This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 1 2026.
The UN General Assembly has designated 16 November as the annual International Day of the Mediterranean Diet and FAO will take the lead in supporting celebrations and related awareness-raising. Presented by Italy on behalf of a group of Mediterranean countries the resolution is intended to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. FAO regards the International Day as a chance to spotlight “territorial diets” rooted in local history and resource limits, with potential benefits for health and sustainability, and with relevance for challenges including food loss and waste, and rising obesity. There is long-standing research linking Mediterranean dietary patterns with lower risks of coronary heart disease, and UNESCO recognises the Mediterranean diet as intangible cultural heritage. While acknowledging regional variations, it characterises the diet as centred on fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and olive oil, alongside moderate amounts of seafood and other animal proteins, with limited sweets. However, today the diet is under threat due to globalisation, urbanisation and new consumption patterns and lifestyles. Today, many of the countries in the Mediterranean region are also facing higher-than-average rates of child and adult overweight and obesity.
