SA’s dietary guidelines outdated since 2012, physicians warn

South Africa's dietary guidelines, maintained since 2012, should be updated to incorporate new nutrition science, the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases, and the impact of food systems on climate change, according to Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) South Africa. The organization's new policy brief suggests enhancing guidance on protein sources, emphasizing environmental sustainability, improving transparency during guideline development, and increasing consumer understanding of plant-based alternatives available in supermarkets.

PAN International's managing director, Dr Nanine Wyma, maintains that the revision should maintain what is effective while acknowledging the changes in the food landscape over the past decade. The proposed modifications include preserving advice on obtaining essential nutrients, continuing to recommend at least one meat-free meal per week, categorizing plant and animal proteins together, offering clearer guidance for individuals with food intolerances, and including more information on the environmental impact of dietary choices.

The PAN SA chief operating officer, Dr Heinrich Volmink, emphasizes that dietary guidelines influence more than just personal eating habits, as they inform school feeding programs, healthcare training, and broader public nutrition policies. He highlights that South Africa is currently struggling with various forms of malnutrition, which are interconnected issues affecting the same communities, households, and sometimes individuals.

Dr Heinrich Volmink stresses that the question is no longer just about what constitutes a healthy diet but rather how dietary guidance can help South Africans lead healthier lives while considering affordability, cultural factors, and existing inequalities, all while supporting a sustainable and just food system. The Association for Dietetics in South Africa's president, Dr Maria van der Merwe, notes that despite the scientific foundation of the existing guidelines, implementation remains the country's biggest challenge.

She stresses the need to ensure that messages are appropriate, affordable, promote equity, and enhance access. Dr Van der Merwe also highlights that in more than two decades, she has never encountered a member of the public who is aware of the dietary guidelines. Prof Ashika Naicker from Durban University of Technology emphasizes that affordability cannot be overlooked, especially since many commercially available plant-based products are beyond the reach of ordinary consumers.

Jody Frank, Western Cape Government's climate change expert, views the revision as an opportunity to link nutrition policy with climate policy, making it a practical tool for fostering healthier individuals, more sustainable food systems, and a more resilient South Africa.