Northern Ireland: nutrition policy snapshot
This snapshot presents strengths and weaknesses of national nutrition policy actions in Northern Ireland. Compare Northern Ireland with other European countries in our NOURISHING policy index.
Northern Ireland implements national government policy actions in 9 out of the 10 policy areas of the NOURISHING framework. Three policy areas received a good assessment: limits or removal of specific nutrients in food products (I1), increasing awareness on food and nutrition through communication campaigns and social marketing based on food-based dietary guidelines (I2), and giving nutrition education and skills (G).
Within policy areas, weaknesses and gap were identified, for example, in the design of fruit and vegetable initiatives in schools, and lack of measures on food and drink available in the immediate vicinity of schools impacted otherwise well-designed standards on food in schools (O). Similarly, gaps were identified with regards to unhealthy food advertising for young people through product design and packaging, point of sale measures, and in/around schools (R). Finally, current policy actions at national level to ensure coherence between food systems and health (H) can be strengthened.
No action was taken at national government level in nutrition advice and counselling in healthcare settings (N2); therefore, this policy area should be prioritised. Greater attention should be given to setting rules and incentives to create a healthy retail and food service environment (S).
Download a full analysis and breakdown of Northern Ireland’s results
This country snapshot presents detailed results of the NOURISHING policy index for Northern Ireland. Full index results are outlined in the NOURISHING policy brief (pdf), which compares Northern Ireland with other European countries and explains the methods for producing this snapshot and the index.
The index assesses if national government policy actions exist across all areas of the NOURISHING framework and, if so, how well designed they are. We produced this assessment by benchmarking policies from Northern Ireland, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our NOURISHING database.
Overview of nutrition policy status in Northern Ireland
Summary of policies reviewed
The policies assessed to produce this country snapshot are listed here. For more details, consult our NOURISHING policy database.
| Policy name | Area | Benchmark name |
|---|
| Health claims – GB | N | Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food |
| Nutrition claims | N | Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food |
| Nutrition declaration | N | Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food |
| The “Multiple Traffic Light” Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling – UK | N | Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food |
| Food in schools policy – Northern Ireland | O | Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings |
| Nutritional Standards for catering in health and social care – Northern Ireland | O | Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings |
| Nutritional Standards for School lunches and other food and drinks – Northern Ireland | O | Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings |
| Day Care Food Scheme | U | Use economic tools to address food affordability and purchase incentives |
| Healthy Start Scheme – Northern Ireland | U | Use economic tools to address food affordability and purchase incentives |
| The Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP Code) – UK | R | Restrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion |
| The Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (the CAP Code) – UK | R | Restrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion |
| The UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP Code) – UK | R | Restrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion |
| The Calorie Reduction Programme – UK | I | Improve nutritional quality of the whole food supply |
| Trans Fat Regulations – UK | I | Improve nutritional quality of the whole food supply |
| Calorie Wise | H | Harness food supply chain and actions across sectors to ensure coherence with health |
| Eating Well Choosing Better Programme – NI | H | Harness food supply chain and actions across sectors to ensure coherence with health |
| Local Government Declaration on Healthy Weight | H | Harness food supply chain and actions across sectors to ensure coherence with health |
| START Campaign | I(2) | Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness |
| Choose to Live Better | I(2) | Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness |
| The 5 A Day Campaign – UK | I(2) | Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness |
| The Eatwell Guide – UK | I(2) | Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness |
| Eat Them to Defeat Them Campaign | I(2) | Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness |
| Nutrition education | G | Give nutrition education and skills |
| Teacher Training | G | Give nutrition education and skills |
| Cook it! | G | Give nutrition education and skills |
| Home Economics in curricula | G | Give nutrition education and skills |
| Growing food in schools | G | Give nutrition education and skills |
| Growing for the Future | G | Give nutrition education and skills |
| Training Caterers | G | Give nutrition education and skills |
MOVING country snapshots
We also have snapshots of physical activity policies in 30 European countries. Visit the Northern Ireland page or see all the country snapshots.
Get in touch
The policy landscape in any country evolves over time. These findings reflect our knowledge as of May 2023. To provide feedback or suggest updates, please get in touch.
Fill in our feedback form or email the team policy@wcrf.org
