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Shameem JOOMAYE Dietetitian
The ministry of Health has imposed new regulations on snacks prohibiting the sale of those containing more than 10% saturated fats. What are “saturated fats”?</B>
There are two types of fats: saturated ones, which are the bad fats, and non-saturated ones that are called the “good fats.” For a low cholesterol diet, animal fats, found in foods like butter, pork, meat or dairy products, should be reduced. In other words, the problem doesn’t only include the snacks but a wider range of products like fresh cream or some yogurts.
<BDoes it mean that the products that will be on shelves will be less harmful to Mauritians’ health? Will this measure be effective to fight Mauritian eating habits?</B>
If products with more than 10% saturated fats are prohibited, then, of course, the products allowed on the shelves should be less harmful. However, this doesn’t mean that Mauritians will buy them. I don’t think that we produce this type of product in Mauritius for the moment. Such products will thus have to be imported and will be far more expensive. As a result, the great majority of Mauritians will not have the means to buy these products.
Mauritian people may continue to eat other snacks such as “gato piman” or “doll puri”. Don’t you think that all this is a matter of educating the population rather than implementing measures?</B>
Of course! I’m not against this measure. I suppose it is not bad that the authorities react to try and make people conscious of the bad effects of such products on their health. It may help but it won’t really solve the problem as Mauritians eat fatty meals. If they don’t eat snacks, they go and eat other things on the streets. Our fast foods in Mauritius are precisely “gato piman” and “doll puri.”
Are Mauritians really fond of snacks?</B>
Oh yes! Let me tell you what a classical Mauritian eats. First, he doesn’t have any breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day. So when he’s hungry by 10 a.m, he eats two pairs of “doll puri”. Then, he has lunch at noon – usually fried noodles for instance. At two he may be a little hungry and will go for a packet of twisties not to mention the cakes in the afternoon. In the evening, he’ll start with a plate of rice for dinner and nuts in front of TV afterwards. I mean the main problem in Mauritius is nibbling. People should have three meals a day and that’s it. They can step aside once a week for example but should be careful the rest of the week.
What kind of sensitization campaigns would be necessary?</B>
I think we have to go and see people to explain to them what they should eat and why they should change their habits. It’s the only way.
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