National Food Policy proposed by the LPC - An Interesting Proposition for the
Fight against Obesity

MONTREAL, April 30 /CNW Telbec/ - Reacting to the unveiling of the Liberal Party of Canada's "National Food Policy", the Quebec Coalition on Weight-Related Problems (Weight Coalition) is pleased with the federal Liberals acknowledgement of the critical role played by food in the prevention of chronic diseases and obesity, which cost over $80 billion per year in Canada(1).

"We look forward to hearing more on the proposed labeling regulation, as we are preoccupied by the proliferation of logos which mislead consumers into believing that a bag of chips can be a healthy choice. Furthermore, many groups will welcome a strong regulatory approach on trans fat as outlined by this food policy," comments Suzie Pellerin, Director of the Weight Coalition.

Potential Measures

However, the Liberals are not developing any proposition to reduce the attractive power of transformed products. Food marketing designed for children is the World Health Organization's priority in its strategy for fighting chronic diseases. The Coalition is wondering about the position of the LPC on several important current issues, such as advertising to children and the introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

The Obesity Issue in Canada

The consumption of transformed foods that are too fat, too sweet or too salty is a major risk factor contributing to obesity and many chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, etc. Therefore, the Weight Coalition supports all political parties which propose concrete and efficient actions to prevent this obesity epidemic which has serious consequences on our health, quality of life, health care system costs, as well as our whole economy.

About the Quebec Coalition on Weight-Related Problems

Created in 2006 and sponsored by the Association pour la santé publique du Québec since 2008, the Quebec Coalition on Weight-Related Problems is working toward the adoption of specific public policies in regard to weight related issues. It acts within three strategic areas (agri-food industry, sociocultural and built environment) to foster the development of environments that enable healthy choices and prevent weight related issues. For more details: www.cqpp.qc.ca.

    
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    (1) World Health Organization (2005). Preventing chronic diseases: a
        vital investment. Geneva ; WHO : 34 pages.
    

For further information: Amélie Desrosiers, Communications Officer, Quebec Coalition on Weight-Related Problems, [phone] ext. 233, Cell.: [phone], [email protected]