Food and nutrition policies of Nordic countries: how have they been developed and what evidence substantiates the development of these policies?

Abstract

The present paper addresses the emergence and development of Nordic food and nutrition policies, with some reference to the types of nutrition policies characteristic of other North European countries. Nutrition programmes aimed at dietary change have a long history of public responsibility in several Nordic and North European countries. The extent of involvement, the orientation and (indication of) success have, however, varied considerably between countries. First, different types of policies are characterised by their choice of programmes and measures, e.g. information campaigns v. market regulation or catering and public services. Second, the distinctions are associated not only with programmes, but also with the status and validity of nutritional advice and dietary guidelines in public policy making. Third, when focusing on how and on what grounds the governments have developed nutrition policies, it is evident that while more or less the same participants and issues are involved, their roles and relationships may be different. In this case the role and involvement of nutritional expertise and scientific arguments in various countries will be discussed. Finally, nutrition policies may entail conflicts of interest, particularly when health concerns are confronted with food industry and agricultural interests. This situation is quite evident in the question of animal fat. The present paper addresses how these issues have been dealt with quite differently in various countries.