The United States has given further recognition to the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for consumers. This according to Italian farmers association Confagricoltura, on the basis of the ranking drawn up on 41 diets by the US News and World Report, a worldwide authority in consumer advice. American experts have indicated that, following the Mediterranean diet, it is possible to increase longevity and prevent certain chronic non-communicable diseases. “This recognition – said the president of Confagricoltura, Massimiliano Giansanti – confirms the absolute lack of foundation of the claims of harmfulness of food products based on the content of fat, sugar and salt. I am referring to the ‘traffic light’ labeling systems that is in force in some EU countries. Without forgetting that, in recent months, the UN has discussed, fortunately without success, the launch of fiscal policies to discourage the consumption of food which would include some of the excellent Made in Italy products”.
UNESCO’S RECOGNITION OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET
On November 16, 2010 the Mediterranean diet was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: a real healthy food model, with nutritional, social, and cultural value. “All this should be taken into account” said the president of Confagricoltura, according to whom “consumers all over the world continue to appreciate more and more Italian products”.