While some do work in the school system or public health, their perspective is shaped by the target groups they work with. This starts with an understanding of foods and making healthy choices when selecting what to eat. Labels need education to be understood by consumers. Many feel communication about the label should be tied to Canada s Guidelines for Healthy Eating. Most health professionals are unaware of but support on balance proposed changes Some dietitians are aware of the proposed changes to nutrition labelling and dieticians are more likely to be aware of the proposed changes than other health professionals.
Health professionals support the initiative although they do have questions.
When shown what a more complete label looks like, many liked the expanded list of nutrients and the way the label looks. However, many say the percent daily value would be confusing and even meaningless without education including on the diet and the person it is based on. Communicating new can attract attention but in itself does not give Canadians important information that they need. This concept needs visual support points to work. Therefore, in their view, the prime benefit of this concept is to alert consumers to the nutrition label and list of ingredients.