The EAT-Lancet Commission has published a new version of the Planetary Health Diet (PHD). In this interview, agricultural economist and climate researcher Hermann Lotze-Campen explains what it contains and why the pressure to act has increased since the first publication.
By Merle Heusmann
Food policy is a central issue in the design of a fair and sustainable food system. It encompasses all political measures and regulations aimed at ensuring the availability, quality and safety of food while promoting healthy diets. In Germany, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) plays a central role in the development and implementation of this policy. Read the latest news on food policy from the Table.Briefings editorial team here! Food policy: definition and meaning Food policy can be defined as a set of measures and strategies designed to ensure access to healthy and safe food. These policies aim to improve dietary habits, reduce health inequalities and promote the sustainability of the food system. What is a nutrition strategy? An essential component of nutrition policy is the nutrition strategy, which serves as a long-term plan to improve the nutritional situation of a population. It includes measures to promote healthy diets, reduce obesity and diet-related diseases and ensure food quality. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) Which ministry is responsible for nutrition? In Germany, this is primarily the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). The Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) is also jointly responsible for nutrition policy. The BMEL is responsible for developing laws and guidelines that affect both agriculture and nutrition. What are the tasks of the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture? The Federal Minister has the task of ensuring the supply of healthy and safe food to the population and at the same time promoting the interests of agricultural production.one of the specific tasks of the BMEL is to create the framework conditions for sustainable and competitive agriculture that also meets the requirements of environmental protection. In addition, the ministry is responsible for regulating food labeling, monitoring food safety and promoting healthy eating habits. Nutrition policy and the Children's Food Advertising Act (KLWG) A current topic in German nutrition policy is the Children's Food Advertising Act (KLWG), which is currently in the draft phase and aims to regulate the advertising of unhealthy foods aimed at children and young people. The question of whether advertising for foods with a high sugar, fat or salt content targeted at children should be banned is the subject of intense debate. Proponents of an advertising ban argue that children are particularly susceptible to advertising and that constant exposure to unhealthy foods leads to poor eating habits and a higher risk of obesity and other diet-related diseases. Opponents of such a ban, on the other hand, warn against restricting the freedom to advertise and emphasize the responsibility of parents to educate their children about healthy eating. Nutrition policy against food poverty in Germany Food poverty is another important topic of nutrition policy that has increasingly come into focus in recent years. What does food poverty mean? Food poverty refers to the situation in which people are unable to eat a sufficient or healthy diet due to financial constraints. Who is affected by food poverty? In Germany, food poverty is particularly common among socially disadvantaged groups, such as single parents, the unemployed or people on low incomes, and often leads to people resorting to cheaper, less healthy foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients. This can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. To combat food poverty, policies are needed to ensure access to healthy food for all. Food transition: A sustainable change in the food system What is the food transition? The food transition is an international concept – promoted by the WWF, among others – that calls for a fundamental transformation of the food system towards greater sustainability and health. The aim of the food transition is to reduce the consumption of animal products, promote the cultivation of organic food and minimize the consumption of resources such as water and land. Such a turnaround would not only improve the health of the population, but also help to reduce the environmental impact of food production. Food policy and sustainable food systems What is a food system? A food system encompasses all processes and infrastructures involved in the production, processing, distribution, marketing and consumption of food. It also includes the actors involved in these areas, from farmers and processors to retailers and consumers. What is a sustainable food system? A sustainable food system is characterized by being ecologically sound, economically viable and socially equitable. It promotes the cultivation of food that has as little impact on the environment as possible and ensures that all people have access to healthy and nutritious food. Promoting sustainable food systems is a central goal of modern food policy. Food labeling: transparency for consumers Food labeling is an important part of food policy as it helps consumers to make informed choices about their diet. How must food be labeled? In Germany, food must be comprehensively labeled. This includes information such as the list of ingredients, nutritional value table, country of origin and allergens. What food labels are there? There are also special labels such as the organic label, which indicates that a product comes from organic farming, or the Nutri-Score, which rates the nutritional value of a food on a scale from A (healthy) to E (less healthy). Food labels serve the purpose of transparency and are intended to help consumers make healthy and sustainable choices. At the same time, they are a tool to encourage manufacturers to offer healthier products. Conclusion and outlook for future food policy Food policy plays a crucial role in shaping a healthy and sustainable food system. Through measures such as regulating food advertising, combating food poverty and promoting sustainable food systems, it helps to improve the health of the population and protect the environment at the same time. In Germany, the BMEL is the central institution that drives this policy forward and deals with complex challenges such as the food transition and food labeling. The coming years will show how successful this policy will be in ensuring a healthy and sustainable diet for all. The Table.Briefings editorial team reports on how food policy is progressing and has all the news, analyses and background information on this topic.
