Check the label, FSA advises in new campaign
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In partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), the new campaign (entitled ‘Check the Label’) features imagery of foods commonly consumed in NI such as muffins, biscuits and chocolate, coupled with statements about how many calories are in a portion of each food.
Maria Jennings, director, FSA in NI, said: “According to the latest Health Survey for Northern Ireland, 62% of adults in NI are either overweight or obese.
The ‘Check the Label’ campaign aims to motivate people to think about the food they eat and how that food can impact their overall health. As part of this campaign, we are encouraging people to check food labels to help them make healthier and informed choices when purchasing food and drink products.
“The ‘Check the Label’ campaign uses images of real foods to show people just how many calories are in the foods they buy. It also features the message that just 100 calories extra a day could mean 10 pounds of weight gain a year. We are delighted to be partnering with the Public Health Agency for this campaign and we are confident it will give people the information they need to think about the foods they consume and empower them to make healthier choices.”
Caroline Bloomfield, health and social wellbeing improvement senior manager, PHA, said: “Snacks, nibbles and second helpings are things we tuck into without even thinking, and often we don’t realise what we are eating. By reading the label, being mindful of what we eat, cooking healthier, and cutting out the extras, we can help reduce the risk of putting on the pounds.”