Diet and nutrition
The safety, quality and nutritional value of the food we eat is of fundamental importance to our health and wellbeing. Food safety and nutrition are therefore key concerns for the Environmental Health profession.
Diet and nutrition play a major role in health and disease. It is generally recognised that poor diet and nutrition can lead to ill health and sometimes to premature death. In many countries of the world, including the UK, obesity is now a major public health issue but there are also problems with malnutrition and food poverty.
Food businesses can play their part, for example by providing accurate nutrition labelling and or reformulating their products to reduce the levels of salt and sugar.
Local authorities can use their public health function of Environmental Health to provide healthy living initiatives and create healthier food environments.