Provide healthier food options, eateries urged

KUALA LUMPUR: Restaurants and other eateries are urged to provide healthier eating options at their outlets by the Health Minister.
Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said through the newly launched Healthy Plate Malaysia concept, eating outlets are encouraged to provide healthier dishes on their offerings.
"Restaurants and eating outlets should provide healthier options for Malaysians. They are encouraged to have 'calorie labelling' in the their food and drink," he told the media after launching the "Suku Suku Separuh" (Quarter Quarter Half) campaign at Sekolah Kebangsaan Setiawangsa today.
Dr. Subramaniam said most vendors are receptive to the concept and outlets in Rest N Relax (RnR) along the highways have already started calorie labelling, where the calorie content of food and drink items is stated.
"Most RnR already has calorie labelling in their menu. This is a nationwide campaign targeted to everyone. Since it is just launched we will not see immediate benefits, it will take time," he said.
The minister estimates about five years for the effects of this to be seen.
In the "Suku Suku Separuh" (Quarter Quarter Half) campaign the Ministry has divided the portions of a plate to a quarter for meat and fish, a quarter for grains and nuts and half for fruits and vegetables.
"Based in the survey we have done, most Malaysians do not consume sufficient fruits and vegetables. Typically, Malaysian portions would be three quarters of rice, and a quarter of meat or fish. The vegetables or fruits may be a small side which often goes discarded," Dr Subramaniam said.