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Tasty, nutritional food adds years to life and life to years

Nevertheless, the burden of disease associated with poor nutrition continues to grow in the WHO European Region. Poor diet, overweight and obesity contribute to a large proportion of noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer, the two main killers in the Region. National surveys in most countries indicate excessive fat intake, low fruit and vegetable intake and an increasing problem of obesity, all of which not only shorten life expectancy, but also harm the quality of life.

Most Member States now 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 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.