Cyprus dietitians urge action to make healthy food accessible to all

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ dietitians and nutritionists on Friday backed the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in urging innovation, cooperation and policies to ensure everyone has sufficient food that is safe, nutritious and affordable.

Hunger and access to healthy food

The Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists issued its appeal in a statement marking World Food Day. Citing FAO figures, it said hunger affected 645 million people, while 2.69 billion people could not afford healthy food.

The association said food security depended not only on sufficient quantities but also on quality, access, safety, equitable distribution and sustainability. It stressed that a healthy diet was a universal right rather than a privilege for a minority.

Mediterranean diet recommendations

For people in Cyprus, the association recommended a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables and fruit, alongside pulses, whole grains and olive oil.

It advised those older than ten to eat a daily minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables, choose plant-based protein sources including lentils, beans and chickpeas, favour local and seasonal produce, and keep daily salt intake below 5g.