With the nation’s eating habits and forthcoming sugar tax high on the agenda, Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has launched its new Eatwell Guide, which shows people in Scotland how they can achieve a healthy balanced diet.
The proportions of food groups that constitute a healthy diet were amended to reflect new guidelines for sugar and fibre. The new Guide contains additional advice on calorie information, front of pack labelling and messaging on key dietary recommendations.
The biggest change from previous FSS advice is that food and drink high in fats, salt and sugars are treated separately from other foods and the Guide includes a clear message that they should be eaten less often and in smaller amounts. That includes such convenience mainstays as cakes, biscuits, sweets and chocolate.
Heather Peace, Head of Nutrition Science Policy at FSS, said: “Our research shows that most of the Scottish population are buying and eating too many foods such as cakes, pastries, biscuits, confectionery, crisps and sugary drinks, and we should all aim to limit consumption of these.”
