Report: Companies' commitments and practices on population nutrition (BIA-Obesity) and environmental sustainability (BIA-Sustainability)

Obesity and diet-related chronic diseases are pressing public health issues in Belgium, contributing to a high burden of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. These conditions not only affect the well-being of the population but also impose substantial costs on the healthcare system and reduce economic productivity. One of the key contributors to these issues is an unhealthy food environment, shaped by food industry practices, government policies, and consumer behaviors.

In parallel, the food system is a significant driver of environmental concerns. In Belgium, about 20% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions stem from food production and consumption, with agricultural production alone accounting for approximately 10%. These figures underscore the importance of addressing sustainability in the food industry.

In WP 3 of the FEAST an assessment of food companies in Belgium in terms of their commitments and practices related to both nutrition and environmental sustainability. Using the BIA-Obesity and BIA-Sustainability frameworks, developed by INFORMAS, the project aims to benchmark the performance of Belgian food companies against best practices. These frameworks evaluate transparency, comprehensiveness, and specificity of commitments, as well as practical implementation in the areas of obesity prevention and environmental impact reduction.

The this report underscores the need for enhanced transparency, standardized policies, and stronger commitments from the food industry to improve both population nutrition and environmental sustainability. While certain companies have shown leadership in these areas, large discrepancies exist across different sectors and even among companies within the same sector.