One of the proposed options
Ultra-processed foods– those which contain a host of ingredients you normally cannot find in your kitchen and are often packed with excess sodium, sugar and unhealthy fats – are just too commonplace these days. But steering clear of them is a key strategy for healthy eating. The latest research on more than 100,000 subjects, published in the British Medical Journal, showed a 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods (think soft drinks, instant noodles and side dishes and commercial cookies and the like) in the diet was linked with a greater than 10% increase in risks of overall and breast cancer.
Put that together with the link between these foods and the common chronic illnesses of our Western society such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes, there’s no doubt we need to get back into the kitchen and cook more. That being said, some packaged foods do offer both nutritional benefits and convenience. Canned salmon, beans and whole grain breads are just a few examples.
But sorting through the health from the hype and deciphering just what’s in a package can be both difficult and time consuming. And nowadays, time can be at a premium.
The government, in recognizing these struggles, and as part of Health Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy, is asking for your input on their initiative for new front-of-package nutrition symbols on food. These symbols will provide a clear visual cue that a food is high in nutrients, such as sodium, sugars, or saturated fat. This symbol will complement the Nutrition Facts table on the back or side of the food package and help to identify foods high in sodium, sugars, or saturated fat.
Provide your input by clicking here. While you have until April 26, 2018 to let Health Canada know what you think, do it right now as it just takes a couple of minutes. Let others know as well. Here’s hoping they will pay attention!
Enlightened Eater 
It is about time the government acts… Change of subject: have you ever the Ultimate Nutrition Bible by Patrick Holford??? Very interesting.
I agree about the government but I think we need even more action on their part. But it’s a start! I am not familiar with the book but will check it out. Thanks for the heads up!
Great idea! There must be a mistake in the line, ‘These symbols will provide a clear visual cue that a food is high in nutrients, such as sodium, sugars, or saturated fat.‘ Those are definitely not nutrients!