Global Public Health: Analyzing Food System Challenges and Solutions

This report examines the global food system from a public health perspective, addressing key challenges such as malnutrition, overconsumption, and food waste. It highlights the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the food system, emphasizing the role of technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the production of nutritious food. The report also discusses the importance of changing consumer behavior to promote healthy eating habits and reduce waste, including addressing the misinterpretation of 'Best before' dates. The author suggests that the transformation should occur across all stages of the food system: production, processing, distribution, and consumption. The report references a video by the United Nations Environment Programme (2016) to support its arguments, advocating for a sustainable and equitable food system for all.

Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s Note

Global Public Health
There is a need for a global overhaul of the food system. According to the video
produced by United Nations Environment Programme (2016), four problems have been
identified- people suffering from malnutrition, too rich food with high sugar and fat content, food
wastage and pressure on natural resources. In my opinion, it is not just about changing the ways
of producing food, but changing the whole system so that there is nutritious diet for everyone in
a sustainable manner.
In my opinion, the main driver of the food system is the advent of technology. There is a
need to transform the food system by innovating technology that can reduce greenhouse gas
emission and increase production of nutritious food. The second driver of the food system could
be changing the relation between production and consumption. I believe that people must be
encouraged to consume products differently in a healthy manner with low and zero wastage.
There is a need to increase awareness among the global population about the impact of
overconsumption on the food system. Alongwith education on healthy eating and discouraging
waste, people need to gain education about the harmful effects of overconsumption. Another
aspect that requires focus of people is the labels and expiration dates that are labelled ‘Best
before’ and ‘Best by’ which is still safe and good to consume. However, it is often disposed as
they misinterpret it as unfit to eat.
Therefore, there is a need to transform the food system radically at all four stages-
production, processing, distribution, and consumption.

References
UN Environment Programme (2016). Why do we need to change our food system?. [online]
YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcL3BQeteCc&feature=youtu.be
[Accessed 3 Mar. 2020].