The Health Check Food Information Program is a comprehensive
food and nutrition program based on Canada's Food Guide. Health Check guides consumers towards choosing
nutrient dense foods based on an 'on-pack identification', explanatory
message and nutrition information on the packages of foods which have
been analyzed and comply with the Health Check nutrient criteria.
The program reflects federal guidelines such as Canada's
Guidelines for Healthy Eating and Nutrition Recommendations
for Canadians for general healthy eating, for all Canadians,
in the context of a total diet.
Packaging Information
A major feature of the Health Check Program is the
on-pack identification system which includes:
1.The
program logo
2.
An explanatory side or back panel message. A sample
message is as follows: Choosing lower fat milk products like 2%
milk, is part of healthy eating. (Company Name) financially supports
the Health Check Program. This is not an endorsement.
3.Nutrition
Facts Table. All products in the program have to
display a standard nutrition information panel on their package.
Manufacturers will submit an application and provide
nutrition information for products they would like entered in the
program. If they meet the specific food category criteria, manufacturers
will then agree to the program requirements (such as promotional issues
and logo use guidelines) and provide the required licensing fee.
Manufacturers may then display the program logo on their licensed
products and advertising and promotional materials if they so choose.
Random nutritional analysis of participating products is conducted
to ensure program integrity.
The Health Check Program is self-supporting on a cost-recovery
basis through levies on participating manufacturers. As
a not-for-profit program, any surplus funds will be reinvested in
nutrition education and research.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation has played a leadership
role in the development of the Health Check Program. This initiative
is directly related to the work of the Foundation's education programs
and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Furthermore, consumer research
revealed that the Foundation was perceived to be an independent and
respected third party which would bring an unbiased approach to the
development of an on-pack identification program.
Key stakeholders in the Health Check Program
include consumers, health professionals and industry. Consumers
report a desire to improve their eating habits and a need for assistance
in translating nutrition principles into daily food choices.
They seek practical information and report that food manufacturers
have a role to play in providing this information. The food
industry has demonstrated interest in nutrition education programs.
Furthermore, Health Canada's Nutrition Recommendations:
A Call for Action recommended that industry conduct promotional
campaigns consistent with Canada's Guidelines for Healthy Eating
and participate in voluntary nutrition programs. Part of the
Health Canada's Nutrition Recommendations: A Call for Action
recommends the industry participate in intersectoral initiatives
to develop guidelines on the dissemination of health information
associated with the sale of food products.
The program team is comprised of national and provincial
Heart and Stroke Foundation staff, medical, nutrition and consumer
marketing consultants. In addition, an expert committee has
been formed to supply technical advice and to develop and monitor
the program criteria. The committee includes expert participants
from academia, the dietetic profession and nutrition consulting.
