Evaluation of Nutrition Plans, Programs, and Policies of Turkey and Recommendations for the Future

Abstract

Since, policy approaches are one of the most efficient and cost-effective population-based means of addressing the diet related disparities, Turkey, a country with diet related public health problems, would benefit from holistic and inclusive environment-oriented nutrition policies that combine the individual and the society. Promising policy tools such as regular legislation updates, education/guidance programs, fiscal measures such as taxation, fortification, and nutrition assistance programs for vulnerable groups could be used more effectively to make the food system to be more nutritious, sustainable, just, and safe for everyone in Turkey. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review, analyze, and evaluate the current nutrition policies of Turkey along with providing country-specific recommendations. The nutrition related public health policy analysis was mostly concentrated on the issues and constituents including life course programs, programs for special cases and vulnerable groups, general programs for adequate balanced end healthy nutrition, specific programs for risk prevention, educational programs, and surveillance and evaluation of programs.