Mediterranean Food Consumption Patterns Sustainability: Setting Up a Common Ground for Future Research and Action

Food consumption patterns are critical for sustainability. Many issues directly or indirectly related to food con- sumption patterns should be addressed in the Mediterranean area. A sustainable food system supports food security and makes optimal use of natural and human resources. The review paper aims at highlighting the main aspects and concepts regarding Mediterranean food consumption patterns sustainability that should be taken into consideration in order to set up a region wide research and action agenda. Current Mediterranean food consumption patterns are not sustainable. Unsustainable food con- sumption patterns are putting increasing stress on Mediterranean ecosystems and social systems. Food consumption and pro- duction patterns are among the most important drivers of environmental degradation. The social and economic costs of di- et-related illnesses are straining individuals, families and national healthcare budgets. The Mediterranean diet is widely consi- dered a healthy dietary pattern and a greater adherence to it has been associated with significant nutritional and health im- provements. It has also been acknowledged for its lower environmental footprints. However, there is an ongoing decrease of adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern. Moving towards sustainable food system in the Mediterranean region means addressing systemically the consumptive demand as well as productive supply elements. Curbing the amount of food loss and waste is a tangible starting point as well as promoting the Mediterranean diet as a sustainable dietary pattern. Steps must be taken to assess the nutritional, health, economic, environmental and social sustainability of the current food consumption patterns and to develop appropriate policy guidelines and instruments.