MONTREAL – Humane Society International/Canada commends Health Canada for staying true to its promise of letting evidence, not industry, inform the latest food guide. The newly-released guide includes a key recommendation to shift diets toward a higher proportion of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and legumes.
HSI/Canada is encouraged by the emphasis on plant-based foods because of the clear benefits for human health, the planet and animal welfare. HSI/Canada runs a national culinary training program, Forward Food, to help Canadians access more nutritious and delicious plant-based foods.
Riana Topan, food specialist for Forward Food at HSI/Canada, said: “This guide will encourage Canadians to make more nutritious food choices and may help to curb many of the lifestyle diseases associated with insufficient vegetable and fruit consumption. Moreover, reducing the consumption of products generated by industrial animal agriculture will bring both environmental and animal welfare benefits.”
The new food guide is the nation’s first set of dietary guidelines that take a truly evidence-based approach to informing citizens about dietary choices that promote optimal health. Additionally, the Canada Food Guide will bolster important domestic industries. For example, this guide represents a major opportunity for Canada’s renowned pulse industry to continue growing.
Canadians are increasingly recognizing the benefits of a ‘flexitarian’ or ‘plant-forward’ diet, and the new national food guide reflects both the best available health research and consumer interests. The guide is an enormous step in the right direction, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to evidence-based dietary recommendations and a holistic approach to mindful eating.
By embracing concepts like “The Three Rs”— “reducing” or “replacing” consumption of animal products, and “refining” our diets by choosing products from sources that adhere to higher animal welfare standards—consumers can have a direct impact on reducing inhumane practices that are commonly found on factory farms.
Media Contact: Christopher Paré – office: 514 395-2914 x 206 / cell: 438 402-0643, email: cpare@hsi.org