November is National Health Food Month

Spotlight shines on natural health and organic products

TORONTO, Nov. 1 /CNW/ - National Health Food Month is an annual initiative of the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) that shines a spotlight on natural health and organic products with the intention of broadening consumer awareness of the demonstrated benefits.

Recognized each November, National Health Food Month serves as a reminder for Canadians that natural health and organic products:

• Are federally regulated
• Are safe and effective with health claims supported by research
• Are an integral part of promoting and maintaining health

Consumers' interest in learning how to promote and maintain their health naturally is at an all-time high. It's little surprise that as many as 71 per cent of Canadians say they have used a natural health product (NHP), according to a baseline study for Health Canada in 2005. The appetite for organics also continues to grow with the retail value of organic food products sold in Canada in 2008 more than doubled than what it was in 2006, according to an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada study. In fact, the natural health and organic products industry is currently valued at over $3.5 billion, and employs more than 25,000 individuals.

Scientific research in the area of the benefits of using natural health and organic products has also grown exponentially. During National Health Food Month, CHFA will highlight the latest scientific research on the following topics:

November 8 - vitamin D
November 15 - whole foods
November 22 - omega 3 fatty acids
November 29 - organic products

Learn more at www.chfa.ca

About CHFA:

The Canadian Health Food Association is Canada's largest national trade association dedicated to the natural health and organic products industry. The association represents manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, growers and importers of natural health and organic products, including foods, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal products, homeopathics, sports nutrition products, fibres and health and beauty aids.  With a membership of over 1,000+ business owners and operators, CHFA represents an industry that contributes $3.5 billion to the Canadian economy. 

For further information:

Natalie Cajic, Communications Specialist, 1-800-661-4510, ext. 234 [email protected]