Various studies have revealed that the average diet in the Netherlands is high in fatty foods and low in fruits and vegetables. Diet can have serious health consequences not only for the individual but also for the health of the nation as a whole. RIVM collects data on the eating patterns of the Dutch population and on the health and safety of eating patterns and habits. This information is used to underpin the Dutch policy on nutrition

Food consumption surveys
Food consumption surveys have been carried out periodically in the Netherlands since 1987. In these surveys, a representative sample comprising a large number of people are asked to accurately record what they eat and drink within a certain period. In 2003, a food consumption survey of young people between the ages of 19 and 30 revealed that their diet was generally deficient in fruits and vegetables. RIVM carries out these surveys in cooperation with the Dutch Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO Quality of Life).

Healthy eating patterns
RIVM uses data from food consumption surveys to assess the extent to which the Dutch population is meeting the requirements for healthy eating as set out in the ‘Guidelines on Healthy Eating’ . The recommendations drawn from these assessments are presented to the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport as input for development of nutrition policy.

Harmful substances in food 
Food consumption surveys can also be used to to chart the amounts of harmful substances ingested in the diet. RIVM uses consuption data collected from these surveys  together with assessed concentration data  to determine exposure and the subsequent health risk to consumers.

New foods and supplements
Many new foods such as functional foods have been launched on the market the last few years. More people are also taking food supplements such as vitamins. RIVM carries out post launch monitoring of new food products with the aim of assessing the health effects of these products.