UMC: increasingly unhealthy food supply in cities, Amsterdam also scores poorly: 'Hurry up with Food Law'
A study by the UMC across ten Dutch cities shows that urban food environments have become increasingly unhealthy over the last decade. Local officials are now calling for a new national Food Act to grant municipalities the legal power to regulate unhealthy food vendors, especially near schools.
A study conducted by the UMC across ten major cities in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, has revealed a significant decline in the healthiness of urban food environments. Data from the last decade indicates that 77 percent of neighborhoods have become less healthy, with 96 percent of food vendors failing to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Notably, nine out of ten secondary and vocational schools are located in areas dominated by unhealthy food options, creating environments that hinder nutritious choices for young people.
In response to these findings, municipal officials, including Amsterdam health councillor Alexander Scholtes, have urged Minister of Health Sophie Hermans to expedite the proposed Food Act. Currently, cities lack the necessary legal framework to regulate food vendors or restrict the proliferation of unhealthy outlets. By implementing this legislation, local governments hope to gain the authority to actively shape healthier urban food landscapes and improve public health outcomes, particularly for the youth population.
Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
