Wastewater can serve as an indicator of public health in the Netherlands. Many diseases that occur within a group of people can be detected in sewage. This includes infectious diseases such as COVID-19 (caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2) and non-infectious diseases. By examining sewage samples, we can also identify substances that tell us more about our lifestyle or living environment. Sewage research is useful and important, especially in conjunction with other forms of public health research. Read more: wastewater research: how and why?

Every day we make choices about what we eat and drink. A healthy, safe, and sustainable diet is crucial for healthy aging and keeping the planet liveable. RIVM is committed to promoting healthy, safe, and sustainable eating habits in the Netherlands. We investigate what works and what does not, map the latest scientific insights, and advise government, professionals, and the public. In this way, we contribute to a healthier food environment. Click on the tiles below to learn more about specific topics.

The level of food safety in the Netherlands is extremely high, and has been for many years. It is nevertheless important to remain alert to potential threats. Food can contain micro-organisms which may cause illness. Micro-organisms may enter the food chain for instance during production or during home preparation.

Antibiotics are medications used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Bacteria can become insensitive (resistant) to antibiotics. If this occurs, the antibiotics cannot kill or inhibit the bacteria. The antibiotics then no longer work. This is called antimicrobial resistance or antibiotic resistance.

Food consumption data provide insight into the consumption of foods, intake of macro- and micro-nutrients. Also of potential harmful chemical substances and into food and nutrition trends. Food consumption data are essential for formulating and evaluating food policy, for public information purposes and for scientific research. Collection of food consumption data has been carried out since 1987 under the authority of the Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. 

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) manages the Dutch Food Composition Database (NEVO). This database contains data on the nutritional value of foods. This includes energy and nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, fat and fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. NEVO is the official food composition database of The Netherlands, with high quality data. The source of each value is known. All nutritional values are accessible on a website: NEVO-online.