Strengthening U.S. Food Safety Through Evidence-Based Nutrition Policy Integration

Abstract

The policy of food safety, as well as nutrition, has always been viewed as a separate area of regulation in the United States, even though the two policies share the aim of ensuring and enhancing the well-being of the population. The paper discusses the possibility of integrating the evidence-based nutrition research systematically into the national food safety system to control both food-borne diseases and the prevalence of the chronic disease caused by the diet. It discusses regulatory functions of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in nutrition-based food safety regulation, and interagency cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture on issues like food inspection, food labeling, and dietary advice. The analysis outlines the policy gaps which are critical as there are no compliance oriented food safety standards taking into consideration the nutritional quality and long-term health outcomes. Special focus is on the fact that the vulnerable population (children, low-income households and communities with low access to nutritious foods) are disproportionately affected by these gaps. Through the co-ordination of food safety regulation with the current nutrition science, the study identifies opportunities to simultaneously enhance the federal food safety systems and the national priorities in nutrition and health of the population. The results highlight the significance of integrative governance, evidence-based policymaking and equity-focused solutions in creating a health-sustaining and more resilient food system.