Food and Health Group

30 July 2003

A revised food and health policy on how to implement and follow a healthy diet has been launched today by the interagency .

The document - Food and Health - will be distributed across the Western Isles as a positive move to encourage islanders to adopt fresh thinking on their diet.

Specific targets are the traditional Scottish problem areas of our high fat diet and our low intake of fruit and vegetables. The Group’s latest initiative also seeks to promote the Scottish Executive’s ‘healthier diet’ message across all sections of the population.

Launching the policy today, Janet Cameron, Chief Dietician with NHS Western Isles, said: “Over the last few years both nationally and in the Western Isles we have seen definite swings toward increased consumption of fruit and vegetables.

“People understand more clearly than ever before the issues and importance of maintaining a healthy diet. I find it heartening to see shelves in supermarkets being increasingly stocked with a widening choice of low-fat and high fibre products.

The Health board chose to launch the initiative today to coincide with the visit to Lewis and Stornoway of the Scottish Food Advisory Committee (SFAC) who are to hold an open meeting at Stornoway Town Hall on Thursday, July 31.

SFAC chairman, Michael Gibson, commented: “We are all becoming increasingly aware of how important a good and balanced diet is for the general health of the population.

“I am delighted we are able to assist with the launch of this revised policy for the Western Isles and it is encouraging to see first hand that the healthy eating messages being passed on from the Food Standards Agency are actually being heeded.”

Angus Nicolson, Chairman of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Environmental Services Committee, added: “The Food and Health Group is one of the multiagency groups responsible for the new Food and Health Policy, under the umbrella of the Community Well-being Forum. The Forum has always highlighted the promotion of a healthier diet for the whole population of the Western Isles.

“I actively welcome the launch of the Policy, which has been adopted by the Health Board and the Comhairle. It is a result of excellent working relations and productivity between various organisations, operating together towards the shared goal of better health for all. Together we can encourage people to make adjustments to their eating habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle. I support this initiative wholeheartedly; for the benefit of the Western Isles and future generations.

“In addition to the Policy, an action plan has been developed to ensure that it is put into practice throughout the Western Isles. Professionals from a variety of disciplines will aim to assist a broad spectrum of people; from the very young to the elderly, to make lasting improvements to their diets.”

NHS Western Isles and Western Isles Council will now promote the health policy in training programmes for school caterers, hospital canteen staff and other agencies.

Additionally, the policy will be underpinned by a variety of campaigns and events which aim to inform and reinforce nutrition education activities in schools, workplaces and communities.

For further information contact:

Brian Chaplin, Health Promotion Manager, Western Isles NHS Board,
Tel: 01851 - 702712.

Nigel Scott, Public Relations Officer, Western Isles Council.
Tel: 01851-709389.

Steve Sinclair, Senior Communications Officer, Food Standards Agency Scotland. Tel: 01224 285120. Mob: 07901-525842. Pager: 07699 -782183

Editors notes:

• 
  NHS Western Isles - Over many years but especially since 2002 has had a strong focus on working with others to improve the health of the Western Isles. The local authority through its health improvement agenda is discharging a similar function. Joint working of agencies and organisations around an issue like food produces effective purposeful action - as demonstrated by the Implementation plan produced with the revised policy.
  
• The Scottish Food Advisory Committee (SFAC) - The Chair, Deputy Chair and nine members are selected for their individual expertise, experience and practical knowledge of areas such as catering, food-related science and consumer interests. Their combined backgrounds ensure that a broad range of perspectives are taken into account and ensure that thorough and well considered advice is provided to the Food Standards Agency Scotland across its food remit. Two members of SFAC are also members of the UK Board of the Food Standards Agency.
  
• The Food Standards Agency - The Food Standards Agency was launched as a UK-wide Government Department in April, 2000. It has an office in Scotland, Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS), and its objective is to improve food safety and standards in Scotland and protect the health of Scotland's population in relation to food.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk