"Food Matters": Ministry of Health outlines six principles of healthy nutrition
The development of the economy and agriculture has
significantly reduced the problem of hunger not only globally but also in
Russia. However, the abundance of high-calorie foods overloaded with sugar and
salt, as well as the widespread use of trans fats, flavour enhancers and
artificial colourings, has triggered a new pandemic of modern times — global
obesity and diabetes. This conclusion was reached by experts of the plenary
session "Food Matters: Why Our Diet Is a National Health Issue?"
Where does the line of responsibility lie between the state,
food producers, medical organisations and each individual? Which measures are
most effective in shaping conscious consumer choices? These questions were
addressed at the National Centre RUSSIA on the second day of the 4th National
Congress with international participation "National Healthcare —
2025".
"In our country, there are figures that I find
alarming. First, sugar consumption in our country is four times higher than the
recommended level. Salt consumption is almost two and a half times higher than
medical recommendations. Meat consumption slightly exceeds the norms, while
fish consumption is slightly below them. As for fruit and vegetables, we have
not yet reached the recommended levels," said the Minister of Healthcare
of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko.
The Minister outlined six key principles that, in his view,
underpin the work on promoting healthy nutrition and lifestyle:
— Accessibility — ensuring that all citizens have access to
quality and balanced nutrition, including through state support measures such
as school meals.
— Integration of nutrition and health — recognising
nutrition as an integral part of the healthcare system.
— Healthy choice — creating conditions that make it easier
for people to choose healthy products (through labelling, product placement,
regulation of checkout areas, etc.).
— Education and physical activity — fostering a culture of
healthy living through education and motivation to stay active.
— Research — studying dietary patterns, including regional
specifics, and their impact on health and ageing.
— Engagement of all sectors — involving the state, employers
and municipalities in promoting the principles of healthy eating and disease
prevention.
"In the changing conditions of food supply and
production, an internal conflict has emerged. We have shifted towards consuming
a large amount of empty calories, which, in fact, our bodies do not need,"
he added.
The Minister noted that modern people are fighting habits
shaped by biology — the instinct to consume fatty and sweet foods as a way of
accumulating energy and quick carbohydrates.
He also drew attention to the continuing spread of
aggressive marketing. Mikhail Murashko recalled that a 2020 study revealed a
link between advertising of certain food products and population weight gain.
He stressed that in the current era of new formats of food production and
consumption, the process of educating people about food must be re-examined
from early childhood.
"All food produced in Russia is safe. The Eurasian
Economic Union’s food safety standards are very high — much higher than in any
other country. All our products fully comply with these standards. Therefore,
safety is a key issue. This is confirmed not only by the domestic market —
Russia supplies its products to 160 countries around the world. They have voted
for Russian products, recognising them as high-quality and safe," emphasised
the Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Oksana Lut.
According to her, while Russia has traditionally been
associated abroad with the export of wheat and grains, in recent years there
has been significant growth in the export of processed food products — such as
meat and dairy, confectionery, and mayonnaise.
Oksana Lut also outlined several key factors that determine
food production. It consists of three main stages:
— Land. Soil is the primary source of micro- and
macroelements, and the quality of soil determines the entire production
process. It is therefore important to understand which elements plants absorb
and how this affects human health.
— Processing. Russia has technologies that make it possible
to preserve and even enhance the nutritional value of food, including producing
specialised products — for example, with reduced salt, sugar and fat content,
as well as enriched varieties.
— Trade. Shops provide direct feedback, showing what
consumers like. The success of the entire chain — from producer to processor —
depends on this link.
"Food is medicine. It can be destructive, or it can
heal and restore. Nutrition determines what illnesses a person may develop.
This applies to chronic non-communicable diseases, specifically four groups:
cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease. Eating habits lead to diabetes in 60 per cent of cases, breast and
prostate cancer in 35 per cent, gallbladder diseases in 30 per cent, and
coronary heart disease and stroke in 20 per cent," said Director of the
National Medical Research Centre for Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the
Ministry of Healthcare of Russia Oksana Drapkina.
There are no absolutely harmful or unhealthy products on
Russian shelves, but there are unbalanced diets, noted Head of the Department
of Faculty Therapy at the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia and Chief Freelance Dietician of the
Moscow Department of Healthcare Antonina Starodubova.
"Today, we must focus on several issues: how to address
the problem of unbalanced diets that are nutritionally and energetically
suboptimal. Building a culture of healthy eating is one of the main goals for
preserving the nation’s health," explained Antonina Starodubova.
According to her, it is essential to continue monitoring
nutrition to obtain objective data and take timely measures. Another important
task is promoting healthy eating and lifestyles — and most importantly,
teaching citizens to make informed dietary choices independently.
The 4th Congress "National Healthcare" takes place
at the National Centre RUSSIA on 22–23 October 2025. The event is organised by
the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation and the Roscongress
Foundation, with the Russian Research Institute of Health (RIH) of the Ministry
of Healthcare of Russia serving as the organisational partner.
This key event brings together healthcare management
professionals, representatives of federal and regional legislative and executive
authorities, and leading manufacturers of medical products. The agenda includes
discussions on the implementation of national and federal projects in
healthcare — their results and best regional practices — as well as the
modernisation of medical care processes and issues of financial sustainability.
