Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has launched an online interactive tool to help people know about their food and dietary habits.
“What we eat affects our health. But most of us do not know what we eat and how it affects our health. ´KNOW YOUR DIET´ is a first of its kind initiative to help people of India know about their food and dietary habits. We hope that it will ignite a ‘Good Food’ movement in our country,” said Chandra Bhushan, deputy director general of CSE.
“From across India, over 25 schools, colleges and universities have already joined us in this initiative. Several companies have also expressed their interest. We would like institutions to come forward and participate. We encourage people of this country to use this tool and be a part of the ‘Good Food’ movement,” he further said.
¨Aimed at addressing the transitioning food habits and growing burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases in the country, the KNOW YOUR DIET interactive tool focuses on crucial themes such as awareness on food labels as well as connection between food and health; a balanced diet and consumption of foods and beverages which are packaged, non-packaged and cooked outside home,¨ CSE said.
¨In this website users can get an easy to understand personal diet report comprising feedback and advice based on the answers selected by them across a set of simple survey questions each taking few minutes.
Users will also get answers to frequently asked questions on food and diet. There are no costs involved. There is a Hindi version of this tool named ‘Apna Ahaar Janein’ which can be accessed at the same website.¨
“Anybody who is nine years or above and knows Hindi or English can benefit from the tool. It can be accessed through a computer, a smartphone or a tablet. Food habits of adults and school children are addressed separately,” said Amit Khurana, senior programme manager, food safety and toxins, CSE.
The tool has been supported by expert inputs from doctors and nutritionists. The tool is also expected to help policy makers know the eating habits of people of this country and shape food-related policies in India.
“India needs a clear policy to promote good food. We cannot afford food that is bad for health and bad for the environment. This tool will help us push for better policy and practices on promotion of good food,” said Sunita Narain, director general, CSE.
The tool comprises one ‘Main Survey’ and six mini surveys that focus on different aspects such as food and health, food labels and you, fruits you eat, vegetables you eat, beverages you drink and household consumption.
It also comprises a specifically designed ‘School Children Survey’.
