Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City announced at a press conference on March 21 that the city will shortly implement calorie labeling regulations in order to assist residents in making educated food decisions.
Signing an ordinance requiring restaurants, fast food chains, and other food facilities in Quezon City to list the calorie content of each item on their menus, Mayor Belmonte hopes to make it simple for people to keep track of their calorie intake.
“Nais nating maging ligtas ang ating QCitizens sa non-communicable diseases. Kapag may calorie labeling, may kapangyarihan ang QCitizen na pumili ng masustansyang pagkain dahil hawak nila ang tamang impormasyon,” she said
Incremental imposition
According to the city council-approved legislation, eateries or food enterprises affiliated with a national chain or franchise with five or more locations would be covered during the first year of operation.
The same businesses with two or more locations would be covered in the second year, and in the third year, the rule should be implemented by all restaurants and food-related businesses in the city.
The policy does not apply to micro, small, and medium-sized companies in barangays, such as vendors, carinderia operators, and ambulant sellers.
Belmonte, however, guaranteed that if they choose to voluntarily list calorie counts on their menus, they will receive incentives.
Stemming from public health concerns
According to information from the QC Health Department, almost one in five of the city's adult citizens suffer from high blood pressure. In 2018, it was also discovered that 43.0% of adults and 19.9% of school-age children were overweight or obese.
Awareness of calorie counts is essential to eating a balanced diet and leading a healthy lifestyle. People may choose their dietary intake wisely and ensure they get the right amount of energy for their daily needs by knowing the calories in their food.
In essence, calorie awareness empowers individuals to take control of their diet, make healthier food choices, and ultimately lead a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Quezon City is a member of the Partnership for Healthy Cities, an alliance of 73 cities dedicated to avoiding injuries and noncommunicable illnesses by implementing high-impact interventions or policies in their local communities.
