News | RIVM

NIPT available as standard option for all pregnant women from 1 April

From 1 April 2023, the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) will be available to all pregnant women. They do not have to take part in a scientific study for this.

Levels of salt, saturated fat, and sugar in most foods has remained the same or decreased

The levels of salt, saturated fat, and sugar in most processed foods has remained the same or decreased since 2018.

The 13-week scan now available for pregnant women

Since 1 September, pregnant women in the Netherlands can have an early ultrasound scan to detect physical abnormalities in their unborn child: the 13-week scan.

Discussion regarding health-based guidance value of PFOA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a provisional health-based guidance value for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Less salt in certain foods, sugar contents remain unchanged

The salt content in bread was on average 19 percent lower compared to 2011. In addition, certain types of sauces, soups, canned vegetables and pulses, and crisps had a lower salt content.

Eating less salt can prevent tens of thousands of heart attacks and strokes

Lowering the amount of salt in processed foods or choosing low-salt alternatives can lead to substantial health benefits when it comes to cardiovascular disease.

Lower salt contents in some foods, but similar saturated fat contents

Some foods contain less salt in 2014 compared with 2011. According to research by RIVM the salt content of bread was 21 percent lower in 2011.