Barbados
Law · Programmatic documents

Food Based Dietary Guidelines for Barbados

Summary:

These food based dietary guidelines for Barbados aim to encourage healthy eating habits and to promote active lifestyles for the prevention and management of chronic nutrition-related diseases.

Description:

The document set out a national framework for nutrition in Barbados. The guidelines emphasize that nutrition-related conditions such as obesity, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and cancer are all leading causes of
death in the country. In this sense, it provides eight key recommendations for healthy eating and physical activity, namely:

  1. Enjoy a wide variety of foods every day;
  2. Enjoy a variety of vegetables every day;
  3. Enjoy a variety of fruits every day;
  4. Enjoy a variety of foods rich in fiber every day;
  5. Choose to eat less fat and fatty foods every day;
  6. Choose foods with less salt and sodium every day;
  7. Choose foods and beverages with less added sugar every day;
  8. Engage in physical activity every day.

In addition to the list, the guidelines seeks to encourage consumers to read nutrition labels. It also provides a special note about trans fat, in which explains that the allegation of “Zero Trans Fat” or “Trans Fat 0g” it might conatins less than 0.5g of trans fat per person. Then, the consumer should read the label to be well informed. Furthermore, it highlights that “‘hydrogenated’ or ‘partially hydrogenated’ fats and oils do contain some trans fat.

At last, the document lists what are processed  meat. In the examples, it includes hot dogs, ham, bacon, sausage and some deli meats. This refers to meat that has been treated in some way to preserve or flavour it. Subsequently, processing includes salting, curing, fermenting and smoking.

The Food Based Dietary Guidelines for Barbados also give ideas for the population on how to plan their meals and snack, considering “The Caribbean Food Groups” and a portion guide.