Food and beverage industry supports Ontario government's efforts to address childhood obesity

FCPC's Phyllis Tanaka named to Ontario's Healthy Kids Panel

TORONTO, May 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) applauds Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Deb Matthews for launching the Healthy Kids Panel and including the perspective of the food and beverage industry in the discussion.

Phyllis Tanaka, MSc, RD, Vice President, Food-Policy, Science & Regulatory Affairs, FCPC has been named to the select panel and will bring her experience and expertise to the important dialogue.

Childhood obesity is a serious, complex issue with no one cause and no one solution. The food and beverage industry is pleased to have a role in discussing this important public health issue. Canada's food and beverage industry supports a coordinated, cooperative and comprehensive approach, which is based on evidence and promotes education.

Industry is committed to continuing to make major changes by innovating and reformulating healthier-for you products, providing consumer information and education, supporting Canada's Food Guide, embracing responsible advertising and marketing practices and supporting community and workplace wellness initiatives.

QUOTES

"Canada's manufacturers of food and beverages are prepared to lead and partner in order to help Canadians make the best informed food choices for themselves and their families. Food & Consumer Products of Canada applauds Minister Matthews for initiating the Healthy Kids Panel and we know the group will benefit from Phyllis Tanaka's experience and leadership."

• Nancy Croitoru, President & CEO, FCPC

"It is vitally important all sectors work together to address this very important issue. There is no one cause, or solution for childhood obesity, but together, with everyone working together, we can take some positive steps forward. I look forward to rolling up our sleeves and providing some balanced and achievable recommendations to the Minister."

• Phyllis Tanaka, FCPC

FACTS

• Almost 92 per cent of FCPC members surveyed in our Health and Wellness report have launched or reformulated products to improve health.

Food & Consumer Products of Canada is Canada's largest industry association representing the companies that manufacture and distribute the vast majority of food, beverage and consumer goods found on grocery store shelves. Our members are all based in Canada, providing jobs to almost 300,000 Canadians, and include small and large; multi-nationals and Canadian-owned companies. Learn more at www.fcpc.ca

For further information:

Adam Grachnik
Food & Consumer Products of Canada
[phone] - [e-mail]