Supporting healthy diets and safe foods in urban food environments

Overview

This WHO background document examines how urban food environments influence access to healthy diets and safe food, and how rapid urbanization is reshaping food systems, nutrition and food safety. It describes the public health implications of urban food environments, including their contribution to malnutrition in all its forms, diet-related noncommunicable diseases and foodborne diseases, while highlighting the impact of socioeconomic inequalities, changing food consumption patterns, digital food delivery, and the growing availability of highly processed foods. The document also considers the role of human rights, emergency preparedness and the Healthy Cities approach in promoting healthier urban environments.

The publication presents evidence-informed policy options and practical actions that local governments can implement to transform urban food systems and improve nutrition and food safety. It outlines strategies including healthy public food procurement and service policies, land-use planning and zoning, regulation of food marketing, nutrition and food safety labelling, support for healthier food retail and markets, and measures to improve access to fresh, nutritious foods. Examples from cities around the world illustrate how local authorities can strengthen food environments, support healthier dietary practices and contribute to more equitable, sustainable and resilient food systems.