New guidelines making it compulsory for fast-food restaurants to display nutrition information on food they serve have come into effect in Bahrain.

A Health Ministry official yesterday said while 58 per cent of the outlets already displayed such information, the rest would now have to fall in line.

'All nutrition information on the food and soft drinks they serve will have to be displayed at a prominent place, easy for the public to see,' he said.

'The information displayed should include the quantities of fat, cholesterol, sugar, salts, vitamins and minerals to be mentioned.'

The official said a drive was underway to encourage restaurants to launch awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of a healthy diet so they can make an informed choice.

'In general, it is recommended that when buying a selection of fast food sandwiches, people should buy grilled meats instead of fried and drink juices and water instead of soft drinks and to reduce sugars and sweets,' he said.

The official said it was also recommended that eating such food should not be a daily or regular occurrence.-TradeArabia News Service