The burden of disease associated with poor nutrition continues to grow in the European Region, particularly as a result of the obesity epidemic, while foodborne diseases still represent a challenge for European health systems.

Most Member States have government-approved policies dealing with nutrition and food safety, and policy developments indicate that nutrition and food safety span different government sectors and involve both public and private actors.

The six key action areas:

The WHO European Action Plan for Food and Nutrition Policy 2007-2012 presents goals and targets for the various health challenges and identifies six areas where integrated action can be taken in individual Member States and at regional level. These are described in depth under the menu item 'Action areas'.

1. Supporting a healthy start 
2. Ensuring a safe, healthy and sustainable food supply
3. Providing comprehensive information and education to consumers
4. Taking integrated action to address related determinants - such as physical activity, alcohol consumption, drinking-water and the environment
5. Strengthening nutrition and food safety in the health sector
6. Monitoring, evaluation and research

The WHO Regional Office for Europe will provide support to individual Member States and coordinate international work to implement the Action Plan over the next six years.

We have set up an automated mailing list in order to inform regularly when updates are made to this web site.  To subscribe to this mailing list  send a blank email to subscribe-who_europe_nutrition@list.euro.who.int