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The Victorian Food
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FOOD FOR THE FUTURE
It is increasingly recognised that food production has wide ecological and environmental as well as economic implications. Enhancing out sustainable food production is a national imperative, to ensure nutritional health needs of current and future generations are met.
The food system is changing rapidly in some areas. Biotechnology and genetic engineering may emerge as the most important scientific tool driving changes in the food supply contributing to improved quality, availability, and sustainability. Other changes in technology include new packaging techniques, novel ingredient substitutes and new preparation and cooking methods, particularly time saving methods.
Functional foods which claim to have specific health benefits are appearing. Vitamin and mineral fortification of foods is increasing as one response to specific health and lifestyle problems.
Consumers, food manufacturers and nutrition professionals need to be aware of these developments and the implications for the health and well-being of the population.
Nutritional Goal: To support sustainable food production initiatives which provide nutritious food to current and future generations of Victorians.
The key issues which need to be addressed are:
- Consumer Concerns about new technology which affects the taste, appearance, composition, safety and shelf life of food.
- Developments in the Food Industry which lead to the introduction and production of new and novel foods.
- Government and Professional Concerns about the impact of these foods on the health of the population.
The Priorities for Action are:
- To actively participate in the assessment of new and novel foods in the marketplace;
- To assess the need for 'Nutrition Impact Statements' in relation to these foods;
- To actively disseminate nutrition information about the role and value of these foods in a healthy diet;
- To further develop sustainable production systems that improve the quality,
- productivity and competitiveness of the food industry while maintaining and enhancing our land and water resources.
