COMPARING FOOD AND NUTRITION POLICIES IN BRAZIL AND PORTUGAL USING THE NOURISHING FRAMEWORK: A POLICY REVIEW

Beatriz Vilela  Pacheco; Luiza Cristina Godim Domingues  Dias

Authors

Beatriz Vilela Pacheco
Luiza Cristina Godim Domingues Dias

Keywords:

Nutrition Policy, Brazil, Portugal, Public Health, Government Programs, Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: In the face of rising obesity, food insecurity, and non-communicable diseases, comprehensive food and nutrition policies are essential. Brazil and Portugal - two nations with shared linguistic, cultural, and public health foundations - offer distinct but complementary strategies. This study compares their nutrition policies using the NOURISHING framework to identify lessons and gaps.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles and official documents published between 2010 and 2025, retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO. MeSH terms and Boolean operators guided the search. Policies were analysed across the ten NOURISHING domains.

Results: Brazil leads in universal access and equity-based policies, with extensive programs such as the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) and the integration of nutrition in primary care. Portugal excels in structured regulatory frameworks, public awareness campaigns, and food industry reformulation strategies. Both countries face challenges in monitoring, retail regulation, and coordinated implementation.

Conclusion: Effective public nutrition policy demands action across all ten domains of the NOURISHING framework. Brazil and Portugal offer mutually reinforcing models: Brazil brings depth in social inclusion and access; Portugal offers clarity in governance and enforcement. Together, they provide a roadmap for coherent, impactful food policy.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.029-083