The Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Ministry with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched the Sri Lanka Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) in Colombo on Thursday.
Country specific FBDGs are one of the FAO/WHO recommended tools to improve healthy eating habits and lifestyles of the people. Sri Lanka was one of the countries to endorse the FBDGs in the Framework for Action agreed at the Second International Conference on Nutrition.
The Food-Based Dietary Guidelines are intended to establish a basis for public food and nutrition, health and agricultural policies and nutrition education programs to foster healthy eating habits and lifestyles. The guidelines provide advice on foods, food groups and dietary patterns to provide the required nutrients to the public to promote overall health and prevent chronic diseases.
Sri Lanka first published food-based dietary guidelines in 2002. A revised version was launched in 2011.
“A quick reference guide with the most relevant facts for better nutrition is a public need,” said Dr Susie Perera, Deputy Director General, Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health.
“A wide circulation to empower people with these facts are needed. The next steps of implementation and dissemination of the dietary guidelines are equally important.”
The guidelines were developed by the Nutrition Division of the Health Ministry, in consultation with various government ministries, universities, nutrition associations and institutes, consumer and non-governmental organisations. Technical and financial support was extended by the FAO. The guidelines are adapted to the country’s nutrition situation, food availability, culinary cultures and eating habits.
“The FAO assists member countries to develop, revise and implement food-based dietary guidelines and food guides in line with current scientific evidence,” said Dr Xuebing Sun, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.