A comparison of European countries FBDG in the light of their contribution to tackle diet-related health inequalities

• Published in: European journal of public health Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 346 - 353
• Main Authors: Carrillo-Álvarez, Elena, Boeckx, Hilde, Penne, Tess, Palma Linares, Imma, Storms, Berénice, Goedemé, Tim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01-04-2020; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Comparative analysis; Diet; Dietary guidelines; Food; Food consumption; Graphical representations; Guidelines; Health care policy; Health disparities; Health education; Health policy; Health promotion; Inequalities; Inequality; Nutritionists; Physical activity; Physical fitness; Public health; Subgroups
• ISSN: 1101-1262; 1464-360X
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz139

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this article is to report on a comparative analysis of the official food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) that were applicable in 2015 in 25 EU Member States. We assess FBDG in relation to the main guidelines established by the FAO/WHO, the EURODIET project and the EFSA, with a particular focus on identifying strengths and limitations of current FBDG in Europe towards addressing diet-related health inequalities.
Methods
This is a review research, in which a mixed-methods sequenced procedure was utilized. In each EU country key informants, including sociologists, economists, dietitians and nutritionists were asked to provide data regarding: (i) current dietary guidelines and national health priorities, (ii) model of health promotion currently available, (iii) results of the latest food consumption survey. All documents were reviewed by the coordinating team. Full data were analysed by two nutritionists, using a tabulated sheet to organize and compare the results.
Results
While all countries have national FBDG, the level of detail and quality varies substantially with regard to: time of last update; availability of recommendations for specific target groups; specification of frequency and portion size; the graphical representation; recommended amounts and limits of foods consumed; and recommendations regarding physical activity.
Conclusions
European countries have great opportunities to improve FBDG to better serve Public Health policy through a more consistent foundation of how these guidelines are developed, the inclusion of different population subgroups as a target for recommendations and the implementation of monitoring systems.