Media Release
Monday August 29 2011
Nutritional sustainability a core issue for the food industry
Annual food industry forum opens in Adelaide today
With food security high on the environmental agenda, experts are
meeting in Adelaide this week to consider the implications for nutrition
and health.
SA Minister of Health, John Hill will officially open the 2nd Annual Food Industry Forum for Nutrition Research which addresses the theme Sustainable Nutrition - Sustainable Lifestyles.
Forum convenor, Professor Peter Howe from the University of South Australia’s Nutritional Physiology Research Centre says the forum is timely because in any discussion about sustainable food supplies consideration of nutrition is vital.
“We should also look at sustainability in the context of meeting the nutritional requirements for healthy lifestyles,” Prof Howe says.
“The Food Industry Forum will provide an important opportunity to consider nutritional needs throughout life and how we can ensure their continuing availability through nutritious foods.”
Professor Tony McMichael of the Australian National University will give a plenary lecture at the Sebel Playford tonight, highlighting paths and challenges for the food industry. An authority on environmental aspects of health, Professor McMichael forecasts that the industry’s future viability and profitability will depend on how it responds to social pressure on sustainability issues.
A host of eminent researchers will cover other important aspects in the ‘Nutrition for Life’ and ‘Foods for Sustainable Nutrition’ sessions on Tuesday 30th August.
Nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton, who will also present at the forum, sees mutual opportunities for industry and consumers, describing sustainable foods and good nutrition as a new union.
Professor Tony Worsley of Deakin University will conclude by reminding delegates that the environment is only one of many factors influencing consumer choices, so population awareness will depend on good communication by stakeholders.
Attended by over 130 registrants from food industry, government, health and education sectors, the forum is hosted by the Nutritional Physiology Research Centre and Healthy Development Adelaide, with the Australian Food and Grocery Council and Nestle as major sponsors.
Speakers will be available to speak to media during forum break times on Tuesday 30th August at either 11.00-11.30am or 1.00-2.00pm.
Program details are available online.
Media contacts
- Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
- Anne Jurisevic, Executive Officer, Healthy Development Adelaide mobile 0423 697 882