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NEWS RELEASES - 2007
Food for Health – Fresh Produce =
Healthy Living
(Guelph, ON – July 30, 2007) With Ontario’s drug bill topping $3 billion dollars
in 2005, efforts are underway to reduce the risk of disease with a Verified
Health Quality campaign encouraging more fruits and vegetables in the diet.
Dr. Gord Surgeoner of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies strongly believes that more
fruits and vegetables in our diets are key to improving the overall health of
the Ontario population and thereby reducing the growth rate in the use and cost
of healthcare. “There’s no nutrition labeling on fresh fruits and vegetables,”
explains Dr. Gord Surgeoner, president of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies.
“That’s why we’re launching a new website under the Verified Health Quality
initiative to help consumers understand the nutritive benefits for specific
fruits and vegetables and their impact on specific diseases and conditions.”
The website, www.vhqfoods.ca went live at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in
Toronto on November 1, 2006. It’s a valuable source of reliable, science-based
information on the nutritional values of specific fruits and vegetables and
their potential in reducing the risk of certain diseases. For example, a search
for “Age-related macular degeneration” brings up an easy-to-understand
description of the eye disease as well as nutritional recommendations for eating
more citrus fruits and leafy greens which contain cartenoids beneficial for eye
health. In total, 54 different fruits and vegetables are profiled for their
nutritional components.
An integral part of the website is that the health information is accurate. “One
of the highlights of this database is the veracity of the medical studies,” says
Surgeoner. “We want to be sure that the advice is sound, not the latest media
fad.” References include key science-based research studies from sources
including the Dietitians of Canada and Harvard University. All health and
research information is verified and reviewed by a scientific review committee
at the School of Nutrition, Ryerson University before being posted.
Next up for the Verified Health Quality initiative is series of focus groups to
ensure that the website meets their needs, provides credible, understandable and
relevant information and is easy to navigate. In early 2007, consumers can then
expect a roll-out in supermarkets allowing them to check the latest nutrition
advice right in the produce department as they make their purchases.
Health professionals agree that we should eat 5 - 10 servings of fruits and
vegetables daily. Consumers know that fruit and vegetables are good for them but
most Canadians don't know the specific components that make these foods healthy.
The Verified Health Quality initiative aims to change that, encouraging
consumers to eat more fresh vegetables as a way to enjoy better health and
quality of life. Ultimately this project benefits everyone. For the government,
a healthier population lowers the demand for, and the overall costs of
healthcare and for Ontario farmers, an increased demand for fresh or frozen
fruits and vegetables within the Province leads to a better income, a stronger
agricultural industry and ultimately a better economy.
This project is funded in part through contributions by Canada and the Province
of Ontario under the Canada-Ontario Research and Development (CORD) Program, an
initiative of the federal-provincial-territorial Agricultural Policy Framework
designed to position Canada’s agri-food sector as a world leader. The
Agricultural Adaptation Council administers the CORD Program on behalf of the
province.
Check out www.vhqfoods.ca today. From Apples to winter squash, the nutritional
information is there.
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For more information:
Nadine Armstrong
Communications Manager
Agricultural Adaptation Council
Ph: 519-822-7554
E-mail: narmstrong@adaptcouncil.org
Website: www.adaptcouncil.org
