[Food consumption and dietary pattern in China during 1990-1998]

Based on data of food consumption collected in the household survey of State Statistics Bureau in 1990 and 1995, consumption of soybeans and its production decreased in all household. Urban population over-consumed animal food, intake of cereals reduced and energy share of cereals was dropped to less than 60%. Rural population consumed mainly cereals, animal food, fruit and oil consumption was lower. 1998 data showed that the animal food consumption increased along with income increase, but vegetable oil consumption kept stable. Dietary pattern of urban household were still relatively rational, but animal food consumption still needed to be increase in the rural households, and more attention should be paid to the poor households. Enhancement of nutrition education and promotion of soybean consumption and production for nutrition improvement for both urban and rural population was recommended to make urban diet to meet the goals of a balanced diet and the rural diet to be nutritionally adequate.