Food Standards Agency Scotland launches diet and nutrition strategy

Thursday 22 April 2004

Ref: 15/2004

The Food Standards Agency Scotland today outlined its priorities and role in improving Scotland's diet over the next few years.

The Diet and Nutrition Strategy document, launched today on this website, complements the activities of partners such as the Scottish Executive Health Department (SEHD) in taking forward the recommendations of the Scottish Diet Action Plan.

Priorities outlined include: promoting the consumption of healthy diet and food choices; making it easier for everyone, in particular those in low income or rural areas, to access healthier food choices; promoting the preparation and provision of meals which offer a balanced diet and working with the food manufacturing, processing and retailing industries to further develop healthier food choices.

FSA Scotland Director George Paterson said: 'This plan covers a number of key topics which we need to address over the coming years to work towards a healthier Scotland.

'The FSA will by no means be working alone, indeed we'll be working closely with partners across Scotland nationally and locally on such diverse activities as developing product specifications to improving access to fresh fruit and vegetables for low income consumers.'

Scotland's food and health co-ordinator Gillian Kynoch, said, 'This strategy, with its commitment to key priorities for Scotland's health, is a powerful statement of the partnership approach we are taking on health improvement in Scotland. With the continued support of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland, we are in a strong position to improve Scotland's diet and tackle our related health issues.'

Marnie Sommerville, Scottish Food Advisory Committee (SFAC) member, said: 'SFAC supports the FSA and its partners' initiatives, which are aimed at improving the nation's health. The Agency's plan will play an integral part in helping to facilitiate a real improvement in the diet of Scottish consumers over the coming years.'

The Strategy initially covers the three year period 2003–2006. It will be reviewed in 2005 to add more detail for the years ahead, reflecting the Agency's overall role and priorities detailed in the FSA's strategic plan 2005-2010, which is currently the subject of a public consultation.

For details of the diet and nutrition strategy see the link below or contact Samantha McKeown on 01224 285153. Hard copies will be available in due course.

For a copy of the strategic plan email Ike Damon or call 020 7276 8496.

For further information contact Emma Lane on 01224 285127.

Notes for editors
1. SFAC was set up to give advice to the FSA on food safety and standards issues affecting Scotland. It is committed to acting in an open and transparent way and can publish its advice as well as make it available to the Agency through its Scottish arm in Aberdeen.

2. The Committee has provided advice to the Agency throughout the development of the diet and nutrition strategy.

3. The healthyliving initiative aims to improve Scotland's health as a whole, helping people across Scotland take action to improve their own and their family's health, both now and for the future. Information on the healthyliving initiative, including tips on how to eat more healthily and be more physically active, can be found by logging onto the healthyliving website or calling the helpline on 0845 2 78 88 78.