Recent national French food and nutrient intake data

In France, the first national dietary survey, called ASPCC, was done in 199 3-1494. According to this survey, the mean fat intake in France is rather h igh, both for men (37.7 %) and women (40 %). Saturated fat intake is above 15 % of energy. The intake of fruit and vegetables is particularly low for younger people and manual workers. Fruit intake is also lower for people fr om the north of the country. These data show the necessity of a targeted nu tritional policy in France. Therefore, public health authorities are determ ining new dietary guidelines. The fact that people with unsatisfactory nutr itional status are often not concerned with nutrition proves the importance of simple understandable food-based dietary guidelines.