Multi-Lingual Nutrition Fact Sheets On Food Labelling To Promote Healthy Eating Now Accessible To Several High-risk Cultural Communities In Canada

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Diabetes
Article Date: 26 Oct 2007 - 8:00 PDT

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Dietitians of Canada (DC) and the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), are reaching out to multicultural communities to promote healthy food choices using the Nutrition Facts Panel on packaged foods. To do so they have adapted and translated two nutrition fact sheets on food labelling for use by Chinese, Punjabi and Spanish speaking Canadians - three cultural communities who are identified as having a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and chronic heart disease. This initiative was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from SPLENDA® Brand.

These revised nutrition fact sheets are an extension of Healthy Eating is In Store for You™, a collaboration between the Canadian Diabetes Association and Dietitians of Canada. To access the new resources, link here or visit http://www.splenda.ca.

"Type 2 diabetes is still one of fastest growing diseases in Canada, however it can be prevented, delayed or managed by making healthy lifestyle choices," says Sharon Zeiler from Canadian Diabetes Association. "With Asian, South-Asian and Spanish ethnicities at higher risk, it is important that we speak to these communities here in Canada, especially new Canadians, in the language that they feel most comfortable with if we're to make any sort of positive impact on their health."

Language is an important factor to reaching ethnic communities in Canada when it comes to educational materials and resources. In fact, census data indicates that among new Canadians, 31 per cent speak Chinese at home while Punjabi is the second most popular language at 7.4 per cent. Just over 4 per cent of Canadian immigrant families speak Spanish at home.

"Recognizing that Canada's population is multicultural and ethnically diverse, it is important that as nutrition educators, we do what we can to empower as many people as possible to make smart food choices," says Thida Ith from Dietitians of Canada. "Healthy eating habits start at home, therefore we have the opportunity to influence not just new Canadians, but generations to come."

"SPLENDA® has always been a proud supporter of healthy living," says Irene Chin, Senior Brand Manager for SPLENDA®. "Sponsoring the translation of these nutrition fact sheets, and making them available on our website is an important step towards reaching more Canadians to communicate the benefits and know-how of healthier eating."

About The Canadian Diabetes Association:

The Canadian Diabetes Association works to prevent diabetes and improve the quality of life for those affected, through research, education, service and advocacy. With a presence in more than 150 communities, the Canadian Diabetes Association's strong network of assistance includes volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals and partners. Visit http://www.diabetes.ca to learn more.

About Dietitians of Canada:

Dietitians of Canada represents more than 5,600 dietitians across Canada and is committed to promoting the health and well-being of consumers through food and nutrition. For trusted information on nutrition and healthy eating and to register to receive DC's regular nutrition updates, visit Dietitians of Canada award-winning website at http://www.dietitians.ca.

About SPLENDA®

SPLENDA® Brand is owned and marketed by McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNeil PDI Inc. For more information, visit http://www.splenda.ca. McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNeil PDI Inc markets a broad range of well-known and trusted over-the-counter (OTC) and Nutritional products around the globe. McNeil Consumer Healthcare Canada markets products in the low calorie sweetener, adult and pediatric pain relief, allergy, gastro-intestinal and nicotine-replacement categories.

http://www.splenda.ca