The French National Nutrition and Health Program: 2001-2006-2010.
OBJECTIVE
Established in 2001-2005 then extended to 2010, the French National Nutrition and Health Program (PNNS) is a nutrition policy whose objective is to improve the health status of the population by acting on one of its major determinants, nutrition.


METHODS
Nine priority objectives focusing on diet, physical activity and nutritional status were determined. Program strategies are based on fundamental principles including food culture, pleasure, and gastronomy. This multidisciplinary program involves stakeholders from ministries, research and educational institutions, food industry, healthcare, and consumers.


RESULTS
More than 75% of the public health actions planned were accomplished or in progress by the end of 2005, particularly those concerning nutrition communication, education, research and nutritional surveillance. Dietary guidelines were established and are now considered the official reference in France. Actions focusing on the healthcare system, economic actors and players and specific population groups need further development.


CONCLUSIONS
The success of a public health program like the PNNS requires a combination of synergistic and complementary actions, measures, regulations and laws. A national study at the end of the PNNS will determine if objectives were achieved.
Hercberg
Serge
S
U557 INSERM, CNAM, Paris 13, F-93017 Bobigny, France. hercberg@cnam.fr
Chat-Yung
Stacie
S
Chaulia
Michel
M
D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005602:France; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008402:Mass Media; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors