Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has published its latest five-year plan, with an emphasis on improving diets and associated negative health consequences.

‘Healthy, Safe, Sustainable: Driving Scotland’s Food Future’ is the FSS’s second strategy. The FSS says the document recognises the major societal, political and environmental changes that have occurred since it was established in 2015.

“Food Standards Scotland’s new strategy builds on progress from our first five years,” said Ross Finnie, FSS chair. “The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the need to improve Scotland’s diet into sharp focus, highlighting the need for urgent action. Over-weight and obesity lead to poor health, which increases the risks from Covid-19.

“There has been no real improvement in the last 20 years and the pandemic is a very stark warning that further policy action is needed to tackle Scotland’s poor diet. FSS will play its part by redoubling our effort on diet and health.

“The question for all of us when it comes to diet is, ‘If we don’t tackle it now, then when?'”

The FSS said it will take a ‘robust evidence-based approach’ in its activities and work with partners such as the food and drink and hospitality sectors and government to deliver on its commitments.