Calorie posting underway at Sligo University Hospital’s canteen

Staff in Sligo University Hospital recently began implementing the HSE Calorie Posting policy in the hospital’s canteen  and  the calorie content of all food served at breakfast is now displayed.  Both staff and visitors got involved in the launch.
 
Calorie Posting is a key element of the HSE’s Healthy Ireland Policy.  Research suggests that when menus display calories, people eat 6% less calories each day.  Calorie posting focuses on displaying calories at the point of choice on food and beverages.  It recognises that putting calories on menus makes the healthier choice the easier choice.
 
Calorie posting is being implemented in Sligo University Hospital on a phased basis starting with the breakfast menu and will be rolled out across the entire canteen menu in 2016.   Commenting on the success and eagerness of staff at Sligo University Hospital to implement the HSE policy on calorie posting, Grainne McCann, General Manager, said “This policy will make our staff and visitors more aware of the calories in the food they eat and provide information regarding healthy eating options which in turn leads to healthier lifestyles’.

Managing weight and obesity is a public health priority. It is recognised that no single initiative will reverse the growing obesity trend, but a combination of measures, one of which is calorie posting on restaurant menus, should make a difference.  This initiative in Sligo University Hospital is a move towards addressing this national priority.  
Pictured are:  Tracey Farrell, Catering Attendant; Sheila Fowley, A/ Catering Manager; Avril Kelly, HP research assistant; Tom Rouse, CPU Manager; Mary P Scanlon, Catering Supervisor and Simon Costello, Catering Attendant. Front Row left to right (seated) Patricia Lee, Services Manager; Grainne McCann, General Manager; Liz Martin, Health Promotion Officer and Amanda Kilcullen, Dietician.