Fiji’s President Elizabeth Fong has highlighted the crucial connection between diet and health, specifically pointing out how food choices can influence the onset of non-communicable diseases. She noted that many modern diets are excessively high in hidden sugars, which pose increasing health risks for communities.
Fong strongly encourages consumers to meticulously check food labels, particularly for imported products that may seem healthy at first glance. She cautioned that numerous items harbor hidden ingredients that could result in severe health complications. “Labeling may suggest freshness and a lack of additives, but upon closer examination of the ingredient lists, it becomes clear why our advocacy is rooted in promoting local consumption,” Fong stated.
She champions a transition towards fresh, locally sourced foods, urging the public to patronize local markets and choose affordable, homegrown options as a strategic means to enhance their health.
Margaret Reid Rounds, Chair of the NGO Coalition, echoed Fong’s sentiments, emphasizing that better awareness of dietary habits and informed food choices can significantly lower the risk of serious health issues. “Our coalition is focused on facilitating the exchange of information, which can create a ripple effect throughout the community,” she remarked.
The organization underscores the importance of taking control over one’s dietary decisions as a critical strategy to combat the rising prevalence of serious health conditions in the nation. By advocating for local produce and increasing awareness about food consumption, there is a constructive path forward toward better public health outcomes.