Background
For years Finnish Heart Association (FHA) has worked for better nutrition, including meals eaten outside home. In 2004, FHA carried out a study, in which nutritional quality of food served at institutional kitchens was investigated. The study, in which 786 institutional kitchens (participation rate 68%) participated, showed needs for improving the nutritional quality of the meals.

To increase the know how of food service employees about improving the nutritional quality of the food they prepare and to increase the demand for healthier meals, FHA has developed tools for monitoring and improving the food quality. For that purpose, Heart Symbol system was expanded to cover also meals served outside home.

Since 2000, Heart Symbol has helped Finnish consumers to make better choices at grocery stores. Heart Symbol is an easy-to-notice addition to the nutritional information on food packages and helps the consumer to pick out a better choice regarding the quality and quantity of fat and sodium. Heart Symbol is well known by Finnish consumers. According to the latest research (December 2007) 84 % of the adult population recognises the symbol. Therefore, it was reasonable to use the same symbol on meals.

Heart Symbol at lunch counters

• It is an easy way to increase well-being

• Helps to choose the lunches with the best nutritional value

• The symbol helps those ordering catering services to get a meal with high nutritional quality

• The caterer may apply for the symbol for meals that meet the nutritional recommendations

The criteria developed for Heart Symbol meals in a main course include the content of fat and salt together with fat quality. In addition, green salad or fresh vegetables with oil-based dressing, low-salt and high-fibre bread with margarine and non-fat milk or sour milk should always be available for consumers.
To help consumers to make better choices, all parts of the Heart Symbol meals should be marked with the symbol on buffet. Furthermore, a model meal should be on view for the consumers to guide them towards a balanced meal with reasonable portion sizes

 .         

Read more:

More information: Finnish Heart Association
Manager, Development and Health Promotion Marjaana Lahti-Koski
tel +358 9 752 752 25, email: marjaana.lahti-koski@sydanmerkki.fi