Photo credit: Secondstreet.org

Think tank SecondStreet.org says an online poll conducted by Leger shows that 84 per cent of Canadians have seen the new labels on packaged food products warning if it has a high level of saturated fat, sodium or sugar and 50 per cent have indicated the labels led them to purchase healthier products.

Those most likely to make a healthier choice were Canadians aged 18 to 24 at 62 per cent as compared to the 45 to 54 age bracket at 42 per cent.

In a news release SecondStreet.org President Colin Craig observed, “We spend billions each year in the health care system on treating diseases and health problems that could have been prevented through healthier living.”

Meanwhile just over half believe they have access to personal health information from the health system to make good health decision but just over a third say they do not.

And 69 per cent believe Canadian patients with life-threatening medical conditions should be allowed to try medical treatments already approved in the US and EU without requiring additional approval by Health Canada.