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Nutrition: Northern Ireland

Nutrition initiatives and policy in Northern Ireland.

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Broadcast media for children: nutrient profiling

The Agency has developed a nutrient profiling model as a tool to differentiate foods which are high in fat, saturated fat, salt or sugar. The model is being used by media and communications regulator Ofcom to regulate the advertising and promotion of foods to children.

Caloriewise scheme

The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland has launched a six-month pilot scheme that will see local food businesses displaying calorie information on menus for the first time. Caloriewise will encourage consumers to make more informed choices when eating out.

Folic acid fortification

On 17 May 2007, the Food Standards Agency Board agreed unanimously that 'mandatory fortification' with folic acid should be introduced, alongside controls on voluntary fortification and advice on the use of supplements.

Front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labelling

The Agency recommends a consistent approach to front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labelling that provides 'at a glance' information on labels about the nutritional content of foods through the use of traffic light colours.

Healthy catering

The food we eat outside the home makes up an increasingly important part of our diet. The average person eats one in every six meals out of home and if we add in snacks and 'grab and go' food, men consume about a quarter of their calories when eating out, and women around a fifth. So, the choices we make when eating out can go a long way to help us to maintain a balanced diet.

Homelessness and food poverty

The Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland commissioned research into food poverty and homelessness in Northern Ireland. The aim of this research was to deliver a better understanding of the impact of poverty and social exclusion on the diet of people who are homeless in Northern Ireland.

Salt

Most people eat too much salt. This can raise blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. We can all take steps to eat less salt by shopping wisely and being sparing with salt at home.

Saturated fat and energy

Currently people are eating more saturated fat, on average, than is recommended, and rising levels of obesity indicate that energy intakes currently exceed energy requirements. Both these issues raise serious health concerns, particularly in relation to coronary heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.

Using the eatwell plate

The eatwell plate makes healthy eating easier to understand by giving a visual representation of the types and proportions of foods people need for a healthy and well balanced diet.

Young people in Northern Ireland

FSA Northern Ireland has worked with schools and universities to find out young peoples’ attitudes to food, and produced support materials to help them make healthy and safe food choices when they leave home. A number of fun games are also available for primary school and post primary school children, as well as other teaching resources.

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