Firstly the International Dairy Federation (IDF) would like to thank the CFS Secretariat for opening this important topic for discussion. Since 1903, IDF is the pre-eminent source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy chain. IDF commits to help nourish the world with safe and sustainable dairy.
1. What issues should be addressed by the Committee in the biennium 2016-2017?
Discussion on the role and importance of a diverse diet to support growth and development, including pregnancy.
2. Explain the issue and describe why you are proposing it;
FAO states that “the only sustainable means of addressing malnutrition is through the consumption of a high-quality, diverse diet that provides adequate but not excessive energy.”1 Access to better and more diversified diets is key for combating problems of micronutrient malnutrition or “hidden hunger”2. Research on the consumption of animal-based foods by children has convincingly demonstrated improved growth, micronutrient status, cognitive performance and level of physical activity3. Animal foods are often disregarded in discussions of food security due to cost, however their role should be considered in a wider context of nutrient richness, protein/energy balance, and overall cost effectiveness to complement poorer quality protein and energy sources. Policy-makers should consider the protection of the nutritional quality of diets, not only the adequacy of staple foods1.
1 FAO 2013. The state of food and agriculture. Food systems for better nutrition. http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3300e/i3300e00.htm (Accessed on 6 May 2014)
2 FAO.2013. Milk and Dairy Products in Human Nutrition. http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3396e/i3396e.pdf (Accessed on 6 May 2014)
3 Dror DK, Allen LH. The importance of milk and other animal-source foods for children in low-income countries. Food & Nutrition Bulletin. 2011; 32:227-43.
Laurence Rycken