News | RIVM

Dutch people eat more healthy foods: more plant products, less red and processed meat

Dutch people are eating and drinking more healthily. We know this because of RIVM’s new Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (Voedselconsumptiepeiling, VCP). Dutch people are eating more plant products, like fruit and vegetables, unsalted nuts and legumes.

From 1 June 2022, heel prick test also screens for muscle disease SMA, bringing number of screened diseases to 26

From 1 June 2022, the heel prick test for Dutch newborns will also screen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a serious hereditary muscle condition. Detecting this disease at an early stage enables early treatment.

New edition of Dutch food composition database NEVO-online: compositional data on more than 2150 food items

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment published a new edition of the Dutch food composition database (NEVO). This 2019 edition contains nutrient data for over 2150 food items. Values for 133 components (proteins, fats, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals) are available.

The Dutch Diet is slightly healthier

Recent years show a cautious improvement in the Dutch diet. The Dutch have started to eat more fruit and it seems to be heading in the right direction with vegetables.

New standard for exposure assessment of cleaning products

RIVM has updated the standard for exposure assessment of cleaning products in the ConsExpo Cleaning Products Fact Sheet.

Blood spot test extended as of 1 January 2017 to include two more disorders

As of 1 January 2017, the disorders alpha and beta thalassaemia will be added to the neonatal blood spot (‘heel prick’) screening programme.

RIVM launches new web-based version of ConsExpo

An improved version of the computer program ConsExpo is now available via the RIVM website.

Newborn heel prick screening starts on St Eustatius and Saba

On 26 October 2015, heel prick screening started for all newborns on St Eustatius and Saba.

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.

Improving consumer exposure assessment to chemical substances

By combining the available international knowledge, the method to assess the extent to which consumers are exposed to chemical substances via everyday products such as paint, cleaning agents and co