanton said. These are just a few of what will most likely be many responses to the draft, which has been open for submissions for nearly two months. Public consultation is due to close on September 30, and any individuals or organisations are encouraged to send in their feedback. The National Food Plan will look at how legislation can improve the health of the nation, but do you need a federal government initiative to inspire you to make better food choices? Now is a better time than ever to review your diet. It may be worth talking to your GP about any risks you may have for chronic diseases, or booking in with a nutritionist to discuss an eating plan. It is never too late - or too early - to place your own health under the spotlight! Making healthy decisions has never been easier, with the availability of plenty of delicious alternatives to all of your favourite flavours. Stevia and Xylitol are natural sweeteners, known by many as 'healthy sugars' because they are sweet, yet low in calories! They can also be added to nearly everything that sugar can, including hot drinks and baked goods.
