Aziz Idris
Thirteen local eateries have participated in the Healthy Dining Programme, an initiative by the Health Promotion Centre (HPC) of the Ministry of Health (MoH) to promote healthier dining habits among the public.
Beanery & Co Cafe in Kuala Belait is the latest eatery to meet the programme criteria by having 58 per cent of its menu to be considered healthier choices.
Beanery & Co Owner and Manager Nerissa Yap received the certificate from Senior Medical Officer Dr Norsilmi binti Haji Mat Zainin in her capacity as the guest of honour.
With the certification, all food and beverages considered to be healthier options will be labelled with a Healthier Choice Logo on the menu.
HPC hopes more food outlets will take the opportunity to be more creative, innovative and supportive of healthy eating practice in Brunei Darussalam, fulfilling the needs of customers who want to stay healthy.
It also hopes more eateries will collaborate together with the MoH to achieve its Vision 2035 – ‘Together Towards a Healthy Nation’ and Brunei Vision 2035: High Quality of Life.
Spearheaded by the HPC, the programme aims to create a local market environment for healthier eating choices; and foster the culture and practice of healthier food choices among the food outlet owners, managers and customers.
The minimum criterion of the programmer for participating food outlets is to serve at least 25 per cent of healthier choice options.
The menu will be analysed by trained professionals following guidelines provided by HPC. Participating food outlets must also cater for less sugar, less salt or less oil options.