The Department of Health (DOH) has called on vloggers to use the "Pinggang Pinoy" program as a guide when creating mukbang videos, in an effort to promote healthy eating habits among viewers.
This appeal comes amid considerations to regulate or potentially ban mukbang content following the tragic death of a 37-year-old food content creator on June 14, reportedly due to a heart attack.
Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo emphasized the importance of advocating for a balanced diet.
Pinggang Pinoy, developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute in collaboration with DOH, the National Nutrition Council, and the World Health Organization, categorizes foods into "go, grow, and glow" groups, offering a visual aid to encourage Filipinos towards healthier eating practices.
Domingo highlighted that traditional mukbang videos often feature large quantities of a single type of food, which may not align with nutritional recommendations.
The DOH's appeal coincides with July being recognized as National Nutrition Month, underscoring the significance of dietary choices in overall health.
The call for moderation in mukbang content follows the untimely passing of food vlogger Dongz Apatan from Iligan City, who had a substantial following on social media.
Apatan tragically suffered a heart attack and subsequently a hemorrhagic stroke, raising concerns about the potential health risks associated with extreme eating practices showcased in some mukbang videos.
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