Need for parallel sustainability and health agendas - BNF

A special edition of health professional publication, Nutrition Bulletin, examining complex nutrition and health factors associated with the challenge of achieving a sustainable and secure food supply, has been published by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF).

The issue, entitled ’Achieving a Healthy Sustainable Diet: an Integrated Approach’, presents evidence and arguments from all sides of the sustainability debate, in relation to food production and supply, as well as consumption patterns. It contains a compilation of scientific papers prepared by eminent and respected spokespeople from within government, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, food manufacturing, retail, and the food service industry. It also examines public health implications, presents the consumer perspective, and discusses food waste and seasonal foods.

’The issues associated with a sustainable and secure food supply are not just about inadequate (or excess) supply, food intake or energy intake. Diet quality is also an important dimension, in particular the micronutrient density of the diet,’ says Professor Judith Buttriss, Director General of BNF. ’In this edition of Nutrition Bulletin we have set out to present perspectives from all sides of the issue, and to demonstrate that the sustainability and health agendas need to be developed in parallel and integrated.

’To achieve this, it is vital that good dialogue is established and maintained throughout the food chain and, to this end, this issue of Nutrition Bulletin is a step in the right direction.’