Promoting the importance of healthy eating habits and the need to avoid certain food items, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has classified food and beverages to be dispensed at health care facilities into green, yellow and red categories.
A set of guidelines launched on Tuesday is set for end of 2017 or early 2018 for complete implementation, announced Sheikha Dr al-Anoud bint Mohamed al-Thani, director, Health Promotion and Non-Communicable Diseases at MoPH.
“Green category food items represent healthy choices, yellow stands for food and beverages that can be consumed in moderation while red denotes unhealthy items. We have instructed all the healthcare organisations to implement the directives at the earliest,” the official explained.
The guidelines will cover cafeterias and vending machines at health care facilities including public and private hospitals and primary health care centres. While some of the facilities have already implemented several of the guidelines, many others have started inviting tenders.
"The aim is to raise awareness and disseminate information on healthy nutrition for visitors and workers of health care facilities," Sheikha Dr al-Anoud al-Thani said.
MoPH will follow up and evaluate the application of guidelines within the health care facilities at every stage of implementation. The guidelines were prepared by MoPH in 2016 in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation, Aspetar, Sidra Medical and Research Center. "The guidelines are a reflection of the efforts of the Ministry to support and promote healthy nutrition and achieve the objectives of the National Health Strategy, and the national plan of action for nutrition and physical activity,” added the official.
What the colours say
Green - excellent sources of important nutrients for good health, lower in saturated fat and added sugar and salt, lower in energy density and helps avoid excess calories and ensure optimal nutrient intake. They should be displayed in prominent areas and locations and at eye-level on shelves.
Yellow - mainly processed foods that have some added sugar, salt and fat. They should be sold in smaller quantities than green foods and should not be actively promoted. These foods and drinks should be selected carefully because they have some nutritional value, but in large serve sizes, can contribute to excess energy.
Red - includes soft drinks; high fat, high sodium snacks such as crisps; and chocolates. Food and drinks from this category are not an essential part of a balanced diet. To be consumed only occasionally and in small quantities. They generally are nutrient-poor and lack nutritional value; are energy-dense and can contribute to excess energy.