Food-Based Dietary Guidelines in China – Practices and Problems

In recent decades, China has been in a rapid social and health transition. As seen in many developing countries, it is currently facing a double burden of both under- and overnutrition. The national average daily intake of energy, per reference person, was reduced from 2,328 kcal in 1992 to 2,252 kcal in 2002, but that of fat increased from 58.3 to 76.2 g. The national prevalence of growth retardation of children <5 years was 31.9% in 1992 and 14.3% in 2002. However, in these 10 years the prevalence of overweight increased by 39% and hypertension by 31% among adults. Chronic diseases induced 80.9% of the total number of deaths in 2000. Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) were first developed in China in 1989, and a ‘Food Guide Pagoda’ was formulated in association with a thorough revision of FBDGs in 1997. They have been used as a powerful tool for mass education in dealing with under- and overnutrition. In order to inform consumers about having a rational diet, popularization of the FBDGs has been widely practiced. With the joint efforts of various sectors, about 20 million people have been involved directly. Despite the great efforts made, only a small proportion of the vast population has received the message. Governmental action is needed to spread and sustain mass education on food and nutrition in China. The Chinese FBDGs per se need to be revised and specific guidelines for different populations such as infants and elderly people should be developed.