ABSTRACT
Food and drinking water represent fundamental human needs and access to them constitutes a basic human right. There is an intimate interrelationship between food safety, security, and the state of the environment. Food and health are intimately intertwined: what we eat simultaneously impacts our exposure to foodborne pathogens, allergens, environmental contaminants, our nutritional status, body composition, mental health, risks for and the progression of chronic diseases, and other outcomes. Furthermore, what we eat is influenced by a complex web of drivers, such as socioeconomic status, food security, preferences, culture, economics, trade, industry, legislation, and our environment.
A food system that ensures optimal health and well-being for our planet is possible. An integrated approach – one that involves the whole of society – can provide effective and equitable solutions to our contemporary challenges. Many developing countries are now facing an overlapping triple burden of malnutrition: undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies on one hand and overnutrition on the other, which can be addressed by context-specific nutrition and gender-sensitive approaches to sustainable food systems. Holistic approaches are key to addressing human and environmental risks associated with the food supply. Practical interventions must be reinforced by interdisciplinary research and planning around all aspects of food and nutrition security, from soil health, water availability, food production and processing, to their externalities such as plastics to market chains, consumers and their health and safety, food wastage, and sociocultural issues. A planetary health approach to the production of sustainable, nutritious, safe, and ethical food, delivered to all with minimal waste, will promote human, animal, and environmental well-being.
