Norwegian parents' views on nutrition policy measures and responsibility. (30th September 2020) - Roos, G
Abstract: Background: Norwegian nutrition policy has during the last 50 years shifted from a focus on state concerns over the common good and social welfare towards increased individual responsibility and a focus on active consumers who make conscious choices. This paper investigates division of responsibility between the state and individuals by analysing parents' views on nutrition policy measures and responsibility for healthy eating. Methods: In 2019, Norwegian parents with children aged 1-16 years (N = 1085; 59% women and 41% men), completed a web-based survey on children's food and clothing consumption. The questionnaire included questions about individual and state responsibility for healthy eating and nutrition policy measures. Results: Preliminary results indicate that there is consensus among parents that health is an individual responsibility (75%), whereas simultaneously 30% indicated that the state should not interfere with people's eating. Among nutrition policy measures parents agree that the state should use food price regulation to support healthy eating (71%) and 94% agree that there should be lower prices (VAT) on fruits and vegetables. The majority of parents (65%) think that marketing of unhealthy food to children should be banned, and that the packed lunch should be replaced by a school meal, while the opinions around keyhole labelling are somewhat more varied (46% agree that the keyhole label makes choosing healthy food easier). Further analysis in relation to background (education, income etc.) and food consumption are planned. Conclusions: Healthy eating is considered a personal responsibility by Norwegian parents. They support nutrition policy measures and especially agree that the state should use price regulation to endorse healthy eating. Key messages: Consumer views on nutrition policy measures should be taken into account. Norwegian parents support state regulation, especially food price regulation measures.