The use of leaflets in a comprehensive food policy

Three-quarters of health authorities are currently developing or implementing district food and health policies. It is widely assumed that, for the policies to be successful, it is necessary to provide clear advice, usually in leaflet form, to the public about food and health and healthy eating. This paper reports on a survey and observations carried out during the piloting of such a leaflet for hospital patients in the Royal Free Hospital. Hampstead. The leaflet was intended to be part of the general development of a policy on food and health. The results of the study highlight the importance of considering the wider context surrounding the implementation of such policies.