ABU DHABI // A logo used in restaurant menus to tell diners which are the healthiest meals could soon appear on supermarket packaging.
In 2013, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi began its Weqaya Nutrition Programme, in which it encouraged restaurants to mark healthy meals on the menu with the logo.
Twenty one restaurants and cafes in Abu Dhabi have adopted the Weqaya symbol.
Dr Arwa Al Modwahi, senior officer of public health at Haad, said that more restaurants would be encouraged to sign up and grocery stores would soon be involved.
“We are working on stret-ching this to supermarkets in the future,” Dr Modwahi said. “It is in the pipeline and we’re working with the quality confirmatory council.
“People are going to eat out and we want that they should have at least have healthy options.”
She said that in the pilot stage a survey had found that most customers understood what the Weqaya logo meant and 71 per cent chose meals that carried it.
“We leave how they adopt it up to the outlet,” said Dr Al Modwahi.
Meals that carry the symbol have to contain fewer than 750 calories and more than 100 grams of fruits or vegetables.
Not more than 30 per cent of its calories should come from fat and no more than 10 per cent from saturated fat.
The meal should have no transfat acids and should not be deep fried, contain sweeteners or cream, unless they are low fat.
Haad held a training session for food workers yesterday to explain the importance of the scheme. The Weqaya Nutrition Programme aims to help reduce diseases such as heart disorders, blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.
Archana Baju, a clinical dietitian at Burjeel Hospital, said the scheme was a positive step.
“Healthy food is an option but it depends on a person’s choice and determination. If you are eating a burger and the calories are mentioned on the wrapper, not many would glance at it,” she said.
“For people who are determined to be healthy, the logos will really help them. These food items are healthy and recipes include fruits and vegetables, or low-fat cheese, or lean meat.”
Noor Hamoodi, 35, who eats out regularly, said she would like to see the logo featured on all foods.
“I do check labels for calories and the additives, and hydrogenated fat before buying any food,” she said. “There have been labelling systems in western countries and I am seeing some restaurants also doing this here.
“General nutrition labelling is there already on products but it does not make much difference to people as they don’t have the time to study these labels. But the logos add a value to the item.”
Arlene McGregor, 32, a Scottish personal trainer and nutritionist who lives in Abu Dhabi, said that if people were just eating natural, unprocessed foods, the labels would not matter.
“Nowadays people are more and more conscious about what they are putting in their bodies,” Ms McGregor said. “I think it’s a fantastic idea to promote healthy eating.
“It should be good quality, natural food. There is a possibility that these things can steer people in the wrong direction. The problem is admitting what is healthy and what is not when it comes to processed food.”
arizvi2@thenational.ae
