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The Public Health Association of Australia is calling for an overhaul in the way we approach food policy in this country.
The Public Health Association (PHAA) in association with its members, and informed by the PHAA Nutrition Round Table, has developed A Future for Food - an initiative calling on government, professionals and industry to work together to establish a national integrated food policy to enable the national to meaningfully address the issues of public health, sustainability and equity when it comes to our food supply.
CURRENT DILEMMAS
The issues facing our food system are complex, extend across many sectors and require integrated solutions. PHAA believes the most effective way to address the complex issues impacting our food system is through an integrated food policy and implementation strategy that can address the many dilemmas Australia currently faces.
For example:
- how appropriate is our current approach to food recommendations?
- is adequate consideration given to chronic disease prevention, environmental sustainability and social equity?
- is there an approach to eating that can address all of these areas?
- how can governments, public sector, public health, food professionals, industry and community work together to achieve a food policy and food recommendations that promote health, protect the environment and celebrate biodiversity?
- is 'everything in moderation' really helpful advice?
 do we need to take the lead from international recommendations that set limits and foods to avoid where the evidence supports it?- do we have the balance right between land to grow animal feed and land to feed humans directly?
- how greenhouse gas intensive are the foods we eat?
- what role can food policy play in reducing the estimated 47% of food and green matter that Australians discard? 1
- what role should Australia play in addressing concerns about world population growth and its impact on food security?
The purpose of A Future for Food is to stimulate discussion on these important issues and motivate interested groups to join our call for action.
Government in partnership with the public health sector must take the lead in establishing a food policy and food recommendations with public interest at their core.
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; "Agricultural Sector CO2 Emissions")
; "World Population: 1950 - 2050")
