The Institute of Public Health of Montenegro (IJZ), with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), is conducting a study on the quality of easily accessible fast food in urban areas, particularly in Podgorica. The aim of the study is to provide a tool for systematic monitoring and evaluation of food offerings to support policies promoting healthier diets. The research includes identifying sales points, analyzing the quality of offered food, and collecting samples for laboratory analysis of nutritional composition and product safety. Easily accessible fast food often contains high amounts of trans fats, sodium, and sugars, which are linked to increased risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. The methodology is applied in countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Montenegro joined this initiative this year. The results will not publicly name the establishments but will provide them with recommendations for healthier reformulation of their offerings.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the public health risks associated with the consumption of easily accessible fast food, highlighting the high content of trans fats, sodium, and sugars. They support the initiative as a necessary step towards improving public health and reducing chronic diseases, advocating for stronger government intervention and policies to promote healthier food environments.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts of the study and its methodology, focusing on the collaboration between the Institute of Public Health and the World Health Organization. They present the research as a scientific and policy tool to monitor and improve food quality in urban areas, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based policymaking without strong political bias.
Right: Right-leaning sources may focus on the economic aspects, such as the impact of regulations on businesses like bakeries, kiosks, and supermarkets that sell fast food. They might express caution about overregulation and stress the importance of consumer choice and market freedom, while acknowledging the need for public health awareness.