Officials from fast food chains and restaurants agree more consumer awareness initiatives were needed to support the health and wellness of the nation.
They gave the undertaking during a meeting Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh, held with stakeholders at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber’s Office, in Port-of-Spain on Monday.
After initial discussions, there was agreement by the restaurants heads to devise strategies to include healthier options on their menus and to reduce salt and sugar content.
The Ministry of Health Non-Communicable Diseases Unit will also provide technical guidance on best practices for healthier options in restaurants.
The meeting with these stakeholders forms part of a national strategy by the Ministry of Health to address NCDs.
The strategy also included the creation of a position for a Director of Non-Communicable Diseases which was filled in April with the appointment of Dr. Maria Clapperton.
In 2018, the Minister also met with heads of the Beverage Industry who committed to and implemented 20 to 40 percent reduction in sugar sweetened beverages for children.