China unveils guideline to improve nutrition quality
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The guideline called for a shift towards nutrient-rich food consumption.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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BEIJING – China has unveiled targets to enhance the nutritional quality of its food consumption by 2030, aiming for a more balanced and healthy diet nationwide.
The Food and Nutrition Development Guideline (2025-2030), jointly issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, was released on March 17 and set key objectives for improving dietary habits and food supply quality.
The guideline called for a shift towards nutrient-rich food consumption, increasing annual per capita intake of foods with rich protein and fibre. By 2030, it targets per capita annual consumption of 14kg of legumes, 69kg of meat, 23kg of eggs, 47kg of dairy products, 29kg of seafood, 270kg of vegetables and 130kg of fruit.
Nutritional recommendations outlined in the guideline advocate for daily caloric intake to remain at approximately 2,150 kilocalories for men and 1,700 kilocalories for women. The initiative emphasises the importance of protein consumption, setting a goal for high-quality protein to account for over half of the total daily intake.
Daily fibre intake is expected to rise to 25g to 30g, while consumption of edible oils should be reduced to 25g to 30g. The guideline also aims to cap daily salt and added sugar intake at 5g and 25g, respectively.
In addition to dietary adjustments, the guideline focuses on modernising food supply systems and promoting healthier cooking methods. The authorities plan to enhance food quality, expand nutritional research and popularise portion control tools to regulate salt, oil and sugar intake.
Measures also include developing central kitchens, adopting smart storage and cooking technologies and improving household food waste management, it said.
To implement these objectives, the ministries will work with the relevant organisations to create supporting policies and oversee execution. Public awareness initiatives such as national nutrition week and the Chinese farmers’ harvest festival will further promote healthy eating habits and regional food culture, it added. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
