Emirates News Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre launches SEHHI programme

The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has launched the SEHHI programme to increase community access to healthy food and raise awareness about healthy eating.

SEHHI has identified three sub-programs:

1. SEHHI on healthy menus, including placing the SEHHI logo on food menu items to identify healthy dishes that are low in fat, sugar and salt, and high in fiber
2. Display calories on the menu, this will require adding a calorie count to the food menu item
3. SEHHI for healthy groceries and supermarkets, which will encourage food and beverage retail entities in Abu Dhabi to showcase and promote healthy food and ingredients

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, a detailed classification process has also been developed to identify foods that fall under the SEHHI programme, with criteria taking into account calorie count, total fat, saturated and trans fat, sugar, salt and amount of fibre.

Food stores can also upload detailed information about their food products to a digital platform, which will analyze the nutritional value of the dishes to identify SEHHI-compliant dishes.

Participating entities will receive coaching and training to ensure optimal implementation of the program. At the same time, information and guidance on healthier food choices will be provided to the Abu Dhabi community.

Matar Al Nuaimi, Director General of the ADPHC, said: “The ADPHC is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of every member of the Abu Dhabi community, and nutrition undoubtedly plays a key role in promoting overall health, with far-reaching implications for reducing morbidity and burden. lifestyle diseases.

“As such, the launch of the SEHHI program is in line with our vision for a healthy, safe society by consolidating the efforts of various stakeholders in the ecosystem to ensure access to healthy food and promote more informed and educated dietary choices.”