The Department of Health has included alcohol in the top-shelf of the Food Pyramid, which has foodstuffs that contain approximately 100 calories and need to be restricted to only one serving per day.

The Minister for Health pointed out the change last week (June 13) when he launched healthy eating guidelines for the general public and healthcare professionals meant to complement many of the actions his Government is taking on obesity.

Dr James Reilly said: “The revised guidelines now focus on typical foods and drinks from this shelf that contain approximately 100 calories and the need to restrict servings per day to one serving maximum. Focusing specifically on reducing top-shelf foods and drinks is the Department of Health’s key healthy eating message. Alcohol is now also included on the top-shelf as it provides calories.”

The two booklets launched were ‘Your Guide to Healthy Eating Using the Food Pyramid’ from the Department and the complementary Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI)’s resource for health professionals, ‘Healthy Eating and Active Living for Adults, Teenagers and Children over 5 years – A Food Guide for Health Professionals and Catering Services’.

Minister Reilly said the guidelines were user-friendly with each shelf of the Food Pyramid given a two-page spread of information and pictorial emphasis, and contained simple messages about everyday food choices.