13 popular food producers expressed their readiness to join and work toward producing 'healthier' foods.
13 food producers joining the memorandum
- SIA "Cannelle bakery ",
- SIA "Orkla Latvija" ,
- AS "HKScan Latvia",
- AS "Cēsu alus",
- SIA "Ilgezeem",
- SIA "Cido grupa",
- SIA "Dona",
- SIA "Lāči",
- SIA "Saldus maiznieks",
- SIA "Lielezers",
- SIA "Maiznīca Flora",
- AS "LPB" maiznīca Priekule,
- SIA "Gaļas pārstrādes uzņēmums Nākotne".
Source: Health Ministry
When joining, participants commit themselves to reducing the amount of salt, sugar, or saturated fatty acids in their products, thereby facilitating the availability of healthy food to the population.
"Many, including young people, have chronic illnesses. And one of the most common is type 2 diabetes, which is an epidemic of the world, a problem of the 21st century," said Lolita Neimane, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Association of Diet and Nutrition Professionals.
“I believe that what may still not have been done in Latvia is an education program, starting from young pupils. We should teach children why these sugary drinks may not be the best. Why is the salt not so good,” Neimane said.
The Memorandum aims to improve the dietary habits of the population by promoting the availability of foods with reduced levels of saturated fatty acids, sugar, and salt. Food groups such as meat and fish products, cereal products, processed fruit and vegetable products, frozen ready meals, dairy products, sweets, beverages, potato products, baby foods are included.
Under the conditions laid down for each product group, saturated fatty acids should be reduced by 5% to 10%, sugar by 5% to 20%, and salt by 5% to 10%.
Currently 13 food companies have expressed their readiness to join the Memorandum of Cooperation, but the VM also calls on other producers to assess their ability to join the Memorandum and to improve their product composition.
