Global convention for healthy diets
Latest news
One year on from first launching our calls, we have published a new briefing paper on the need for a Global Convention, ahead of the 68th World Health Assembly taking place in Geneva in May 2015. See here
Over 320 experts and civil society organisations from around the world have voiced support for a binding food treaty in an open letter to the heads of the FAO and WHO.
Press release [English] [Spanish]
To share your support for these calls on twitter please use the hashtag #ICN2 and #FoodTreatyNow. If you would like to sign the letter and have not already done so please email hbrinsden@worldobesity.org or tweet us @worldobesity
Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cardiovascular disease, cancers and diabetes account for over 63% of deaths globally. Since 1980 worldwide obesity has nearly doubled, in part, owing to the rapid homogenization of diets towards foods which are high in saturated fat, salt and sugar. Globally 44% of the diabetes burden, 23% of the ischaemic heart disease burden and up to 41% of certain cancer burdens are attributable to overweight and obesity.
NCDs are set to increase disproportionately in low and middle income countries over the next 20 years and the rapid rise in the magnitude of these health problems is predicted to impede poverty reduction initiatives and economic growth.
A global convention to protect and promote and protect healthy diets
In May 2014 World Obesity Federation and Consumers International published a set of recommendations towards a global convention to protect and promote healthy diets. These calls are backed by Olivier de Shutter, Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food.
The report has been developed to encourage policy makers to build on the work of the United Nations to combat obesity and NCDs and calls for strong government commitment to introduce a number of legally binding policy measures designed to help consumers make healthier choices and improve nutrition security for everyone.
The recommendations have been modelled on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). These recommendations reflect an established global consensus among countries, public health experts and NGOs that a comprehensive package of policy tools is needed to protect and promote healthy diets.
Adoption of the Convention will support countries with implementation of the Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases [click here to view], and the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020 [click here to view] .
The key articles included in these new Recommendations include:
Defining healthy diets and healthy foods
• Food and beverage dietary guidelines and classifications (Article 6)
Measures relating to the promotion and protection of healthy diets by addressing demand
• Education, skills, communication, and public awareness (Article 7)
• Provision of nutrition information (Article 8)
• Ensuring responsible food and beverage advertising, promotion and sponsorship (Article 9)
• Controls on advertising, promotion and sponsorship to children (Article 10)
• Interventions to influence positive consumption patterns (Article 11)
• Economic, planning and licensing measures (Article 12)
Measures relating to the promotion and protection of healthy diets by addressing supply
• Improved nutritional quality of foods and reduced levels of potentially harmful nutrients (Article 13)
• Nutritional standards for food services in schools, hospitals and public institutions (Article 14)
The full recommendations can be downloaded in English, French or Spanish
For supporting information and examples of implementation click here
Press release in English or Spanish (19th May) [link to release]
WCRF, World Obesity and Consumers International Policy Briefing: What more could be done to promote healthy eating? Click here