Muscat: The Ministry of Health (MoH) has prepared a National Health Plan to reduce chronic diseases by promoting healthy food consumption.
The ministry seeks to minimize the use of saturated and hydrogenated fats, and salt and sugar in food, which are directly related to diseases such as stress, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, said a statement on Tuesday.
It seeks to prevent the use of hydrogenated fats and reduce saturated fat in food products and in restaurants, in cooperation with the relevant sectors.
“The plan envisages lab tests on most of the products and setting standards for manufacturers and importers as per an agreed timetable,” it said.
This requires manufacturers and importers to specify nutrition facts, including the maximum permissible limit, for each product.
The plan also includes a community-wide awareness campaign on healthy food and against unhealthy choices.
The ministry has started implementing the plan in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and other related sectors, which is related to hydrogenated fats based on Gulf Standards Organisation (GSO) specifications.
The ministry confirmed the adoption of health policies in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
