FOOD NUTRITION QUALITY & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The European Commission is committed to achieving the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting their implementation by all players. Health and food-related goals are prominent in this global agenda and strengthening health and food systems is therefore key.

The articles in this issue make an important contribution to the evidence base needed to support all actors, in adopting healthy and sustainable diets. The EU’s comprehensive policies and legislation related to the safety of the food supply chain aim to protect plant, animal and human health as well as the environment, thereby improving efficiency of food production and reducing food waste.

Through implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan, further progress has been made to optimise resource use and ensure concrete measures are taken to help achieve the target of halving food waste by 2030 (SDG Target 12.3).
Given the importance of diet as a determinant of good health and the need to prevent death and disability from major nutrition-related chronic diseases, nutrition-sensitive agriculture and sustainable food production and consumption, in line with national dietary guidelines, are needed.

Through the Steering Group on Promotion and Prevention, the European Commission has made it a priority to identify, disseminate and transfer best practices in particular concerning SDG Targets 2.2 and 3.4. Interested stakeholders may join our efforts by submitting evaluated practices.