Food Matters Live Conference in London, 18th-20th November

Wow! Less than a week away until the new Food Matters Live Conference takes place in London at the ExCel centre. Can you tell that I am excited? An event dedicated to food, health and nutrition!? You would not be able to keep me away!!

Despite the rather intensive approach to build anticipation before the doors open on Tuesday morning, I have welcomed the event planner guides and seminar information. With speakers from around the UK from some of the most prestigious health and nutrition related research centres and universities, high profile food companies, and media and Governmental representatives, the excitement for me was already there! With such a jam packed schedule on offer, it still is a difficult process to narrow down the seminars I would like to attend. Not to mention the hundreds of exhibitors on show as well!

There are several key themes relating to the marketing and reformulation of products showcased at this event. In particular, exploring ways to enhance their attractiveness and health functions to consumers. These themes do not really draw me to the event. I appreciate that there are many ways to maximise health potential. I also appreciate that product re-formulation is deemed as another step towards improving the nutrition value of staple food products. However, I am not sure it addresses broader issues in the future health of our nation...

Reassuringly, there are several other strong themes. Indeed, I am looking forward to hearing and learning more about how our environment and psychology shapes our food choices, how individualised nutrition linked to our genes will progress in the future, and learning more about how to make our food systems more nutritious and sustainable.

I will also be interested to hear from some of the thought leaders in Public Health specifically regarding, who's responsibility it is to drive health improvements in our population.

One of the quotes used to advertise this particular talk regarding our nation's health was somewhat alarming;

"By 2015, the total cost of poor diet to UK society is estimated to reach £27 billion".

So will we get an insight from Food Matters Live as to how our health can be improved and these costs reduced...? Tune in next week to find out. You can also follow me at  @AmyG_Dietetics

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