"美國新規定對抗學校零食"

政府當局越來越擔憂兒童肥胖的問題。

肥胖問題在西方世界日益增長，而很少有地方比美國還來得嚴重。專家表示這個健康問題會使經濟花上數百萬代價在醫療支出上，對勞動力有負面的效應。活動人士表示肥胖的主要原因之一，在於童年時期養成的飲食習慣，因此美國總統歐巴馬公布了一份營養標準清單，決定兒童可在校內買到那些食物。

新規則表明，學校商店或販賣機販售的零食和飲料必須在卡路里限制範圍內。準則由美國農業部控管，表示零食應包含全穀類、低脂奶類、水果和蔬菜。農業部還補充道，高糖、高鈉和高脂的零食將被禁止販售。

農業部長威薩克表示：「沒有什麼比我們兒童的健康快樂還重要。父母和學校努力要讓小孩有機會健康強壯地成長，在學校的自助餐廳、販賣機和小吃部提供健康的選擇，能支持他們諸多努力。」

(Education) New US Rules Combat School Snacks

The authorities are increasingly worried about the issue of childhood obesity.

Obesity is a rising problem in the Western world, and in few places is the issue more serious than in the US. Experts say this health problem will cost economies millions in health costs and negatively impact the workforce. Campaigners have said that one of the leading causes of obesity is the eating habits formed in childhood, so US President Barack Obama has unveiled a list of nutrition standards that will govern what foods children can buy in schools.

The new rules state that snacks and drinks sold in school stores or from vending machines will have to fall within a calorie limit. The guidelines will be managed by the US Agriculture Department, which says that snacks should contain whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables. It adds that high-sugar, high-sodium, and high-fat snacks will be banned.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said: Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children. Parents and schools work hard to give our youngsters the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong, and providing healthy options throughout school cafeterias, vending machines and snack bars will support their great efforts.

想聽語音請上FunDay