CookSmart (1st Issue) Page4

Forewords

The more people eat out, the more difficult it is for them to adhere to healthy eating principles. To improve our population’s health, everyone has a role to play. This is particularly true for the catering industry. Over the last year or so, the Department of Health worked hand-in-hand with the catering industry to develop and implement an initiative that will address both the requirements of balanced nutrition as well as customers’ expectation. Since the introduction of the pilot scheme in July-August 2007 and as the campaign is being rolled out territory-wide, I wholeheartedly appreciate the readiness and commitment of the industry and community to change for people’s better health. I look forward to seeing the “EatSmart@restaurant.hk” Campaign helping to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as the Culinary Capital of Asia!

I am pleased to be able to enjoy some of the delicious “EatSmart Dishes” during the Kick-off Ceremony of the Campaign and on several other occasions. I am impressed by our local chefs’ skilfulness in preparing dishes which look, smell and taste good, as well as acquaintance with food nutrition and healthy cooking principles.

People of Hong Kong hope to see the “EatSmart@restaurant.hk” Campaign flourish and helping to raise the catering workforce’s knowledge of food nutrition and strengthen their ability to develop and prepare healthy dishes. I would like to express my gratitude to the Hospitality Industry Training and Development Centre, Chinese Cuisine Training Institute and the catering industry for their support given throughout the Campaign. I hope this publication could stimulate innovation so that our pursuit of healthy eating can also be taken care of while we pamper ourselves with fine food.

Dr P Y Lam

Director of Health