The health authorities are to hold a detailed survey next year to gather data on the food consumption patterns of the Maltese, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne said this evening.

Speaking on TimesTalk, which discussed Malta's high obesity rates, Dr Fearne said this will be the first survey of its kind ever to be held in Malta and will be preceded by a pilot project later this year.

The 'food census' will be held in association with the World Health Association. Several thousand people will be questioned to scientifically establish the quantity, nature and volume of food the Maltese consume.

The data will enable the authorities to tackle action to tackle the high obesity rates in Malta at all levels, Dr Fearne said. The problem was already being tackled at various fronts, such as by encouraging the setting up of breast feeding rooms, by sending health inspectors to school tuck shops, and better controlling adverts promoting products with high fat, salt and sugar content. The authorities were also talking to industry about ways how to reduce the fat content of popular products, such as pastizzi.

At this stage the government was not considering an obesity tax, Dr Fearne said when asked.

The guests on the programme included fitness adviser Marion Mizzi, renowned nutritionist Dr John Briffa and former minister George Pullicino. Mr Pullicino  spoke about his efforts to lose weight.