A healthy canteen in Shanghai lists the nutritional information of each dish on its menu. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Health Commission]

Shanghai is spearheading an initiative to promote healthier eating habits among its residents, as announced by the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission on June 27. The healthy canteen initiative aims to revolutionize dining experiences across the city, setting new standards for nutrition, cleanliness, and operational norms in canteens and restaurants.

Under the initiative, specific guidelines have been established to ensure that participating establishments meet stringent criteria for organization, licensing, cleanliness, and food safety ratings. Emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition, improved cooking techniques, and reduced consumption of salt, oil, and sugar, these standards are designed to elevate the quality of meals served to residents.

Nutritional labels for daily dishes are posted in a healthy canteen in Shanghai. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Health Commission]

One of the key requirements is the provision of a diverse range of dishes and staple foods for each meal, with daily menus featuring nutritional information and guidance for diners. Furthermore, establishments are tasked with monitoring and reducing their weekly usage of cooking oil, salt, and sugar, with the goal of promoting healthier dietary practices citywide.

The results of this initiative have been nothing short of remarkable, with participating canteens and restaurants reporting significant improvements in their offerings. Through ongoing training sessions and health-themed activities, both diners and canteen employees have gained valuable insights into nutrition, leading to a collective shift towards healthier eating habits.

The initiative has yielded tangible results in reducing the amount of oil, salt, and sugar used per meal. Phased evaluations have shown impressive reductions of 18.33 percent, 14.83 percent, and 13.66 percent, respectively, underscoring the positive impact of the program on promoting healthier food choices.

In a bid to expand the reach of this initiative, the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission has forged partnerships with various organizations to establish healthy eating environments in diverse sectors, including healthcare facilities, elderly care institutions, and breakfast diners. The program has already recognized 99 canteens in healthcare institutions, 87 in elderly care centers, 109 exemplary restaurants, and 69 breakfast diners, marking a significant milestone in the city's journey towards enhancing the health of its population.

Source: thepaper.cn