News article, 31. October 2023
Imbalance in integrating environmental aspects in NNR
The 2023 revision of the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) has been the subject of great debate in Norway and Sweden.
Norwegian experts have even withdrawn from the project, protesting against a narrow-minded approach to environmental aspects in primary production. The main criticism regards inconsistency in the NNR approach to science and food groups, especially the focus on the negative consequences of production and consumption of meat but fails to mention its positive effects. Instead, a plant-based diet is unilaterally promoted, which may ultimately result in nutritional inadequacy and environmental drawbacks.
The updated NNR 2023, was published in June 2023. Historically, this publication has presented the best evidence for intake of specific nutrients for human health since the 1980s. Then, recommendations for physical activity were incorporated in 2024, where the latest edition integrates recommendations for food groups and environmental aspects.
Guidelines require a fact-based approach
Since the recommendations serve mainly as the scientific basis for national dietary guidelines and thereby form the basis for the choice of food served in schools and in the nursing and care sector in Sweden, it is imperative that the advice is based on correct facts. The Svenskt Kött (Swedish Meat) organisation emphasises the importance of the dietary guidelines highlighting meat as a nutritious food that ensures an adequate intake of nutrients. Furthermore, that the upcoming dietary guidelines are based on robust analysis as set out by the government.
The Swedish government has entrusted the Swedish Food Agency with additional post action. In addition to nutrition and public health, the agency must also consider how the dietary guidelines impact the objective of increased food production in the country, what food is suitable for production in Sweden and the country’s supply capacity in times of crisis.
Benefit from the soil conditions in the Nordic Region
The Danish Agriculture & Food Council has also put forward some comments on the updated dietary guidelines. Chief Adviser Erik Kam has discussed the issue with colleagues in the industry in both Denmark and Sweden.
"We question the guidelines that require the Nordic countries to replace local animal production with imported protein sources. There is a risk that this will generate a significantly greater impact on the climate and the environment,” Erik Kam points out.
The Nordic countries are particularly suitable for animal protein production. Agricultural land has limited potential for plant-based protein production in the Nordic region. Instead, we mainly grow cereals, root vegetables and grasses. Small ruminants and cattle, of which NNR 2023 wants fewer, use grazing land.
“Meat from these animals is an excellent way of turning non-arable land with short growing seasons into human food. Meat is particularly important for children, young people, pregnant women, the elderly and the sick, who all have certain elevated needs for nutrients, easily provided by animal-source foods,” adds Erik Kam.