This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish food at heart of healthy diet
21/06/2002
The message that good quality, affordable Scottish food should be an essential part of a healthy diet was demonstrated today by celebrity chef Nick Nairn at the Royal Highland Show.
He joined forces with Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie and Deputy Health Minister Mary Mulligan to lead a practical demonstration using quality Scottish ingredients at an Executive-sponsored stand to promote the Scottish Diet Action Plan Eating for Health. The Executive's Food and Health Co-ordinator was also present.
Mary Mulligan commented:
"The Executive is committed to getting across the message that the healthy choice is the easy choice, and that Scottish food is not all about deep-fried Mars Bars and chip butties. Here in Scotland we have some excellent local produce - from Scottish salmon to home-grown fruit and vegetables - foods which can make an important contribution to a healthy, well-balanced diet.
"The Royal Highland Show is an excellent opportunity to present the health improvement agenda to both the food industry and the public and acknowledge the role each of us can play in achieving a healthy Scotland."
Ross Finnie added:
"Top quality food is being produced in Scotland, and I have seen excellent examples here at the Show. The Executive, working closely with the Scottish food industry, is committed to taking it from the stalls to the shops and supermarkets across Scotland and promoting the healthy eating message."
The Scottish Executive Health Department is hosting a stand at the show which aims to promote healthy eating and showcase the work the Executive in implementing the Scottish Diet Action Plan, Eating for Health. Nick Nairn and Wendy Barrie, a professional in this field, will be showing that Scottish produce can contribute to a healthy diet by leading practical cooking demonstrations.
The diet action plan receives £1 million per annum, plus share of the Health Improvement Fund. It provides a framework in which everyone with an influence over what we eat, such as food producers and processors, the NHS, local authorities, schools,caterers, retailers, consumer organisations, the voluntary sector, the media and, consumers, can work together to improve the Scottish diet. It also promotes includes 'joined up' thinking across the Executive with all departments working together to implement the plan.