AR
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Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has launched its healthy vending machine programme in various healthcare entities across the emirate. The initiative has been implemented in line with ADPHC’s objective to ensure the provision of easily accessible and nutritious food options to enhance community members' response against chronic diseases.
ADPHC’s Healthy Vending Machine Guidelines were first initiated in 2021, following which they have been implemented across the emirate's healthcare facilities in a phased manner. The main objective of the initiative includes the provision of healthier snack options in vending machines to visitors and employees in healthcare facilities. In line with the approved measures of a specialised team of ADPHC experts, the healthy food options are now being sold at multiple vending machines across Abu Dhabi’s healthcare facilities.
According to a recent audit of healthcare organisations in Abu Dhabi, conducted in partnership with the Emirates Classification Society (TASNEEF) in 2021, there has been a 95 percent adherence and application rate towards healthier living.
Speaking in this regard, Dr. Omniyat Al Hajri, Executive Director – Health Community, ADPHC, underlined the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle and consuming healthy food options towards maintaining the safety and wellbeing of community members as well as combatting chronic diseases.
"We are committed to supporting the food industry by working hand-in-glove to implement the latest technologies and innovation and confirm adherence to evidence-based research and guidelines, in efforts to ensure that all vending machines across healthcare facilities provide healthy options – for patients, visitors, and employees," Dr. Al Hajri added.
As part of the initiative, ADPHC will also provide technical support and expert consultation to various food suppliers and establishments along with training expertise and materials to employees in the food industry. These efforts are being taken in line with the ADPHC's Healthy Vending Machine Guidelines.
Maryam Al Mansoori, Head of the Nutrition Department, ADPHC, explained that healthy vending machines will include low-calorie drinks such as natural water, low-fat and unflavoured dairy drinks, juices made from natural fruits, unsweetened tea or coffee, and snacks such as natural unflavoured popcorn, baked potato chips, unsalted nuts and seeds, dark chocolate and fruits and vegetables without additives.
"Soft drinks that contain high sugar, energy drinks, nuts that contain added oils and that are high in salt, fried potato chips, chocolate, candy and other sweets such as toffee and lollipops, are now prohibited from being made available in vending machines," Al Mansoori added.
The display of food items on vending machines has also been adjusted across facilities to showcase healthier options in a prominent manner in order to encourage buyers to choose them instead of lesser healthy options which have been placed in lower shelves.
Furthermore, healthcare facilities across Abu Dhabi are distributing informative leaflets to patients, visitors, and employees to enhance their knowledge and awareness about moving to healthier eating habits and leading a positive lifestyle.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times