A survey to clearly establish the eating habits of the Maltese is to be carried out over the next two months by the Malta Standards Authority (MSA).
A total of 2,400 randomly selected people have been asked to keep a detailed diary of what, and how much, they eat and drink.
Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said said such information was needed so that the authorities could better tailor campaigns they periodically launch against obesity and wrong dietary choices.
The survey will also help the MSA in its risk evaluations of the various ingredients that go into the food the Maltese eat.
The information will also enable the authorities to compare Maltese eating habits with the situation abroad.