Which food policies to promote whole grain consumption?

Globally, consumption of whole grain is below recommended levels and low whole grain intake has been identified as the first dietary risk factor for global DALYs attributable to diet [1]. Several food policy tools exist that could help promote the consumption of whole grain. The symposium will cover several examples of food policies and programs that have targeted whole grain intake. Proposals from the Whole Grain Initiative will be presented, together with current gaps in knowledge that can prevent the adoption of policies. Firstly, the promotion of whole grain in food-based dietary guidelines will be discussed, highlighting the variety of messaging on whole grain, in particular for quantitative intake recommendations. Secondly, a brief overview of educational and promotional campaigns regarding whole grains will be presented. The possibility of front-of-pack labelling including whole grain as well as whole grain content claims will be analysed in various jurisdictions. Finally, the challenge of reformulation will be assessed, and some concrete examples presented. The coordination and harmonisation of such policies and the participation of all stakeholders is necessary to have an impact in terms of whole grain product availability and consumption. The example of the Danish Whole Grain Partnership will be presented as a successful campaign on whole grain. This public-private partnership led to an increase of the average whole grain intake within the Danish population from 36 to 82 g/day in 15 years [2]. By collecting scientific evidence on the health benefits of increased whole grain consumption as well as providing the means to translate such evidence into food policy tools (e.g. whole grain definitions), the Whole Grain Initiative's aim is to ensure whole grains are adequately and consistently considered in all food policies. A harmonisation of measures and guidelines on whole grain will enable an environment that incentivises manufacturers to propose products with higher whole grain content while providing clear and consistent messages to the general population.