Dietary trends in Western Europe

The documentation available on prevailing dietary trends and of relative nutritional status of the various populations in Western Europe, particularly in the European Economic Community (EEC) countries, is not homogenous, somewhat sparse, and often incomplete. It has been possible, however, to tentatively compare and evaluate the main trends of food consumption and to determine the areas and/or population groups potentially at risk for nutritional disorders. Although almost every country has drawn up national nutritional standards or allowances, there is no common agreement on criteria for the dietary typology adequate to maintain health and well-being, while respecting traditional food habits of the different areas. However, while it is evident that quantitative food consumption in Western Europe exceeds average need, marginal situations or qualitative imbalances are often observed. It would first be necessary, therefore, to promote nutritional surveillance programs in order to establish baseline values for the most vulnerable population groups and the relationships between food habits and epidemiology of nutrition related disorders, and subsequently to monitor their evolution over time and with economic changes.