Nutrition, health and sustainability: looking ahead

With a view to nutrition education and nutrition policy the Health Council of the Netherlands periodically assesses scientific findings in its so-called dietary guidelines. So far the focus has been on health. However, there is increasing attention to the aspect of sustainability. At the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport the Health Council has explored how the perspectives of health and sustainability can be integrated in nutrition advice. Whenever possible, insights into consumer behavior should be included as well. According to the Council, a modular approach should be a priority, i.e. a piecemeal integration of data based on advances in knowledge.