This snapshot presents strengths and weaknesses of national nutrition policy actions in Wales. Compare Wales with other European countries in our NOURISHING policy index.
Wales implements nutrition and diet-related policy actions at national government level in 9 out of the 10 policy areas of the NOURISHING framework. Two policy areas receive a good assessment: setting limits or removal of specific nutrients in food products (I1), and increasing public awareness on food and nutrition through communication campaigns (I2).
Fruit and vegetable initiatives in schools and rules on food and drink available in immediate vicinity of schools are lacking, impacting otherwise well-designed standards on food in schools and other out-of-education locations (O). Gaps were identified with regards to food marketing and advertising to young people particularly in/around schools, through product design and packaging and at the point-of-sale (R).
No action was taken at national government level on increasing the healthiness of the retail and food service environment (S); therefore, action in this area should be prioritised. Greater action needs to be taken on financial incentives which increase the availability and affordability of healthy food, to accompany the existing UK-wide tax on sugary drinks (U), nutrition education in schools (G), and food procurement policies to strengthen coherence between food system and health (H).
Download a full analysis and breakdown of Wales’s results
This country snapshot presents detailed results of the NOURISHING policy index for Wales. Full index results are outlined in the NOURISHING policy brief (pdf), which compares Wales 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 Wales, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our NOURISHING database.
We also have snapshots of physical activity policies in 30 European countries. Visit the Wales page or see all the country snapshots.
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
