Canada begins process to revise Food Guide

Health Canada has begun a process to revise Canada’s Food Guide to reflect the latest scientific evidence on diet and health, and to better support all Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, in making healthy food choices.

This announcement was made at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, taking place in Montreal from Oct. 22 to 25.

As part of the Food Guide revision, Health Canada has just launched a consultation with Canadians, running from now until to December 8, to determine how Health Canada can provide better dietary guidance that meets the needs of Canadians.

According to a Health Canada press release, this revision is part of a multi-year “Healthy Eating Strategy.” As part of this strategy, Health Canada plans to use every tool at its disposal (including legislation, regulation, guidance and education) to create conditions that support healthy eating.

“Everyone can agree that eating well, staying active and living a healthy lifestyle are important to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Our Government’s actions are aimed at ensuring positive and meaningful impacts on the overall health of Canadians for generations to come,” says Jane Philpott, Canada’s Minister of Health.

In addition to revising Canada’s Food Guide, the Healthy Eating Strategy outlines how Health Canada will achieve the commitments set out in the Prime Minister’s mandate letter to the Minister of Health related to sodium, trans fat, sugars, food colours, marketing to children, and the Nutrition North Program.