Food and nutrition policies ensure availability and accessibility of healthy foods. Food safety policies ensure protection of health from food contamination. The Second WHO European Action Plan for Food and Nutrition Policy 2007-2012, developed to support countries in implementing national plans, addresses the main public health challenges in the area of nutrition, food safety and food security. 

The food safety component addresses universal concepts with a focus on the implementation of tailored priority actions that tackle specific country needs. For each area, specific priority actions have been selected on the basis of their feasibility and effectiveness.

Six recommended areas for integrated and multisectoral action

1. Supporting a healthy start: care for mothers and children
2. Ensuring safe, healthy and sustainable food supply: good food, and in adequate quantities for all
3. Providing comprehensive information and education to consumers: know what you eat
4. Performing integrated actions to address related determinants: don't forget other risk factors
5. Strengthening nutrition and food safety in the health sector: engage the health professionals, improve the services
6. Monitoring, evaluation and research: act on evidence, acquire new knowledge.

Background

The Second Action Plan was adopted in 2007 by Member States of WHO/Europe as part of the implementation of the European Charter on Counteracting Obesity.

The First Action Plan for Food and Nutrition Policy for the WHO European Region 2000-2005, calling for the development of food and nutrition policies in Member States, was endorsed by the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in 2000. Between 2000 and 2005, many Member States developed national action plans, but implementation still appears to be a major challenge.