Nutrition Institute Opens

Nutrition Institute Opens The Nutrition Institute, which brings academia and the food sector together under one roof to promote correct nutrition habits throughout society, was inaugurated at a program organized by the Food Agriculture and Beverage and Agricultural Policy Research Center (GİFT) in Antalya. The institute, tasked with delivering accurate information to consumers on nutrition and food safety, will also contribute to efforts to prevent food and nutrient losses for a sustainable world. The Nutrition Institute, established to bring together experts from different professional fields working in nutrition, present academic knowledge to the public in understandable language, and support the professional development of food industry employees, was inaugurated on 31 October at a program held in Antalya. Operating under the umbrella of the Food Agriculture and Beverage and Agricultural Policy Research Center (GİFT), the Nutrition Institute's opening program in Antalya brought together leading figures from the food sector.

Dr. Samet Serttaş, Board Chair of the Nutrition Institute, delivered the opening remarks of the program, emphasizing the importance of supporting sustainable food production, and continued as follows:

"At the Nutrition Institute, founded with the aim of producing multidisciplinary knowledge in the field of nutrition, we will share evidence-based current nutrition data in a language that society can understand. Through our work in nutrition and awareness-raising initiatives, we hope to serve as a platform that brings together academia and sector representatives. At the Nutrition Institute, we support the production of more nutritious and sustainable foods. By collaborating with entrepreneurs and companies developing sustainable products, we will raise awareness and encourage producers in this regard. We will promote the use of sustainable food sources in kitchens and thus contribute to efforts to prevent food and nutrient losses."  

Steps to be taken in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals

The "Responsible Nutrition for a Sustainable World" panel at the opening program drew attention to the importance of nutrition habits and responsible nutrition concepts for steps to be taken in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals. At the panel moderated by Dr. Tuba Günebak, presentations were made by Arda Diribaş, Research and Innovation (R&I) Director at Danone Turkey, Dr. Melis Durası from MDnutriacademy, Ayşegül Talu, Gastronomy and Manufacturing Processes Director at Migros-Macro Center, and Ediz Haksal, General Manager of Herbalife Nutrition Turkey.  

Ediz Haksal, General Manager of Herbalife Nutrition Turkey, who spoke at the panel on Responsible Nutrition for a Sustainable World, stated:

"We believe that the Nutrition Institute will contribute to the dissemination of quality, nutritious, correct and safe food throughout the country with support from the food sector. Today, when one in three people suffers from malnutrition ranging from obesity to micronutrient deficiency, high-volume production and development of nutritious, sustainable foods without compromising on quality is necessary. In today's world where correct information in nutrition has become even more important, we see the Nutrition Institute filling an important gap."