Secondary school pupils will get food for thought
Thursday 27 September 2001
Secondary school pupils across Wales will be able to explore the different concepts of good food, healthy eating and nutrition using a new CD-ROM being distributed by the Food Standards Agency.
FSA Wales is issuing the British Nutrition Foundation's Interactive Food Facts CD- ROM to motivate young people to understand the contribution that food makes to their overall health and wellbeing. Using interactive and innovative technologies and design, the CD-ROM has been through a pilot evaluation project to ensure that it meets the curriculum requirements of schools throughout the UK.
Distribution of the CD-ROM is already underway and some 250 schools are set to benefit. The FSA has also bought individual site licences which allow each school to install the CD onto multiple computers free of charge, enhancing access for pupils and teachers alike.
With sections on digestion, food chain development, manufacturing and diet, the CD can be used across the curriculum - for example in science, food technology and social education. Mrs Margherita Chapman, Head of Design and Technology at Oakdale Comprehensive School, Gwent took part in the pilot evaluation project, and commented:
"This is a valuable resource that will drive food education in Wales. It makes learning fun for all ages and abilities, without losing vigour."
Professor Robert Pickard, Director-General of the British Nutrition Foundation and a member of the Food Standards Agency's Advisory Committee for Wales also welcomed distribution of the new CD-ROM. He said:
"The Food Standards Agency and the British Nutrition Foundation are committed to encouraging young people to understand the contribution of food to their health and well-being, and we are delighted with the concept and breadth of topics covered in this one resource. We hope that teachers and pupils alike will find the CD-ROM a useful, interactive and enjoyable tool."
News contact: Kathryn Corcoran (029) 2067 8915
Notes to editors
- The Food Standards Agency was set up in April last year and its Welsh Executive is accountable both to Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales.
- The FSA will protect the interest of consumers by protecting three core values. It will:
- Put the consumer first;
- Be open and accessible;
- Be an independent voice.
- Its functions are to:
- Provide advice to the public and the Government on food safety, nutrition and diet;
- Protect consumers through effective enforcement and monitoring;
- Support consumer choice through accurate and meaningful labelling.
- English language copies of the CD-ROM are being distributed initially by FSA Wales on behalf of the BNF. This will be followed by a Welsh language version later in the year.