Food-based dietary guidelines

Food-based dietary guidelines - Namibia

Official name

Food and nutrition guidelines for Namibia.

Publication year

Namibia published its dietary guidelines in 2000.

Process and stakeholders

The guidelines were developed by a multi-disciplinary working group composed of experts from several national ministries and institutions in collaboration with the FAO, UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services officially endorsed the guidelines.

Intended audience

The guidelines apply to the healthy population aged 2 years and older.

Food guide

The food guide used shows four food groups (cereals and cereal products; vegetables and fruits; animal source foods and beans; and fats, oils and sugar). The size of the various food group segments roughly reflects the volume that each group should contribute to the diet.

Messages

  • Eat a variety of foods.
  • Eat vegetables and fruit every day.
  • Eat more fish.
  • Eat beans or meat regularly.
  • Use wholegrain products.
  • Use less salt, and iodized salt whenever possible.
  • Eat at least three meals a day.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.
  • Consume clean and safe water and food.
  • Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.