Healthy Eating ‘97:Verner Wheelock Associates Royal society of Medicine 7 May 1997

Abstract

This one-day conference was the fourth in a series o f annual conferences organised by Verner Wheelock Associates on the subject of healthy eating, and was well attended by an audience drawn from the food industry, academic and research centres, with a smattering of health professionals. The aim was t o update delgates on some contemporary issues, and t o introduce and debate one o r t w o new ideas.Lynn Stockley, Head o f Nutrition, Health Education Authority, began the day with progress reports on 'The Balance of Good Health' -a national food guide, and 'Dine out -Eat well' available in fast food outlets and restaurants. By now, the distinctive image o f the tilted plate representing 'The Balance of Good Health' is well recognised by the majority o f people whose work is in any way related t o the promotion o f a healthy diet. A tracking survey amongst health professionals has shown an increase in awareness from 87% t o 94% ( I 00% for dietitians) between I995 and 1996, with usage increasing significantly from 55% t o 75%. Consumer research by the HEA has revealed that two thirds of people have made significant changes t o their diet at home, and would like to see healthier options on fast food and restaurant menus, as long as taste and cost were comparable t o standard choices. These results were presented t o caterers