15 December 2023
The study, published in December 2023, shows how this tool opens the way to effective regulation of food environments to address health risks such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This innovative method, based on the Nutrition Centre's Disk of Five criteria, reveals disturbing findings. In a tested Amsterdam shopping street, as much as 77% of the food on offer did not meet these health guidelines. This indicates an overwhelming presence of unhealthy food offerings. The measurement tool developed, including a consideration framework, allows municipalities to regulate the food environment. It allows them to make decisions on whether or not to allow new shops selling food, with the aim of creating healthier food environments and protecting citizens' health.