Taipei, Nov. 9 (CNA) The Cabinet on Thursday proposed a bill to encourage healthy eating by promoting the teaching of nutritional knowledge in schools and medical institutions and introducing a fine of up to NT$300,000 (US$9,298) for the dissemination of misinformation regarding food and nutrition.

Unhealthy eating has a significant impact on public health and is one of the major factors contributing to the occurrence of various non-communicable diseases, which necessitates the need for a law addressing the issue, Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) told the weekly Cabinet meeting.

The proposed bill aims to establish a supportive environment for healthy eating and enhance awareness of nutrition and dietary habits in an effort to improve public health, Cabinet spokesman Lin Tze-luen (林子倫) quoted Chen as saying at a press event after the meeting.

According to the proposal put forth by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, education on nutrition and healthy eating will be incorporated into criteria used to evaluate schools at all levels, as well as nursing, medical, social welfare, and corrective institutions.

Should the draft become law, the ministry will be obliged to establish a database of nutritional food ingredients, provide nutritional and dietary intake recommendations for the public, and conduct regular national nutrition surveys, according to the ministry’s statement.

Meanwhile, anyone who disseminates false information on nutrition and healthy eating via television, radio, videos, slides, newspapers, magazines, posters, signs, faxes, videoconferencing, or the Internet, would face a fine of between NT$30,000 and NT$300,000.