Final answer:
The Heart and Stroke Foundation's Health Check program was ended in 2014 due to a policy change in organizational focus, influenced by critique and shifting perspectives on nutritional standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Heart and Stroke Foundation ended its Health Check program in 2014 due to a policy change in organizational focus. This decision was influenced by shifting views on nutrition labeling and criticism from some public health advocates concerning the effectiveness of the program. The Health Check program faced scrutiny for potentially misleading consumers, as it provided labels on foods that were deemed healthier compared to alternatives but might not have aligned with the best nutritional standards. While this decision was specific to the Health Check program, it is important to note that health organizations constantly reassess strategies to combat major causes of death such as ischemic heart disease and cancer, particularly as the prevalence and causes of these diseases can vary significantly between higher-income and lower-income countries.