Conference Told about Diet Related Health Problems
18 June, 2004
The risk of cardiovascular disease in the 10 new EU states is just over half that of the original 15 states, a Teagasc-run conference was told.
Professor Pieter van’t Veer of Wageningen University in Holland said diet and lifestyle have a considerable influence on this risk difference. For example, diet now accounts for one sixth of all deaths in Holland and although Dutch women live five years longer than men the number of years spent in good health is the same.
Addressing the two-day International Food Conference, run by Teagasc in Dublin, Professor van't Veer said the health strategy of the enlarged EU will need to be two-pronged, reflecting the health problems in the newer and original member states.
While the risk of cardiovascular disease is lower in the new states, infant mortality and the prevalence of stunting is higher.
“The food industry needs to take heed of the nutritional requirements of the two regions and take greater responsibility for the health of their customers. We in the west live in a consumer driven society where convenience is now driving the market. Optimal nutrition is more important in some of the new states. Working in partnership, governments and the food industry can improve the health of us all,” he said.
Professor Albert Flynn of UCC called for more research on and more regulation of functional foods. While functional foods provided an additional health benefit to consumers it is imperative that they have a scientific base for their claims.
“A regulatory framework for functional foods was introduced in Japan in 1991 and in the US in 1993. Unfortunately regulation in the EU is not expected until 2005. When this is introduced it could have a major influence on the future development of functional foods in Europe,” he said.
