WCRD 2015: FOMCA plans 'Know your food' campaign
One of the leading factors that is causing an alarming increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Malaysia is the lack of nutritional factors in food intake. CI Member, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (FOMCA) is highlighting this issue through their World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) 2015 campaign. 
NCDs are diseases which are not transmissible, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes. Experts agree that 70-80% of these are diseases are due to unhealthy diets. Processed food commonly contains excess sugar, refined carbohydrates and added chemicals.
With a population of 30 million in Malaysia, obesity is the current health problem for 8.5 million Malaysians. About 4.4 million people, roughly one in three, are categorised as obese. Most of this can be avoided through a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
As part of this year’s WCRD, FOMCA is planning a joint campaign with the Education and Research Association for Consumers (ERA), and the Selangor and Federal Territory Consumers Association (SCA). The 'Know your food' Campaign is in collaboration with the Malaysian Dietician Association.
An event will also be held at a hypermarket on Saturday, 14th March 2015 in Selangor, where 15-20 children will be asked to choose their own food up to a value of USD30. A professional dietician will then analyse their choices and provide feedback. A press conference will be held to present the campaign's results and raise awareness of the right to healthy food. The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism has also been invited.
Unhealthy diets are linked to four of the ten biggest causes of death worldwide, with obesity alone estimated to cost US$2 trillion per year.
Consumers International (CI) and the global consumer rights movement are calling for the World Health Organisation (WHO) to develop a global treaty to support consumers’ rights to healthy food. Join our campaign: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/22307-food-treaty-now